Latest news with #WilfredoC.Santos

Ammon
2 days ago
- Business
- Ammon
Philippine Embassy in Amman marks Independence Day
Ammon News - The Philippine Embassy in Amman hosted a reception on Sunday evening to celebrate the 127th anniversary of the country's independence. The event gathered a distinguished audience, including Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Nancy Namrouqa, diplomats, officials, journalists, and members of the international community. Philippine Ambassador Wilfredo C. Santos emphasized the strength of Jordanian-Philippine relations, highlighting that the two nations have enjoyed over 49 years of strong friendship based on mutual respect and shared values. He expressed pride in commemorating the independence anniversary, which symbolizes the Filipino people's struggle for freedom, dignity, and self-determination. He reaffirmed his country's commitment to building on this legacy to create a just and progressive society. The ambassador praised Jordan for its support of the Filipino community residing in the Kingdom, expressing his government's gratitude for the care extended by His Majesty King Abdullah II and the Jordanian government. He noted the safe and welcoming environment that allows Filipinos to contribute across various sectors in Jordan. He reiterated the Philippines' commitment to enhancing bilateral relations and expressed optimism about expanding cooperation in trade, culture, labor, and defense, noting that the positive development of ties reflects the strength of diplomacy and shared vision. On the international front, the ambassador reaffirmed his country's support for a just and lasting peace in the Middle East, including the two-state solution in accordance with UN resolutions. He also called for ensuring the full, safe, and unimpeded delivery of humanitarian aid to Palestinian civilians in Gaza. Regarding the Philippines' economic achievements, the ambassador stated that the country is on track to attain "upper middle-income" status by 2026, driven by a resilient economy and a young, creative workforce. He also invited Jordanians to visit the Philippines, highlighting the "Love the Philippines" tourism campaign that promotes the country's unique travel experiences, rich culture, and stunning natural beauty.


Jordan Times
15-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Jordan Times
Pasinaya: Celebration of Filipino culture, unity in Amman
AMMAN — The "vibrant" Filipino culture took centre stage in Amman on Friday as the Philippine embassy in Amman, in partnership with the Cultural Centre of the Philippines and Language City Café, hosted the Pasinaya festival in Jordan. Held at the Zghairon Café, the event marked the first time this cultural festival, which has reached international shores, was held in Jordan, coinciding with Valentine's Day and National Arts Month. Pasinaya, which translates to 'sharing' or 'offering,' is the Philippines' largest annual multi-arts celebration, now in its 19th year. The festival embodies the Filipino spirit of inclusivity, community, and artistic expression. 'Valentine's Day is celebrated as a time to express love and appreciation, reminding us of the many forms of love – friendship, family bonds, and the shared connection that brings people together," said Wilfredo C. Santos, Ambassador of the Philippines to Jordan "It is especially meaningful that we celebrate this occasion alongside Pasinaya, highlighting the beauty and diversity of Filipino art, music, dance, and traditions. This gathering is not just a celebration of love and culture, but a heartfelt acknowledgement of the beauty that arises when we unite through the arts, creating lasting memories and forging bonds that enrich our communities,' the ambassador added. The event featured a "captivating" mix of performances, activities, and workshops, ensuring an immersive experience for the attendees, both locals and members of the Filipino community in Jordan. Key highlights included Pamilihan (Bazaar), a marketplace where local Filipino entrepreneurs showcased an array of food and crafts, offering guests a taste of Filipino cuisine and traditional goods, Palihan (Workshop), a traditional folk dance workshop featuring Madal Siwol, a cultural performance from the T'boli tribe of South Cotabato. Attendees also participated in a creative 'Paint the Wall by Numbers' art activity, contributing to the creation of a Philippine Embassy corner at Zghairon Café. There was also Palabas (performance), more than 15 live performances including dance and acoustic music from various Filipino communities across Jordan. 'This Pasinaya in Jordan is one of the cultural activities being undertaken by the Filipino embassy in Amman, to display our culture in this part of the world. Culture is very important to us, as one of our main diplomatic initiatives in Jordan," Santos told The Jordan Times. "For us, it is important for Jordanians to learn about our language, our food, our cultural practices, because in doing so, it will lead to a better understanding and appreciation of our people,' the ambassador noted, adding that 'Pasinaya in Jordan is just the beginning.' The festival's "success" reflects the deep desire for cultural exchange and mutual respect between Jordanians and the Filipino community. By offering a platform for Filipinos to showcase their culinary skills, dance, and crafts, Pasinaya also helped bridge the cultural gap, fostering inclusivity and understanding. 'This event is very important to connect our cultures,' Asem Khatib, owner of the Language City Café, told the Jordan Times. 'Our motto at the Language City Group is 'From the People to the People' and the Filipino people are part of our Jordanian community.' 'We are welcoming all countries to display their culture because our space is for all the cultures in the world, mixing and sharing Jordanian culture with all the others. For example, this Pasinaya concluded with Jordanian and Palestinian dabke,' added Asem. For the people of Amman, the Pasinaya festival was not just a celebration of Filipino culture, it was an invitation to share, connect, and deepen relationships, reminding everyone that art, love, and shared experiences have the power to unite us all.


Jordan Times
08-02-2025
- Business
- Jordan Times
Business matching event held to boost Jordan-Philippines trade
The initiative will bring together 13 companies from the Philippines' food and personal care sectors with their Jordanian counterparts (Photo courtesy of the Philippines Embassy) AMMAN — In a bid to bolster trade and economic cooperation between Jordan and the Philippines, the Philippine embassy in Amman, in collaboration with the Amman Chamber of Commerce (ACC) is organising a business matching event on February 11. The initiative will bring together 13 companies from the Philippines' food and personal care sectors with their Jordanian counterparts to explore opportunities for joint ventures and market expansion in both countries. 'We seek to leverage the economic complementarities that the Philippines and Jordan share. The Philippines, as one of the fastest growing economies in Asia, seeks to expand its global presence by forging strategic partnerships. Our robust sectors in food, agriculture, manufacturing, and creative industries align well with Jordan's strategic location, its safety and security as an oasis of peace in this region, and investment-friendly environment,' said Philippine Ambassador Wilfredo C. Santos. Philippines Trade Commissioner Vichael Angelo D. Roaring of the Philippine Trade and Investment Centre – Dubai, echoed this sentiment, emphasising that the event offers a key opportunity for Filipino exporters looking to enter the Middle Eastern market. 'The Philippines is open for business, offering a competitive business environment, a skilled workforce and high-quality export products that meet global standards, including Halal-certified and sustainably produced goods,' Roaring said, adding: 'Jordan has long been a valued trade partner for the Philippines, serving as a natural gateway for Filipino businesses looking to expand in the region.' The ACC, along with participating Jordan businesses, will welcome both the government and business delegation from the Philippines which will be headed by Deputy Agriculture Minister Asis G. Perez who is joined by Vichael Angelo D. Roaring and other key officials from the Philippines' Department of Trade and Industry. The event will include a short programme where participating Philippine and Jordanian companies are informed about the sourcing opportunities and requirements of both countries. There will also be a discussion on the investment opportunities in Jordan. The Philippine embassy in Jordan, headed by Ambassador Wilfredo C. Santos, expressed its appreciation for the ACC's efforts to provide the venue and make the necessary arrangements to ensure the event's success. The Philippine government is always keen to foster ties with Jordan's esteemed institutions to create a win-win scenario that will boost both countries' economies and foster lasting cultural and diplomatic relations.