Over 200 guests from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), UK civil service, London's diplomatic corps, UK business, academe and civil society, and Filipino community leaders gathered at the Great Hall of One Great George Street on 13 June 2022 for the celebration of the 126th Independence Day of the Philippines. Professor Deborah Sturdy CBE, UK’s Chief Nurse for Adult Social Care, was the special guest.
Ambassador Locsin underscored in his welcome remarks that while the Philippines is not a great power and many Filipinos are not rich in material objects, the Filipinos’ willingness to share is vital in their being Filipinos, as demonstrated by the sacrifices of Filipino healthcare workers all over the world.
He added, “As we celebrate the founding of our nation, let us continue to dedicate ourselves to the challenging, even daunting, but always fulfilling task of realizing the full potential of our race in building a country worthy of our best selves — including you, our friends abroad. Ours is a nation that truly embodies the ideals of a free and just, progressive and independent country that was the first Republic in Asia.”
Professor Sturdy particularly paid homage to the invaluable contributions and service of Filipino healthcare workers both in social care services and in the National Health Service (NHS).
Filipino nurse and multi-awarded singer Ms. Mervic Monocillo serenaded the audience with her rendition of Filipino and international classics as well as pop songs that enticed the crowd to hit the dancefloor.
In an effort to highlight Filipino-made products, Diageo and Full Circle Craft Distillers Co. were invited to offer tastings of Don Papa rum and ARC gin, respectively, to guests at the reception. Both liquors received high praise, with guests noting that Filipino liquor tastings have become a highlight of the Philippines’ diplomatic receptions. Filipino sorbetes from Filipino restaurant Kasa and Kind and Filipino snacks like Oishi and Ding Dong mixed nuts were also served.
