DOHA 28 April 2025 — In a historic first, Philippine Ambassador to the State of Qatar, His Excellency Mardomel Celo D. Melicor, visited Qabayan Radio 94.3, the only Filipino radio station in Qatar, on 21 April 2025.

Ambassador Melicor and the accompanying officials First Secretary and Consul General Cassandra B. Sawadjaan, Third Secretary and Vice Consul Monica Remsy Calangian, and Cultural Attache Camille Christine Joy Manlapaz were received by Chair and CEO Mr. Salem Al-Naime, Managing Director Mr. Salim Kainikarra, Station Manager Glend Tesio, and the rest of the Filipino crew.

Following the tour of the station, Qabayan Radio shared its inspiring story from its inaugural commercial broadcast in 2019, to its achievements including the successful hosting of major concerts for visiting Filipino artists in Doha.

Recognizing Qabayan Radio’s essential role in assisting the Embassy in keeping the public well informed on Philippine and Qatar matters, Ambassador Melicor also acknowledged the impact of the station’s broadcasts and feature of Original Pilipino Music (OPM) in further strengthening the cultural identity of its Filipino listeners.

With the mutual objective to provide essential information to the Filipino diaspora in Qatar and promote Philippine culture and heritage to its non-Filipino audience, the Embassy and Qabayan Radio discussed ways to strengthen collaboration in areas of mutual interest.

The visit ended with a short interview where Embassy officials shared ongoing and upcoming activities for the second quarter of the year, such as the celebration of Filipino Food Month and the conduct of the Overseas Voting for the 2025 National Elections. END