It was a very festive and successful Bastille Day celebration during the French National Day in Manila last 14 July hosted by Ambassador Marie and Alain Fontanel at the Fairmont Hotel, Makati City. Ambassador Marie announced that this year’s occasion also celebrated 2025 Ocean’s Year. In her heartwarming welcoming speech partly delivered in Tagalog, she mentioned that one of her advocacies this year was assisting in the conservation and nurturing of marine life in our country. The Bastille Day was to celebrate continued “shared friendship and commitment” between France and the Philippines.

The ballroom was very joyous and festive. The cultural and native dances were gracefully performed by Centro Escolar University Folk Dance Group. This was followed by the rendition of Far Eastern University Chorale of the anthems of France and the Philippines. It was an unforgettable night of fun, sharing and friendship.