6 August 2012 - In commemoration of the 114th anniversary of the proclamation of Philippine Independence, the Philippine Embassy in The Hague, The Netherlands held a simple flag-raising ceremony at the Chancery last June 12.
A diplomatic reception followed in the afternoon at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in The Hague.
Filipino food, which was prepared at the Ambassador's Residence, was served at the buffet table during the diplomatic reception.
On June 21, Philippine Ambassador to the Netherlands Lourdes G. Morales attended the Frank Callaghan Exhibition in Sociale Verzekeringsbank (SVB) in Amstelveen.
A reception was hosted by SVB which was attended by more than 200 Dutch art lovers and members of the Filipino Community.
Amstelveen Mayor Jan van Zanen, SVB Chairperson Nicoly Vermeulen and GRID Director Hans-Peter Schoonenberg were present at the Amstelveen reception.
Frank Callaghan, one of five 5 Filipino photographers, exhibited 12 of his works at different locations in The Netherlands for the bi-annual GRID International Photo Festival from 16 May to 1 July 2012.
Guests admired the photography exhibition of Frank Callaghan at the SVB lobby in Amstelveen.
GRID's theme of "Urban Reality" in the Philippines was also interpreted by Frank Callaghan.
On July 8, the Philippine Country Day was celebrated at Floriade in Venlo. The Philippine flag was flown at the Floriade entrance.
The Philippines is among the 38 countries which participated in the Floriade, known as the World's Largest Horticultural Exhibition, held every 10 years.
The Philippine theme of "Tropical Living" shares Floriade's 2012 theme of green and sustainable living.
Abaca products courtesy of Fiber Industry Development Authority (FIDA), Nieuwkoop Europe B.V. and Hema B.V., were on exhibit at the Philippine booth in Floriade.
Ambassador Morales delivered the welcome remarks at the Villa Flora Theater during the Official Ceremony of the Philippine Country Day on July 08.
Present at the ceremony were Floriade Commissioner General Dzsingisz
Gabor, Beesel Mayor Petra Dassen-Housen, Venray Mayor Hans Gilissen, Philippine guest of honor Dr. Stella Luz A. Quimbo (Holder of Prince Claus Chair in Development and Equity from Southeast Asia), Philippine Ambassador to Belgium Victoria S. Bataclan and Philippine Ambassador to France Cristina G. Ortega.
Douglas Nierras Powerdance gave an impressive performance at the Villa Flora Theater during the official ceremony program.
The Philippine delegation visited "My Green World", the name of the Dutch Pavilion at Floriade.
The Dutch Pavilion is in the shape of a germ seed, which sprouts from a young plant, to symbolize growth and renewal.