Metro Scene By Joy Fong In a moving tribute to enduring friendship and cultural unity, the Embassy of Greece hosted a grand celebration of Greece’s National Day and the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations with the Philippines. The monumental affair brought together ambassadors, dignitaries, government officials and guests in a night of shared history, vibrant culture, and heartfelt connection. Greek Amb. to the Philippines, H.E. Ioannis Pediotis, reflected on the journey that began in 1947, when Greece first established its Honorary General Consulate in Manila. “Today, our relationship is that of a warm friendship and close proximity—I would say identical—to all international issues, especially on the law of the sea, the peaceful resolution of dispute, and climate change,” the Ambassador remarked. Among recent milestones in the relationship was the landmark visit of Ph Enrique Manalo to Athens. There, he met with the Greek Prime Minister and Foreign Minister to discuss matters spanning trade, labor, maritime affairs, and defense. Both nations also reaffirmed their mutual respect for international law, particularly the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, which binds them not only politically, but ideologically. Beyond politics, it is people-to-people connections that breathe life into this diplomatic relationship. “Our relationship is stronger today, not just because of politics, but also because of social connections, thanks to the many thousand Filipino seafarers employed in Greek ships and many others working in Greece, in various fields,” Ambassador Pediotis added. Moreover, both archipelagic nations, Greece and the Philippines, share deep-rooted values: the strength of family, a passion for freedom, and a reverence for tradition. Similarities in pottery techniques, textile patterns, and a shared Christian faith further bind the two cultures. Beyond diplomacy, the evening also commemorated Greece’s hard-won independence, achieved on March 25, 1821, after centuries under Ottoman...... Read more on Full Issue!