Held in Honolulu, the training brought together representatives from Philippine Embassies in Washington D.C., Brasilia, Bogota, Buenos Aires, Mexico, and Ottawa, as well as Consulates General in Agana, Calgary, Chicago, Honolulu, Houston, Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco, and Vancouver. Personnel from other posts, including Brunei, Yangon, and Osaka, also participated.

Newly designated Overseas Voting Chairperson Undersecretary Leo M. Herrera-Lim, who led the opening day, commended the Philippine Consulate General in Honolulu for hosting the activity and urged FSP representatives to actively promote overseas voter registration as a key way to protect the political rights of Filipinos abroad.

Philippine Consul General Arman R. Talbo welcomed the participants, while Comelec Commissioner Aimee Ferolino, Commissioner-in-Charge of the Office for Overseas Voting, called on FSPs to sustain close coordination to ensure strong overseas voter turnout.

Participants who will serve as Administering Officers and members of the Resident Election Registration Boards were trained on the general instructions for overseas voter registration and certification.

Designated Voter Registration Machine Operators also underwent hands-on training on the voter registration machines to be used in overseas registration. Similar regional trainings for Europe and the Middle East were conducted in November 2025.

The DFA-OVS reminded Filipinos abroad that overseas voter registration for the 2028 Philippine Elections will officially run from December 1, 2025 to September 30, 2027.

All Filipino citizens residing overseas who will be at least 18 years old on or before May 8, 2028 (Election Day) and are not disqualified by law are encouraged to register.

Applications may be filed at any Philippine Embassy, Consulate, or the Manila Economic and Cultural Office (MECO), as well as at designated registration venues abroad and local field registration centers in DFA-ASEANA, the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), Maritime Industry Authority (Marina), and the Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO).

The DFA-OVS and Comelec-OFOV urged eligible overseas Filipinos to register early and take part in the 2028 Presidential Elections, underscoring that participation in overseas voting helps strengthen Philippine democracy.

The Philippine Embassy in Mexico, together with the Philippine Honorary Consulate in Acapulco and local partners, marked the 460th anniversary of the Manila-Acapulco Galleon Trade Route on October 10-11, 2025, with two days of art, literature, and gastronomic celebration at the Museo Histórico Fuerte de San Diego and Plaza México-Filipinas in Acapulco.

The festivities opened with the Mexican launch of the Department of Foreign Affairs’ bilingual children’s book, Ang Paglalakbay ni Galo / El Viaje de Galo — a playful retelling of the galleon’s transoceanic adventures.

Mexican actor and director Carlos Casanni Moran brought Galo’s journey to life through a vibrant storytelling performance that had the young audience sailing in imagination.

To sweeten the journey, guests enjoyed a taste of home across the seas — pancit, lumpia, adobo, and buko pandan prepared by Embassy staff, offering Mexico a flavorful glimpse of Filipino hospitality.

The commemoration continued the following day with a floral offering at Plaza México-Filipinas, attended by Acapulco Mayor Abelina López Rodríguez and Philippine Honorary Consul Dr. Mario de la O Almazán, among others. The symbolic gesture honored centuries of shared heritage and the lives that once connected the two shores.

Back at the Fuerte de San Diego Auditorium, scholars and chefs took the stage for a conference and roundtable exploring how the galleon trade reshaped not just economies, but also kitchens.

Culinary historian Mtra. Maricruz Piza López traced the Filipino influence on Guerrero’s coastal gastronomy, while chefs Avril Navarrete Ríos and Diego Alejandro Cruz swapped notes on how adobo and mole — both born from spice and sea — continue to bridge palates across the Pacific.

A symbolic Mexico-Philippines Time Capsule was handed over from INAH-Guerrero to the Philippine Embassy — a gesture representing the timeless connection between the two nations.

The celebration culminated in a gastronomic exhibition aptly titled “Fusión Gastronómica México-Filipinas”, curated by Mtra. Elsa Zamora Acosta, where guests sampled Filipino classics alongside Mexican staples like bolillo con relleno, guinatan, and tamales — proof that history can be deliciously relived.

In honoring the 460-year legacy of the Manila-Acapulco Galleon Trade, the Philippine Embassy reaffirmed that the spirit of the galleon still sails on — through shared flavors, stories, and friendships that continue to enrich both sides of the Pacific.

The event was a vibrant celebration of international partnerships, collaboration, and cross-cultural understanding, with diplomats from a diverse range of countries in attendance. The evening fostered meaningful exchanges and discussions aimed at strengthening the Philippines’ diplomatic and economic relations globally.

Monsi Serrano, founder and publisher of The Philippine Business and News (THEPHILBIZNEWS), delivered a heartfelt speech expressing gratitude to the distinguished guests and emphasizing the importance of fostering relationships between the Philippines and the global community.

“It is truly an honor to welcome you all to this year’s Embassy Night. Since its inception, this event has served as a bridge, connecting diplomats and industry leaders to collaborate and cultivate meaningful partnerships. Tonight, we celebrate the friendships and partnerships that continue to drive progress and cooperation between our nations,” he said.

Serrano also recognized the invaluable support of Hotel Okura Manila, whose hospitality has made Embassy Night an unforgettable experience for attendees over the past three years. He went on to highlight THEPHILBIZNEWS’ major projects for 2025, including the launch of its book The Philippine Business and News: Lessons from the Pandemic, a documentary on Ukrainian schoolchildren affected by war, and the debut of its Entrepreneurs’ Night.

This year’s limited-edition mug, a treasured gift for all attendees, was designed by Master Watercolor Artist Rafael “Popoy” Cusi. The artwork, Labuyo, depicts the rare and intricate red junglefowl, symbolizing agility, power, and freedom, while advocating for wildlife conservation. Cusi’s work celebrates the beauty of Filipino life and the importance of preserving the nation’s natural heritage.

His Excellency Charles Brown, Apostolic Nuncio of the Holy See and Dean of the Diplomatic Corps, gave the invocation.

Ambassadors who spoke at the event included:

• H.E. Răduţa Dana Matache (Romania)
• H.E. Marielle Geraedts (The Netherlands)
• H.E. Franz-Michael Skjold Mellbin (Denmark)
• H.E. Dr. Nicolas Brühl (Switzerland)
• H.E. Gilberto Fonseca Guimarães de Moura (Brazil)
• H.E. Kazuya Endo (Japan)
• H.E. Saija Nurminen (Finland)
• H.E. Anna Ferry (Sweden)
• Ambassador Wallace Chow (Taiwan)

Also in attendance were:

• H.E. Emma Hickey (Ireland)
• H.E. Karel Hejč (Czech Republic)
• H.E. Massimo Santoro (European Union)
• H.E. Ilan Fluss (Israel)
• H.E. Dato’ Abdul Malik Melvin Castelino (Malaysia)
• H.E. Mohammed Rida El Fassi (Morocco)
• H.E. Dr. Catherine McIntosh (New Zealand)
• H.E. Niyazi Akyol (Turkey)
• H.E. Yuliia Fediv (Ukraine)
• HMA Laure Beaufils (United Kingdom)

Other embassies were represented by officials from Argentina, Australia, Belgium, Chile, France, Germany, Hungary, Mexico, Poland, Singapore, Spain, and Austria.

Embassy Night has proven to be an essential platform for diplomatic discourse, celebrating international unity and further solidifying the Philippines’ role as a vital partner in the global arena.

Serrano expressed his excitement about continuing THEPHILBIZNEWS’s role in fostering strong diplomatic and economic ties, contributing to a more connected and collaborative world.

In partnership with the Institute of Integrated Electrical Engineers of the Philippines Inc. (IIEE), the plenary meeting underscored the country’s role in fostering international cooperation and innovation. It provided a platform for delegates to set priorities and implement work programs addressing critical areas such as overcurrent protection, safety standards for solar installations, electric vehicles, and fire hazard prevention.

“We are dedicated to adhering to international standards and partnering with global experts to ensure that our local electrical products meet the highest quality and safety benchmarks,” said DTI Secretary Cristina Roque said in news release. “This commitment is also in line with the ‘Bagong Pilipinas’ agenda under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s leadership that prioritizes consumer safety and reinforces our competitive position in the global market.”

The event welcomed delegates from Australia, China, Finland, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, Mexico, Netherlands, Norway, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and the Philippines. Chaired by Mr. Jacques Peronnet, the Philippine-hosted meeting highlighted the collective dedication of experts to ensuring that international standards remain relevant and up-to-date.

The success of the event was made possible through the collaborative efforts of the DTI-Bureau of Philippine Standards (BPS), IIEE, Huawei Technologies Philippines, Meralco, SM Prime, and Hypertech Wires and Cable Company. Representatives from various industries, government agencies, and professionals in the electrical sector also actively participated, showcasing the country’s commitment to excellence in the field.

Following the plenary meeting, an industry technical exchange held on December 6 provided participants with deeper insights into the IEC 60364 series. Discussions focused on key topics such as low-voltage installation protection and energy management, with an emphasis on their alignment with IEC standards.

The DTI-BPS, serving as the National Standards Body of the Philippines, continues to represent the country in the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC). For updates on standards, technical regulations, and conformity assessment procedures (STRACAP), visit the BPS website at www.bps.dti.gov.ph or follow their Facebook page at DTIPH.Standards.

Meanwhile, Indonesia has also expressed interest in joining the CPTPP, with Nelson reiterating the need to further liberalize the Philippine economy to boost competitiveness in the region.

“We, at the British Chamber, welcome the Philippines’ interest in joining the CPTPP. Major economies in the region have joined, like Singapore and Vietnam…In that context, you are competing with other countries and therefore, we have to be on the same level in driving ways forward in terms of opening up the economy and making the Philippines an investment destination in Southeast Asia.”

The British Chamber also welcomed the recent developments in terms of the passage of its key priority legislation such as the Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Act and the Anti-Financial Account Scamming Act (AFASA) in supporting the local agricultural sector and establishing a stronger cybersecurity posture in the financial industry. As part of its objective in 2025, it recognized the need to pass the Cybersecurity Act, E-Governance Act, and the Konektadong Pinoy Act to leverage the current initiatives of the government in improving its digital infrastructure, cybersecurity, and ease of doing business.

On the 213th Anniversary of Mexico’s Proclamation of Independence, Mexican Ambassador to the Philippines His Excellency Daniel Hernández Joseph, cherished the deep connections between the Philippines and Mexico as both countries celebrate the 70th Diplomatic Relations.

The well-attended National Day Celebration showcases the unique, vibrant and colorful traditions of Mexico that guests witnessed on September 15, 2023, at the Grand Hyatt Ballroom in BGC, Taguig City.

During his welcome address, Ambassador Joseph expressed gratitude to the diplomatic corps, government officials, business community, media, Mexicans doing business in the Philippines, and those who attended and supported the festive Mexico’s national day celebration.

He also mentioned that the national day celebration is a very special occasion not only because it is the 70th bilateral relations between Mexico and Philippines, but also the 458th anniversary of the official beginning of trade between Manila and Acapulco.

“This means that 458 years of brotherhood (between the Philippines and Mexico). That includes centuries of sharing history and this is most evident in 1810, when Ramón Fabié joined the fight for independence in Mexico and gave his life,” Joseph said.

“So we are walking in the same historical path and this has led us to the cultural traits and values and this includes the concern for the protection of our planet. The preservation of the only place we have to live. Our commitment to peace and a peaceful resolution of controversies. Our belief in the rules-based world order. Our belief in democracy and equality are ideal forms of social organizations. So our shared values and our shared views of the world allow us to walk hand in hand while we face these current challenges in this ever-changing world. And this is also evident in how we often agree and support each other in multilateral fora,” Ambassador Joseph concluded.

By Alithea De Jesus

With the gradual opening of the global economy, business travel resumes in many countries and to ensure that the pandemic is contained, the officials from APEC member economies have finally completed the modernization and improvement of the security and efficiency of business travel by launching the Virtual APEC Business Travel Card (ABTC).

With this virtual APEC Business Travel Card, business travelers from the Philippines engaged in selling goods or services and investments between Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) economies will now experience streamlined entry to participating economies.

This, as the APEC business travel card (ABTC) transitions from physical to virtual cards using the new mobile application that will provide real-time updates/approvals by economies using their application status.

“As the virtual card will replace the current physical cards, they are considered as good as the physical card when presented to the immigration authorities at points of entry in APEC member countries,” Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) acting Asst. Secretary Senen Mangalile informed Philippine Exporters Confederation Inc. (PHILEXPORT) President Sergio Ortiz-Luis Jr. in a letter.

The ABTC provides businesspeople with a streamlined entry to participating economies through a simple pre-clearance system that allows them to obtain multiple short-term entries to participating APEC economies through a single application.

The virtual ABTC has been created for the convenience of approved cardholders and will bring the ABTC scheme into the modern and digitized era of global travel. It is free to download and accessible for those applicants who have been approved for an ABTC.

“It provides cardholders from fully participating member economies with a more secure, efficient, convenient, and user-friendly service.

The virtual ABTC automatically updates as a cardholder opens or refreshes their smart device ‘app’, ensuring all relevant information is up-to-date and readily available for the cardholder’s travel,” according to the APEC Business Mobility Group.

Participating economies in the ABTC scheme currently includes Australia, Brunei Darussalam, Chile, Chinese Taipei, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, Republic of Korea, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, People’s Republic of China, the Philippines, Peru, Russia, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.

Each economy determines its own timeline to transition to the virtual ABTC for its cardholders.

In line with this, Mangalile requested the exporters’ group to provide the department with a list of ABTC cardholders among its members with their respective personal email addresses.

“The information is needed so that they could be provided with access or log-in credentials to the mobile application,” he said.

Mangalile also asked the PHILEXPORT to inform its members who are ABTC holders about the new process, adding that the department will provide a user manual and frequently asked questions once APEC has finalized them.

By Alithea De Jesus

Given the big market potential of Latin America (LatAm), with over 600 million consumers and a $5.3-trillion economy. Filipino entrepreneurs are encouraged to look into this market and diversify their markets to increase exports given the economic slowdown brought by the pandemic.

In the recently concluded webinar about the Latin-American market, the Department of Trade and Industry-Export Marketing Bureau (EMB) Director Senen Perlada said,  “This area is roughly about the size or slightly smaller than our ASEAN consumer market. It’s a rapidly growing market and it has a very fast middle class. Obviously because especially at this time, we would like to really be able to diversify our export markets.”

Perlada said top export markets in North and South America are Mexico, comprising 60 percent of the country’s total exports to the area, followed by Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Peru, Colombia, Dominican Republic, Costa Rica, Panama, and Paraguay.

He said electronics make up 66 percent of the country’s merchandise exports to LatAm while carrageenan is also a big item.

“So basically it’s electronics but there is a lot that we can do in terms of non-electronics exports to LatAm. What about the food? This is a sector that is a mutual interest to the two countries. Our number one food export to LatAm is desiccated coconut. Again, not surprising because actually the Philippines supplies roughly 80 percent of desiccated coconut to the rest of the world,” he said, also citing fresh and processed food including fish and lobsters.

Perlada said the Philippines also aims to pursue export opportunities in higher-value electronics products; motor vehicle parts; design-driven products such as homestyle, furniture, and holiday decor; fashion accessories and jewelry; personal care products; organic products; and wines and spirits.

“Especially during this time of the pandemic wherein  “good for me” products, products that promote well-being and boost the immune system, have really been experiencing very high demand,” Perlada added.

Perlada further said the country aims to promote service exports in tourism, education services, information technology-enabled services including business process outsourcing, and creative services.

“And of course franchising, I’m sure that there are a lot of Filipinos also in the LatAm countries so we do have these brands and of course we have a lot of opportunities for franchising,” he added.