Celebrating 50 years of Singapore-Philippines friendship

MANILA, Philippines — The Singapore Embassy in Manila hosted an evening reception to celebrate 50 years of Singapore-Philippines Friendship last May 30 at the Ballroom of Hilton Manila in Pasay City. In his opening remarks, Singapore Ambassador Gerard Ho highlighted the long-standing relations between Singapore and the Philippines, which date back years before the two countries formally established diplomatic ties on May 16, 1969.

Singapore Ambassador Gerard Ho presents a plaque of recognition to Renante Corporal, winner of the 50th Singapore-Philippines Anniversary official logo design competition.

The embassy also took the opportunity to recognize Renante Corporal. Corporal designed the official logo that is used for commemorative events this year. It features a stylized Griffin, a creature that symbolizes strength, courage and intelligence, and whose half-lion and half-eagle physique is an amalgamation of our two national animals  – the Asiatic Lion and the Philippine Eagle.

Acting Foreign Secretary Ernesto Abella, Philippine Postal Corp. postmaster Joel Otarra and Singapore Ambassador Gerard Ho unveil a set of commemorative stamps issued by the Singapore Post and Philpost.

Guests were treated to authentic Singapore cuisine, including a commemorative cocktail, the Nonya Confession and also looked back at major milestones in the five decades of Singapore-Philippines relations on a set of story boards at the reception.

Ayala Corp. chairman Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala, Singapore Ambassador Gerard Ho and Ayala Corp. president & COO Fernando Zobel de Ayala.