Hosted by Hotel Okura Manila, the fifth Embassy Night brought together leaders from the diplomatic, business, and media industries for an evening that celebrated “the spirit of camaraderie, collective efforts, and continued progress.”

In his opening spiel, host and former broadcast journalist Bruce Rodriguez set the tone by acknowledging “20 of their Excellencies who have graced us with their presence for the Embassy Night – Year 5,” representing countries across Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and Latin America.

Among the ambassadors present were envoys from Austria, Belgium, Brazil, the Czech Republic, the European Union, Finland, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Malaysia, the Netherlands, Norway, Romania, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Turkey, and Ukraine.

Beyond the ambassadors, representatives from a total of 30 embassies in the Philippines also attended, highlighting the event’s reach as a platform for dialogue on trade, investment, and cooperation.

Led by its Founder and Publisher, Monsi Alfonso Serrano, THEPHILBIZNEWS “has been at the forefront of delivering stories of progress in both diplomatic & business communities” and “remains the voice of diplomacy and investment in the Philippines.”

One of the evening’s main highlights was the presentation of the “Alab ng Likha: Parangal Sa Pambansang Sining” to renowned Filipino artist Popoy Cusi.

The citation recognized his “outstanding achievements in the international arts, including his twice-earned distinction in Who’s Who in International Art (Les Grande et Nouveaux Noms du Monde Artistique d’Aujourd’hui), Switzerland” and his “exceptional contributions to THEPHILBIZNEWS Embassy Night, creating commemorative artworks over the past three years that elevate the event with his distinctly Filipino artistry — at once quiet and evocative.”

The award was presented by Serrano together with Swiss Ambassador Nicolas Brühl.

As a token of appreciation, each guest received a commemorative mug designed by Cusi, “highlighting the Filipino fiesta game, palo sebo,” as THEPHILBIZNEWS marked its own “fiesta” for its 5th anniversary.

The program also featured the launch of the book “Lessons from the Pandemic,” written by Monsi Serrano and edited by Professor Danton Remoto. The book is “timely; it can serve as a guide to how the Philippines may face and adjust to another global crisis — this time brought by the war in the Middle East,” host Rodriguez said.

Three ambassadors took turns sharing insights on their countries’ partnerships with the Philippines and the European Union’s development agenda: Ambassador Christian Lyster of Norway, Germany’s Ambassador Dr. Andreas Michael Pfaffernoschke, and EU Ambassador Massimo Santoro.

In a statement dated Feb. 25, the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe (ALDE) said its member parties — Democrats 66 (D66) and People’s Party for Freedom and Democracy (VVD) — successfully formed the Netherlands’ first minority government in decades, sealing a coalition deal in just 117 days, nearly half the time of the previous negotiations.

The October elections saw liberals defeat far-right leader Geert Wilders, in what ALDE described as “a success story amidst the wave of European populism,” as “positive political messaging brought people together instead of polarization and far-right fearmongering.”

D66 nearly tripled its representation, securing 26 seats in the new parliament.

Sworn in by Willem-Alexander in The Hague, Jetten signaled continuity in Dutch support for Kyiv as Europe grapples with prolonged war and geopolitical uncertainty.

“With this week marking four years since Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine, Jetten’s government vows to continue the strong support in the face of Putin’s Russia,” ALDE said, noting plans to increase defense funding to meet NATO commitments.

Jetten shared a post during the swearing-in process, saying: “Proud to be able to do this together. In a new phase, with great responsibility and above all a shared promise to commit ourselves to everyone in the Netherlands.”

The new coalition has outlined priorities including raising defense spending, cutting emissions from the livestock industry, and tightening migration laws.

ALDE said liberals are pushing for a progressive cabinet, with D66 providing seven ministers and VVD six, as the Netherlands positions itself firmly within Europe’s pro-Ukraine and pro-democracy bloc at a time of rising populism across the continent.

The Embassy of the Philippines in The Hague, in collaboration with the Department of Foreign Affairs’ Office of Treaties and Legal Affairs, the Foreign Service Institute, the University of the Philippines Law Center, and the Asian Society of International Law, formally launched the second edition of “Treaties: Guidance on Practices and Procedures” on Feb. 20 at the Department of Foreign Affairs.

Co-authored by Philippine Ambassador to The Netherlands J. Eduardo Malaya and University of the Philippines College of Law Professor Rommel J. Casis, the book provides updated guidance on international legal standards and treaty processes — a resource seen as increasingly vital as the Philippines navigates complex diplomatic and legal terrain.

In the foreword, Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro highlighted the book’s practical value, writing that “the book compiles fragmented sources and provides the procedural clarity needed by treaty practitioners to navigate the complex landscape of international relations.”

Since the publication of its first edition by the U.P. Law Center in 2018, the volume has served as a key reference on Philippine treaty law and practice for diplomats, negotiators, lawyers, and government officials. The second edition incorporates essential updates reflecting evolving international norms and state practice.

The launch comes at a time when treaty mechanisms and legal frameworks are under heightened scrutiny, particularly as Manila asserts its rights and deepens strategic partnerships amid shifting alliances in the Indo-Pacific.

Malaya currently serves as ambassador to The Netherlands. He previously held two non-consecutive terms as Assistant Secretary for Treaties and Legal Affairs (2009–2011 and 2017–2019), served as ambassador to Malaysia (2011–2017), and as Undersecretary of Foreign Affairs (2019–2021).

Casis is a tenured full-time faculty member of the University of the Philippines College of Law and director of the U.P. Law Center’s Institute for International Legal Studies.

Those wishing to attend the launch in Manila may pre-register online. Copies of the book will soon be available at the U.P. Law Center Bookroom.

The semiconductor sector emerged as a key focus area for future collaboration. With 85% of globally manufactured chips using Dutch technology and the Philippines serving as a critical production hub for testing and packaging, both countries are positioned to benefit from closer cooperation.

During the visit, Minister De Vries met with semiconductor industry leaders to better understand the domestic landscape and identify potential areas for collaboration, particularly in education, skills development, and workforce training.

In a meeting with Department of Trade and Industry Secretary Cristina Aldeguer-Roque, both sides underscored the strength of bilateral economic ties built over decades of collaboration.

Discussions focused on expanding cooperation in strategic sectors where Dutch expertise and Philippine capabilities naturally complement each other, including water management and coastal protection, semiconductor development, healthcare, and areas aligned with the Philippines’ ASEAN Chairship priorities.

The visit provided Minister De Vries with a comprehensive look at the country’s economic landscape through engagements with both government and private sector stakeholders.

She met with leaders of Dutch companies operating in the Philippines, highlighting how Dutch strengths in agriculture, water management, maritime industries, banking, and renewable energy have translated into long-standing partnerships that support growth and create opportunities locally.

Her two-day program also included exchanges with Asian Development Bank President Masato Kanda, a visit to the ING Bank hub in the Philippines, and meetings with Dutch family business Spliethoff Shipping Company, among others.

The engagements offered insights into ongoing investments and collaborations that continue to shape the economic relationship between the two countries.

Reflecting on the visit, Minister De Vries said: “As we celebrate 75 years of diplomatic relations, the Netherlands looks forward to building an even stronger partnership with the Philippines.”

“We share many interests and I saw firsthand the many economic opportunities for Dutch and Filipino business, including on water, agriculture and semicon. This visit marks an exciting new chapter in our longstanding friendship,” she added.

Overall, the visit highlighted the multifaceted strength of Dutch-Philippine economic cooperation, spanning government, business, and academic collaboration. It also formed part of a broader calendar of engagements planned by the Dutch Embassy throughout 2026 to commemorate 75 years of diplomatic relations between the Netherlands and the Philippines.

The agreements, finalized following a roundtable discussion hosted by Minister De Vries and Netherlands Ambassador Marielle Geraedts, highlighted expanding collaboration across key sectors including water management, governance reform, and industry development.

Among the signed initiatives was an agreement between Vitens Evides International (VEI) and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) for the donation of additional water bladders to support disaster response.

VEI, which provides capacity building and operational resilience support to local water utilities and government partners, had earlier demonstrated the value of these portable systems during Typhoon Tino and the magnitude 6.9 earthquake that struck Central Philippines in late 2025.

The latest donation of 25 Dutch-sourced units aims to further strengthen emergency preparedness and resilience among Philippine partners.

Another highlight was the formal partnership between the Anti-Red Tape Authority and the Dutch Chamber of Commerce in the Philippines, naming the Chamber as an Anti-Red Tape Champion to reinforce joint efforts in reducing bureaucratic hurdles and promoting a more efficient, business-friendly government environment.

Minister De Vries’ February 9–10 visit focused on strengthening the longstanding trade relationship between the Netherlands and the Philippines, reflecting shared ambitions to expand cooperation in trade, investment, and development. The trip also signaled Dutch commitment to deepening its partnership with the Philippines as a key ally in Southeast Asia.

The award was presented during a special reception marking International Human Rights Day on December 10 at the Ambassador’s residence. The event was attended by members of the diplomatic corps, government partners, and civil society organizations.

Support for human rights defenders is a core priority of the Netherlands. Each year, the Dutch government honors outstanding and courageous individuals and organizations who promote and protect human rights in challenging contexts through the global Human Rights Tulip Award. In parallel, select Dutch embassies bestow the Embassy Tulip Award on local human rights defenders whose work reflects resilience and innovation in their communities and partnerships.

Since its introduction in the Philippines in 2021, the Embassy Tulip Award has recognized individuals and organizations making tangible contributions to the promotion and protection of human rights at the community level.

At the ceremony, Ambassador Geraedts underscored the courage and risks often faced by human rights defenders. “Today, we honor that work. We recognize the courage behind it. And we acknowledge the essential role that human rights defenders play in building societies where rights are lived and upheld,” she said. “The Netherlands stands firmly beside them and today’s ceremony is a celebration of that solidarity.”

Based in Zamboanga City, MUJER LGBT Organization is a Mindanao-based human rights group dedicated to providing assistance and advancing the rights of the LGBTQIA+ community in the Philippines. For nearly a decade, the organization has championed equality, inclusion, access to justice, and sexual and reproductive health rights in grassroots communities.

Receiving the award on behalf of MUJER was its Executive Director Toni Gee Fernandez, who said, “this award strengthens our commitment to build safer spaces, to stand with marginalized communities, to push for policies that protect everyone, and to continue our human rights caravan until every young person, regardless of their identity, can live without fear.”

“What truly distinguishes this organization is its courage,” said Ambassador Geraedts. She noted that despite the security risks and threats they have faced because of their work, MUJER members continue to stand firm and embody a deep commitment to human rights values.

The Ambassador also reaffirmed the Netherlands’ long-standing commitment to human rights, stressing that while no country is perfect, the defense of human rights remains a core value. The Embassy Tulip Award not only honors MUJER’s achievements but also seeks to amplify its work, encourage broader support from partners and institutions, and highlight community-led, rights-based approaches as powerful drivers of change.

In addition to the Embassy Tulip Award trophy and certificate, MUJER LGBT+ received a financial contribution to support a project advancing its human rights advocacy.

On September 24 in New York, Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya chaired the first ministerial meeting of the “Friends of the Fissile Material Cut-off Treaty (FMCT)”, on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly, the Embassy of Japan from Manila said.

The session lasted about 45 minutes and gathered countries from different regions that support nuclear disarmament.

In his remarks, Iwaya pointed to today’s tense global security climate, citing North Korea’s continued nuclear and missile development and the opaque nuclear build-ups of other states.

He stressed that an FMCT—banning the production of fissile materials like enriched uranium and plutonium—would place real limits on nuclear arsenals.

He called on the international community to turn dialogue into action and finally begin negotiations on the treaty, which has been stalled since first proposed in 1993 by then US President Bill Clinton.

Officials from Australia, the Philippines, Nigeria, and the United Kingdom also delivered statements.

United Nations disarmament chief Izumi Nakamitsu underscored the urgency of advancing the treaty, while the United States participated as an observer.

The meeting concluded with the adoption of a joint ministerial statement reaffirming support for the treaty’s negotiation.

The FMCT Friends group—made up of countries including Japan, Australia, Brazil, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Nigeria, the Philippines, the UK, and the US—aims to keep international focus on the treaty and broaden political support for its adoption.

Japan emphasized that starting negotiations on the FMCT without delay is vital to strengthening the global disarmament and non-proliferation framework. V. Uy

Organized by the Delegation of the European Union to the Philippines, in partnership with the Embassies of EU Member States in Manila and guest participant, the Embassy of Ukraine, this year’s festival highlights the breadth of European creativity and storytelling.

Cine Europa 28 offers a compelling line-up of award-winning dramas, comedies, animations, and literary adaptations, tackling universal themes of resilience, identity, family, freedom, and hope.

Among the featured films are:

The Peasants (Poland) – An animated oil-painting masterpiece about a woman’s fight for independence in a 19th-century village.

Beyond the Blue Border (Germany) – A gripping story of two teenagers risking everything to cross the Baltic Sea.

Three Kilometres to the End of the World (Romania) – A raw drama about a young man facing the aftermath of a homophobic attack.

Dragonkeeper: Guardiana de dragones (Spain) – A magical family adventure about saving the last dragon egg.

Je’vida (Finland) – The first film in the Skolt Sámi language, exploring indigenous identity and healing.

Curated Theft (Ukraine) – A timely account of the looting of Kherson’s museums during Russia’s invasion — the largest art theft in Europe since World War II.

Other highlights include heartfelt family stories (Jippie No More, Netherlands), sharp comedies (Fathers & Mothers, Denmark), inspiring tales of resilience (Tarrac, Ireland), and literary adaptations that probe love and freedom (L’Amour et les forêts, France).

Screenings will run in Manila at Shangri-La Plaza, Mandaluyong City from September 8 to 17, 2025, followed by special screenings in Cebu, Tacloban, and Bacolod, ensuring more Filipinos across the country can enjoy the festival.

Cine Europa 28 continues with the support of its loyal partners: the Film Development Council of the Philippines, Shangri-La Plaza Corporation, University of the Philippines-Cebu, Provincial Government of Bacolod, University of St. La Salle – Bacolod, and Eastern Visayas State University in Tacloban.

With its rich and diverse program, Cine Europa 28 reaffirms the power of cinema to inspire, challenge, and connect audiences — making it a much-anticipated cultural event in the Philippines.

On May 21, two ships of the Philippine Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) conducting marine scientific research near Sandy Cay—a reef locally known as Pulo ng Bailan well within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone near Pag-asa Island—were water cannoned, blocked, and sideswiped by vessels from the China Coast Guard (CCG) and Chinese maritime militia.

US Ambassador MaryKay Carlson described these as “aggressive actions” that “recklessly endangered lives and threaten regional stability.”

“We stand with our Philippine allies in support of international law and a free and open Indo-Pacific,” she said in a post on X on Thursday.

Japanese Ambassador Kazuya Endo echoed this concern, describing the use of water cannons against civilian vessels as “dangerous actions” and reiterating Japan’s commitment to the rule of law and a Free and Open Indo-Pacific.

The European Union Delegation in Manila and Dutch Ambassador Marielle Geraedts both highlighted that the incident underscores the need to uphold UNCLOS (United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea) and the 2016 Arbitral Ruling which invalidated China’s sweeping claims in the South China Sea. “Freedom of navigation is important to us all,” said Geraedts. “The Netherlands stands with the Philippines.”

The UK Embassy in Manila, through Ambassador Laure Beaufils, issued a sharp rebuke: “The UK condemns the latest dangerous activity by the Chinese Coast Guard…[This is] a worrying escalation of behavior. International law and the legally binding 2016 Arbitral Award must be respected.”

Canada on Friday morning said it was “alarmed” by the use of water cannons and ramming of a BFAR vessel, calling it part of China’s “coercive and intimidation activities” in the region.

Australia’s Ambassador HK Yu also warned that such actions endangered lives and regional stability, calling for compliance with international law.

New Zealand, meanwhile, described the incident as “troubling” and emphasized that disputes must be resolved “peacefully and in accordance with UNCLOS.”

Taiwan, which also claims parts of the South China Sea, expressed “deep concern” over China Coast Guard’s actions against Philippine civilian vessels, calling them a threat to regional peace. In a rare statement, it urged restraint and voiced support for the Philippines.

According to the Philippine National Maritime Council, the marine scientific mission was gathering critical data for fisheries management, food security, and environmental protection—functions aligned with international norms and squarely within the country’s maritime jurisdiction.

China, however, claimed that the Philippine vessels had “illegally entered” what it called Zhubi Jiao and Tiexian Jiao, reiterating its expansive claims that have already been ruled invalid by an international arbitral tribunal.

In a statement, the Chinese Coast Guard defended its actions as “professional, standard, and legal.”

Despite China’s claims, the Philippines maintains full sovereignty and jurisdiction over Pag-asa Island and its surrounding cays, which form part of the Kalayaan Island Group within the West Philippine Sea.

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) is expected to file another diplomatic protest, adding to the growing list of international calls for Beijing to cease its aggressive and unlawful behavior in Philippine waters.

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.