The US Independence Day celebration at Shangri-La The Fort was a spectacular gala of elegance and unity, attended by guests — from friends and diplomats to public officials and business leaders — who gathered under the glow of jazz-era charm and festive grandeur.
Department of Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Parreño Lazaro, US Ambassador Mary Kay Carlson and Archbishop Charles John Brown
In the United States, the Fourth of July is cherished for family, friends, food and fireworks — echoing the warmth of Filipino barrio fiestas. Yet beyond the lively festivities, July 4 beckons reflection on the deeper values that define the nation: freedom, democracy and the enduring quest for a brighter tomorrow.
Romanian Ambassador Raduta Dana Matache, Japanese Ambassador Kazuya Endo and wife Akiko Endo
This year’s celebration honored not just American independence but also the robust and timeless alliance between the United States and the Philippines. As Ambassador MaryKay Carlson aptly said, “Today, we celebrate our independence and the enduring bonds that unite us as steadfast friends, partners in prosperity and ironclad allies.”
Greggy Araneta, Irene Marcos-Araneta, Madam Aliki Pappas and Greek Ambassador Ioannis Pediotis
Former Ilocos Governor Chavit Singson, Jess Bartolome, Malaysian Ambassador Datu Abdul Malik Melvin Castelino and Fahim Hassan
Brunei Ambassador Megawati Manan, Argentina Ambassador Ricardo Luis Bocalandro, Mexico Ambassador Daniel Hernandez Joseph, Egypy Ambassador Nader Zaki and Miguel Realmonte
Monaco Consul Gen. Fortune Ledesma, Defense Secretary Gibo and Wife Nikki Teodoro, AJ Violago and Agile Zamora
Mayor Lani Cayetano, Ukraine Consul Beatrice Ang, Singaporean Ambassador Constance See and Peru Consul Betty Ang
Guatemala Consul Mellie Ablaza and Chit Lichauco
Morocco Ambassador Mohammed Rida EL Fassi, AJ Violago, Ambassador Carlson, Austrian Ambassador Johann Brieger and UAE Ambassado Mohamed Allgatam Alzaabi
Consul Fernando Pena, Connie and Vic Garcia
Central to this celebration is the human connection: the more than 4 million Filipinos and Filipino Americans in the US, alongside the 750,000 Americans in the Philippines — truly bridging two nations as family, not just as allies.
Hungary Ambassador Titanilla Toth and Amadeus Arcadiuz
Speaker Martin Romualdez, Secretary Lazaro and Ambassador Carlson
“In the United States, Independence Day is a time for family, food, fun and fireworks, much like the vibrant barrio fiestas that showcase Filipino hospitality,” Carlson noted.
Morocco Ambassador EL Fassi, Spanish Ambassador Miguel Utray Delgado, Pieter ten Bosch, husband of Dutch Ambassador Marielle Geraedts
Her words captured the heart of the evening, reminding all that diplomacy is as much about people and culture as it is about policy.
