11 July 2017 DOHA — The Philippine Embassy in Doha hosted a diplomatic reception in celebration of the 119th Anniversary of the declaration of Philippine Independence at the City Centre Rotana Hotel on July 9.

The reception was attended by 200 guests from the diplomatic corps, government officials, business community, academe, and the Filipino community.

His Excellency Dr. Mohamed Bin Adbulwahid Al Hamadi, the Qatar Minister of Education and Higher Education, attended the event as the Guest of Honor. Philippine Ambassador Alan L. Timbayan, highlighted the strong bilateral relations between the Philippines and Qatar which was reaffirmed by the recent visit of President Rodrigo Duterte to Qatar.

The Maharlikans Vocal Ensemble Philippines, a Filipino community group in Doha, led the a capella singing of the national anthems of Qatar and Philippines and serenaded guests with OPM and folk songs. Another local group, the Kaloob Dance Ministry, rendered a performance of the La Jota Moncadeña accompanied by bamboo castanets.

For more information, visit www.dohape.dfa.gov.ph  or https://www.facebook.com/DohaPhilEmbassy.