Tale of two countries

The Department of Foreign Affairs recently staged a photo exhibit that commemorated the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Canada, celebrating decades of friendship and cooperation.

Assistant Secretary José Victor Chan-Gonzaga highlighted the strengthening relations between the Philippines and Canada, saying, “these documents and photographs on display capture the evolution of the bond between our countries from mere trade relations to the strong and deep partnership we have today.”

He shared his comments on the archived documents on display, including amusing observations on Manila’s bustling traffic and honking horns dating back as 1950.

De Vega described the 75th anniversary as more than a celebration, and likened it to “a renaissance in our partnership.”

He emphasized the numerous meaningful collaborations, partnerships and agreements that have been forged and signed across all sectors, saying “we look toward a future brimming with promise and potential”.

Canadian Ambassador David Hartman: “We stand in solidarity with you in celebrating the countless friendships, partnerships, and familial bonds that have grown and will continue to grow between Canadians and Filipinos,” adding that Canada will remain excited and passionate in further unlocking the potential of bilateral relations beyond this anniversary year.

The exhibit offered glimpses into the first communications between the two governments, high-level engagements between the two nations’ leaders, and photos of agreements, partnerships, and activities that have strengthened economic ties and encouraged further exchanges in various aspects of culture, defense, and community-building.

Cultural celebrations hosted by the Philippine Embassy and Consulates General in Canada, and the Embassy of Canada in Manila were also highlighted to show the people-to-people engagements conducted to promote each other’s’ culture in the two countries.

Exhibit-goers also experienced interactive activities that show the commonalities between the Philippines and Canada.

Colors of Friendship encouraged attendees to express their creativity through the painting of flowers and scenes featured in the Panagbenga Festival of Baguio and the Tulip Festival of Ottawa.

The Rodeo Adventure allowed participants to experience the shared rodeo culture as celebrated in Masbate through the Rodeo Masbateño Festival, and the Calgary Stampede in Alberta.

A photo booth also enabled viewers of the exhibit to capture the connection between the two countries through the use of location pin props, where they would select their province in the Philippines, and a corresponding province in Canada where a family or friend lives in Canada to show that all Filipinos have a link to Canada.

The exhibit’s centerpiece was a map honoring Filipino-Canadians and their achievements to demonstrate, through the recognition of their stories of migration, the significant and invaluable contributions of individual Filipinos to furthering the ties that bind the two countries.