BEIRUT - The Philippine Embassy in Lebanon participated in the 8th Nations Day Festival on 7 October 2022 held at the Souks in Beirut Central District. The event, which was attended by diplomatic missions in Beirut, government officials, and media groups, was organized by the Ministry of Tourism and Culture and the Beirut Golden Awards Association. The festival aims to celebrate each nation’s unique cultural background and introduce the participating countries’ traditions, tourism, and economic activities to the public.

Led by H.E. Ambassador Raymond R. Balatbat, the Embassy set up an exhibit featuring Philippine cultural products such as national attire and accessories, and handicrafts from different regions of the country. The Embassy conducted trivia games about the Philippines to engage exhibit-goers where winners received gift packs filled with Filipino food products. 

Photo:  Philippine exhibit featuring Philippine food products, textiles, and decorations.

To promote cultural and economic diplomacy efforts in Lebanon, the Embassy featured food items such as dried mangoes, chocolates, tuna, and other halal products. Some of the food products were sponsored by suppliers from the recent International Food Expo (IFEX) in Manila, coordinated by Post with the Philippine Trade and Investment Center in Dubai.

Photos:  Participants in the Festival sampled food products at the Philippine booth.

Ambassador Balatbat received a plaque from the Beirut Golden Awards Association during the awarding ceremony in appreciation of the Embassy’s participation in the event.

Photos:  (Left) Ambassador Raymond R. Balatbat received a plaque of appreciation during the awarding ceremony.  (Right) Ambassador Balatbat (third from left) and Vice Consul Miko Cabatingan (rightmost) with Minister of Culture Mohammed Al-Mortada and spouse and Beirut Governor Marwan Abboud and spouse when they visited the Philippine exhibit.

Aside from dance performances from Lebanese artists, representatives from several Embassies such as India, Indonesia, and Russia delighted the audience with cultural presentations.

 Photos: Cultural performances of Lebanon, India, Indonesia, and Russia.

Photo: Ambassador Raymond R. Balatbat (center) and the Philippine Embassy personnel attended the 8th Nations Day Festival at Beirut Souks. (Photos courtesy of Beirut PE and Summer Rain Channel)

The Nations Day Festival is an annual event supported by the Lebanese Prime Minister and the Governor of Beirut. As restrictions on social gatherings ease down across Lebanon, the Embassy aims to boost engagement with the host country through cultural programs that increase awareness of Philippine culture and economic presence in Lebanon. END