GOVPH

PH Ambassador Presents Credentials to the Emir of Qatar

DOHA 23 February 2023 – H.E. Lillibeth V. Pono, the first female Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of the Philippines to the State of Qatar, presented her Letter of Credence to His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the Emir of the State of Qatar, in a reception ceremony held at the Amiri Diwan (Royal Palace) on 22 February 2023.

Ambassador Lillibeth V. Pono with HH Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the Emir of the State of Qatar

(Qatar Ministry of Foreign Affairs photo)

The Emir welcomed Ambassador Pono to Qatar and wished her success in her role. He thanked Filipinos for their valuable contribution to Qatari society at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic and during the 2022 FIFA World Cup. The Emir also noted his interest in engaging with the new Philippine administration.

In response, Ambassador Pono conveyed the President of the Philippines’ warm greetings and best wishes to the Emir and the people of Qatar. She also underscored the Philippine Embassy’s commitment to continue strengthening the bonds of friendship and boosting the economic and cultural cooperation between the two nations. Currently, about 260,000 Filipinos reside or work in Qatar, comprising the fourth largest migrant group in the peninsula.

Ambassador Lillibeth V. Pono during the playing of “Lupang Hinirang” by the Army Musical Band 

(Qatar Ministry of Foreign Affairs photo)

As a gesture of goodwill and appreciation, Ambassador Pono gifted the Emir with “Panaghiusa,” a mixed-media art piece by Mindanao-based Manobo artist Carlito C. Amalla.

The presentation of credentials began with a procession from the Ambassador’s residence to Amiri Diwan, where she was received by the Commander of the Guard of Honor. Ambassador Pono’s presentation of her Letter of Credence to the Emir was preceded by the playing of “Lupang Hinirang” and “as-Salam al-Amiri,” the national anthems of the Philippines and Qatar, respectively, by the Army Musical Band during the inspection ceremony at the inner yard of the Amiri Diwan.

Ambassador Lillibeth V. Pono during the inspection ceremony at the inner yard of the Amiri Diwan

(Qatar Ministry of Foreign Affairs photo)

Ambassador Pono was accompanied by First Secretary and Consul Cassandra B. Sawadjaan, Third Secretary and Vice Consul Monica Remsy S. Calañgian, and Third Secretary and Vice Consul Jeffrey D. Batac during the ceremony. END

PH Embassy’s 'Yantok at Kamao: Arnis and Boxing Exhibition' Unites Sports and Art Enthusiasts in Qatar

DOHA 18 February 2023 - The Philippine Embassy in Qatar headed by H.E. Ambassador Lillibeth V. Pono showcased a combined sports and arts event entitled "Yantok at Kamao: Arnis and Boxing Exhibition" in celebration of Qatar National Sports Day at Multaqa Plaza in Education City. 

Arnis practitioners showing their impressive stick fighting skills

Ambassador Pono highlighted the unifying spirit of sports and the arts that transcends cultures, race and religion, as the program also coincided with the Embassy’s observance of the Philippine National Arts Month in February. 

Mr. Abdullah Mohammed Al-Dosari, President of Activities and Events of the Qatar Sports for All Federation, Ministry of Sports and Youth, reaffirmed the commitment of the Ministry in supporting sports events in Qatar by providing facilities for such programs, among others.

Guests posed while holding yantok (wooden sticks) with arnis practitioners 

(Center: Ambassador Pono)

Professional boxers from MMG Mandirigma throw quick punches and footwork

Introducing the Filipino national martial art of arnis, Guro Anthony Caindoy and his students impressed the audience with their skills in traditional stick fighting. Meanwhile, MMG Mandirigma Gym led by Coach RC demonstrated how Filipino boxers, like the one and only four-decade champion Manny Pacquiao, train before matches. Afterwards, both groups engaged the audience by teaching them the basics of arnis and boxing.

Guests tried learning the basics with arnis practitioners

Wearing white gloves, Ambassador Pono posed with Filipino boxers of MMG Mandirigma

Another treat for the audience was the section of talented Qatar-based Filipino artists Dancel Albert, Adrian Aleluya, Michael Conjusta and Arsenio Nidoy displaying their arnis and boxing-themed art pieces.

Through this event, Ambassador Pono encouraged all Filipinos residing in Qatar to continue bringing the Philippine culture, sports, arts and tradition to the world stage.

In closing, Consul Cassandra B. Sawadjaan thanked the Qatar government, Ministry of Sports and Youth, participating groups, and all partners who made the event possible. END

PH Embassy in Qatar Commemorates the 126th Anniversary of the Martyrdom of Dr. Jose P. Rizal

DOHA - The Philippine Embassy in the State of Qatar joined the Filipino nation in commemorating the 126th anniversary of the martyrdom of Dr. Jose P. Rizal at an event held at the Embassy premises.

Embassy and partner agencies officials led by Charge d’Affaires, a.i. Cassandra B. Sawadjaan unveiled the new Rizal bust from the National Commission for Culture and the Arts. A wreath-laying ceremony followed shortly with the participation of select members of the Filipino community.

From left: Welfare Officer Nestor Burayag; Assistant Labor Attache Don Philippe Pangcog; Vice Consul Monica Calangian; Welfare Officer Maribel Carisusa; and Charge d'Affaires Cassandra Sawadjaan;

CDA Sawadjaan read the Rizal Day message of H.E. President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. while Third Secretary and Vice Consul Monica Remsy Calañgian shared the message of the Secretary for Foreign Affairs Hon. Enrique A. Manalo.

Selected Filipino students honored the Filipino national hero with a poetry reading of “To the Filipino Youth.” Later, a violin performance of “Bayan Ko” by Willie Munar, a student from the Philippine International School-Qatar, wowed the hundred or more guests hosted at the Chancery.

The Embassy personnel and guests shared a hearty Filipino breakfast to cap the event.