6 July 2005 – Ambassador Victoria S. Bataclan of the Philippine Embassy in Stockholm, Sweden, with concurrent jurisdiction over Finland, reported to the Department of Foreign Affairs that the Golden Jubilee of Diplomatic Relations between the Philippines and Finland were celebrated with a series of events which included the first Philippine Embassy Reception in Helsinki, a painting exhibit and concert.

The Golden Jubilee commemorations began with the opening on 15 June 2005 of an exhibit of paintings by famed Filipino artist Manuel Baldemor.  The exhibit took place at the Galerie Nuovo in downtown Helsinki from 15 – 21 June 2005, and featured Mr. Baldemor’s Helsinki series – a collection of his impressions of the Finnish capital following a private visit there last year.

On 16 June 2005, Ambassador Bataclan hosted the first-ever Philippine Embassy Reception in Helsinki to simultaneously mark the 107th Anniversary of Philippine Independence and the Golden Jubilee commemorations.  The reception took place at the Winter Garden, a 112-year-old exotic landmark in the center of Helsinki, and was attended by Ambassador Matti Pullinen of the Finnish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, resident ambassadors in Finland, Finnish government officials, businessmen and representatives of local Filipino associations.  Featured at the reception were the works of Mr. Baldemor – especially made for the occasion.  The guests were also serenaded by the San Beda Male Singers, and the Pagdiriwan Cultural Group of the Finnish-Philippine Association presented several Filipino folk dances.

Finally, on 18 June 2005, the San Beda Male Singers had a full-length concert at the Caisa International Cultural Center, also in Helsinki.  The nine alumni and students of the San Beda College Manila enthralled the audience with a repertoire featuring both Western and Filipino classics.  END
 
 
 

/jay