Brussels, 12 June 2025 — The Philippine Embassy in Brussels, Belgium hosted a diplomatic reception in commemoration of the 127th Anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence at The Hotel.

In his remarks, Ambassador Jaime Victor B. Ledda underscored the importance of the Philippines’ relationships with international partners towards shaping an atmosphere of peace, cooperation, and amity among nations. He emphasized that the Embassy’s partnerships with the governments of Belgium and Luxembourg, the European Union, other international organizations, the diplomatic corps, and other sectors have supported the Philippines’ advocacies, as well as its economic and development outcomes.

Ambassador Jaime Victor B. Ledda delivers his remarks during the diplomatic reception in commemoration of the 127th Anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence, 12 June 2025.

H.E. Birgit Stevens, Director-General for Bilateral Affairs of the Federal Public Service – Foreign Affairs of Belgium, and H.E. Niclas Kvarnström, Managing Director for Asia and the Pacific of the European External Action Service (EEAS), congratulated Ambassador Ledda and the Filipino nation on the occasion and joined him for a toast. Mme. Stevens highlighted the longstanding relationship between the Philippines and Belgium as well as the continuing engagement between the two countries through such efforts as the Philippines–Belgium Joint Plan of Action. Mr. Kvarnström likewise mentioned the EU’s collaboration with the Philippines on a range of activities and highlighted his visit to Manila the previous week as part of the delegation of High Representative/Vice-President Kaja Kallas. He also expressed optimism on the conclusion of the Philippines–EU Free Trade Agreement.

H.E. Birgit Stevens, Director-General for Bilateral Affairs of the Federal Public Service – Foreign Affairs of Belgium, and H.E. Niclas Kvarnström, Managing Director for Asia and the Pacific of the European External Action Service (EEAS), join Ambassador Ledda for a toast and cake-cutting during the diplomatic reception in commemoration of the 127th Anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence, 12 June 2025.

Ambassador Ledda also led the ribbon-cutting ceremony to open the exhibit of visiting artist Mr. Alberto “Badz” Magsumbol, whose intricate paintings and paper-cut artworks inspired by Philippine sceneries were well-received by guests.

Mr. Alberto “Badz” Magsumbol (2nd from the left), Director-General Birgit Stevens, Managing Director Niclas Kvarnström, Ambassador Jaime Victor Ledda, and Mme. Gina Ledda cut the ribbon to open Mr. Magsumbol’s art exhibit.

The ASEAN ambassadors and delegates take part in the traditional ASEAN handshake with Director-General Birgit Stevens and Managing Director Niclas Kvarnström.

The guests were also serenaded by Belgium-based opera singer Ms. Maricris Rogelio Joaquin-Wertz, who sang the Filipino kundiman “Gaano Ko Ikaw Kamahal” by Ernani Cuenco.