Bastille Day 2025: Oceans ‘25
It was a unique Bastille Day celebration in Manila — from the stage’s backdrop to the photo wall in the foyer, which invited guests to get their feet “wet.”
“I invite you to dive into the oceans for a night of celebration of our vital blue energy, our oceans,” France’s Ambassador to the Philippines Marie Fontanel said at the celebration of Bastille Day, the French National Day, at the Fairmont Makati.
Though the ocean was the theme of the night, it was still liberté, égalité, fraternité that was the overarching theme of the celebration.
“On July 14th, also known as Bastille Day, we celebrate our republican values, described with three words, which, from France to the Philippines, have a powerful and inspiring meaning: liberté, égalité, fraternité,” she said.
I could see these values in the crowd that trooped to the Fairmont ballroom in Makati — where guests dressed in all their finery enjoyed French wine and cheese with guests in casual tees. Diplomats and dignitaries rubbed elbows with French NGO representatives and champions of the environment. Everyone invited was an honored guest.
‘Touch of blue’
The year 2025 is the year of the oceans in France, which held the third United Nations Ocean Conference in Nice last June.
“The ocean is our common good. It feeds and protects our peoples. It makes us dream and travel. It provides us with sustainable energy, trade, resources and infinite scientific knowledge,” said Ambassador Fontanel as sharks and stingrays “swam” in the background on three giant LED screens.
“And there is no better place than the Philippines, this beautiful archipelago of 7,641 islands, to celebrate our oceans,” she pointed out.
The diplomat also described France and the Philippines as “two blue nations determined to act to preserve our planet.”
“This is part of our common DNA, the DNA of two blue nations determined to act to preserve our planet. So let us celebrate tonight … with a touch of blue!”
Milestone year
The bond between France and the Philippines was tightened by many firsts in the past year. It was in Paris, France that Carlos Yulo earned the most bountiful harvest of Olympic gold medals for the Philippines, bringing home two golds in gymnastics.
And 20 years after the cessation of its Manila service, Air France now flies direct between Paris and Manila and vice versa.
Ambassador Fontanel said this reopening of Air France in Manila “symbolizes the new dimension taken by our bilateral relationship.”
“Our countries have never been so close to each other. This makes tourism, student exchanges, business missions much easier. More than 15,000 passengers have already taken this flight.”
She said it was “an anomaly that the Philippines was the only large country in ASEAN lacking a direct non-stop air route to Europe. I am very proud that Paris became the direct gateway to Europe for the Philippines.”
Last April, Laurent Saint-Martin, Minister for Trade and French nationals abroad, visited the Philippines, “showing a growing reciprocal interest in the economic and commercial sphere.”
Ambassador Fontanel also looked back with pride at visit of the aircraft carrier Charles De Gaulle in the Philippines early this year.
“I cannot forget another highlight of the year: the stopover — a historic first! — of the French carrier strike group in Subic Bay and Manila at the end of February,” she recalled.
She said this strengthening of the relationship between France and the Philippines is “more necessary than ever, at a time of increasing international instability and crisis, from Ukraine to the Middle East.”
“Our two countries share the same values. We are resolutely committed to multilateralism, respect for international law, notably the UN Charter, and the defense of the rule of law. Everywhere in the world, without double standards,” she stressed.
Assumption golf tourney
On Aug. 11, the fairways of Sta. Elena Golf Club will once again welcome spirited swings and shared purpose as the Assumption Alumnae Association (AAA) hosts its 24th Annual Golf Tournament—a meaningful blend of sport, camaraderie and cause.
Organized by the AAA, a community of women graduates of Assumption College, the tournament raises funds for the Centers for Transformative Education, widely known as the Assumption Mission Schools. These centers support scholarships, teacher development, and values-based education for underserved communities across the Philippines.
Each year, over 150 alumnae, friends, and families come together for a day of fun on the fairway. Whether vying for the trophy or enjoying a lighthearted round, the event is open to all — boys and girls, families and friends, beginners and seasoned players alike.
The tournament features raffles, exciting prizes, and friendly on-course challenges, all in the spirit of generosity and joyful community.
Register today and help transform lives through the gift of education at [email protected] or call (02) 8817-0757 loc. 1154.
- Latest
