By MARICEL DIAZ
The Travelling Burger

To commemorate the 127th Philippine Independence, His Excellency Ambassador Jaime Victor Ledda hosted a diplomatic reception on June 12, 2025 in Brussels. In his remarks, he emphasized the importance of the Philippines’ relationships with international partners towards shaping an atmosphere of peace, cooperation, and amity among nations.

He highlighted that the Embassy’s partnerships with the governments of Belgium and Luxembourg, the European Union, other international organizations, the diplomatic corps, and other sectors have supported the Philippines’ advocacies, as well as its economic and development outcomes. H.E. Birgit Stevens, Director-General for Bilateral Affairs of the Federal Public Service – Foreign Affairs of Belgium, and H.E. Niclas Kvarnström, Managing Director for Asia and the Pacific of the European External Action Service (EEAS), were among the guests and congratulated Ambassador Ledda and the Filipino nation on the occasion.

Earlier that day, a flag raising ceremony with members of the Filipino community at the Philippine Embassy in Brussels was also held. Ambassador Ledda thanked the Filipino community for their passion on sharing with the world the Philippines’ rich cultural heritage, cuisine and food, arts, and businesses. They are the community behind the efforts organizing various Philippine Independence events held across Belgium. After the program, the Filipino community shared a Filipino breakfast as they viewed the works of visiting artist Mr. Alberto “Badz” Magsumbol.

At the end of the month, the most anticipated event by the Filipino community was held in Deinze, organized by Philippine Honorary Consul General Ronny de Blaere, together with the Kulturang Pinoy sa Belgium, the Kaangayan Multicultural Group, and the Knights of Rizal Gomburza chapter. The program started with a multicultural worship ceremony in the Church of Our Lady with invocations delivered by a Catholic priest, Anglican minister, and a Muslim imam. Then followed a parade from the church to Deinze Brielpoort where the main celebration took place. The whole day was filled with cultural performances with live bands, singing and dancing by the Filipino group in Flanders to liven up the festive atmosphere and ease our kababayan’s homesickness. There were also plenty of Filipino goods and food stalls to satisfy Pinoy food cravings and for the curious locals to try. Ambassador Ledda and Deputy Chief of Mission Pablito A. Mendoza, attended the event as guests of honor together with Mr. Rutger De Reu, the current mayor of Deinze, as well as the former mayor, Jan Vermeulen. Also in attendance was Ambassadordesignate of Belgium to the Philippines, Ms. Vladislava Iordanova, who graced the event. This became her first ever encounter of the warm reception of the Filipino community, even before her duty officially begin in September in Manila.