Bilateral Angles

In the centennial year of our independence (1998), a monument to the Manila Acapulco Galleon Trade was unveiled at Plaza Mexico, Intramuros. To mark the 50th year of the establishment of Phil-Mexican diplomatic relations, the Philippine Postal Corporation recently issued three kinds of stamps, one bearing the image of the Black Nazarene; another, our Lady of Guadalupe; a third, a procession of the Black Nazarene–all these signifying Phil-Mexican ties which took root centuries back.

Mexican Ambassador Enrique and Mariana Hubbard welcomed hundreds of guests at the Manila Post Office lobby to mark the issuance of the stamps which were quickly snapped up by collectors as they sipped wine and nibbled at finger foods.

The veritable throng that attended the grand celebration of the 51st year of HM Elizabeth II’s reign listened intently to Ambassador Paul Dimond as he said at the embassy residence: "I am delighted to note the very strong relationship between the Philippines and the United Kingdom of Britain and Northern Ireland in all fields, including trade and investment, education, the arts exchange of professional skills and governance."

Not too long after the Queen’s birthday the Right Honorable Lord Mayor of London Alderman Gavyn Arthur MA and the Lady Mayoress came to visit Manila. They met key officials headed by President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo. Further, Alderman Arthur and his team of finance experts exchanged views with local representatives of the industry. The couple completed their brief stay by dropping in on the headquarters of the Lundayan Foundation in Cubao. Managed by Irene Fellizar, the foundation is a beneficiary of the British Embassy, and looks after abused and exploited children.