GOVPH

Statement of the National Maritime Council on the Incidents in Bajo De Masinloc and Escoda Shoal

PHILIPPINE EMBASSY IN HANOI HOLDS PAROL LIGHTING CEREMONY WITH FILIPINO COMMUNITY

PHILIPPINE EMBASSY IN HANOI HOLDS PAROL LIGHTING

CEREMONY WITH FILIPINO COMMUNITY

1 DEC 2024 - Amidst the cool winter air of Hanoi, the Philippine Embassy in Hanoi held a parol lighting and thanksgiving ceremony entitled “Liwanag ng Pasko: Pag-Ilaw ng Parol at Gabi ng Pasasalamat” on the evening of Sunday, 1 December 2024 with members of the Filipino community in Hanoi and nearby provinces.

Ambassador Meynardo LB. Montealegre welcomed community members and their families inside the Embassy grounds at sunset, for guests to marvel at the Embassy facade adorned with Christmas decor, lights and capiz parols from the Philippines.

In his remarks, Ambassador Montealegre emphasized how the parol is an important symbol for Christmas in the Philippines, representing the star of Bethlehem that guided the Three Wise Men to Jesus’s birth. Aside from the parol serving as a light and a guide to people going to Simbang Gabi during Christmas season, Ambassador Montealegre also highlighted that the parol also serves as North Star and called on the guests to reflect on their reason for being in Vietnam: to work well for themselves and for their loved ones, and for students to exert their best efforts on their studies while here in Vietnam.

Ambassador Montealegre also took the opportunity to thank the Filipino community in Vietnam for their efforts and participation during Embassy events the past year.

Following the lighting of the parol, Filipino students serenaded the guests with their rendition of Pasko sa Pinas and Star ng Pasko.

For guests to further feel the spirit of Christmas in the Philippines, Filipino snacks and kakanin such as ensaymada, ube halaya, sinukmani and biko, and traditional Filipino Christmas dishes such as bibingka galapong, pandesal, hamon, queso de bola and salabat and tsokolate were prepared for the guests to enjoy, bringing a traditional Filipino Christmas touch to Christmas celebrations in Vietnam.Ambassador Montealegre explained the significance of the event as follows: “At dahil Pasko ay panahon ng regalo o aguinaldo. Ito ang handog naming sa inyong lahat – Paskong Pinoy – malayo man tayo sa ating bansa, sinasariwa natin ang diwa ng Pasko dito sa Vietnam.” END

The Philippine Embassy in Hanoi decorated in Christmas lights and Capiz Parols

Ambassador Meynardo LB. Montealegre with Embassy Personnel

The Philippine Embassy in Hanoi with members of the Filipino Community in Vietnam pose in front of the Chancery illuminated with Christmas lights.

Philippine Embassy in Hanoi Organizes Sculptural Jewelry Display “Helena Alegre: Sculpting Heritage

Philippine Embassy in Hanoi Organizes Sculptural Jewelry Display

“Helena Alegre: Sculpting Heritage

30 OCT 2024 - The Philippine Embassy in Hanoi, Vietnam organized a sculptural jewelry display featuring the works of Philippine artist Ms. Helena Alegre, on 30 October 2024 at the Pan Pacific Hanoi Hotel.

Ms. Alegre, who is based in Daet, Camarines Norte, displayed her intricately sculpted jewelry pieces which feature the diverse flora and fauna of the Philippine archipelago, blending together beauty and creativity with the science of entomology.

The handcrafted creations use rare or semi-precious stones with sterling silver which celebrate the artistry and history from the Bicol region in the Philippines. The one of a kind designs uses filigree, the intricate lacelike metal work on gold and silver, which has been a popular craft and source of livelihood in the region.

The sculptures are conceptualized, designed and polished by Ms. Alegre herself in her art studio with her team of plateros (silversmiths). A staunch advocate of women empowerment, Ms. Alegre also employs the women family members of local artisans, building their confidence to be proud productive members of the community.

In attendance was Vietnam Deputy Minister for Culture, Sports and Tourism Ta Quang Dong, former President of the Vietnam Union of Friendship Organizations Ambassador Nguyen Phuong Nga, Ambassadors, Heads of International Organizations in Vietnam, officials from Vietnam government agencies, curators and art and jewelry enthusiasts.

Philippine Ambassador to Vietnam Meynardo LB. Montealegre highlighted in his remarks that the intimate exhibit is a glimpse into the beauty of Philippine culture, as the sculpted jewelry displayed in the collection are pieces of art that honor the Philippine’s cultural heritage, a blend of traditional methods of Filipino craftsmanship and Ms. Alegre’s modern twist and artistic expression. As October was also Vietnamese Women’s Month, Ambassador Montealegre also called on the Vietnamese women and on the women attending the event, reminding them of their role in preserving cultural heritage:

“I hope that this event will also empower women to recognize their strengths and their crucial role towards bridging people from different cultural backgrounds and professions.”

END

Ambassador Montealegre (3rd from left) with Ms. Helena Alegre (3rd from right) and Deputy Minister for Culture, Sports and Tourism Ta Quang Dong (2nd from right)

 Ms. Helena Alegre explaining details of the jewelry to guests

Guests inspecting and trying on the jewelry pieces on display.

Guests inspecting and trying on the jewelry pieces on display.