Ambassador Christopher B. Montero (6th from right) and Guest of Honor and Minister of Home Affairs, Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Kerna Dato Seri Setia (Dr.) Haji Awang Abu Bakar bin Haji Apong (5th from left), together with their spouses and Heads of ASEAN Missions in Bandar Seri Begawan cut the ceremonial cake.
The Philippine Embassy in Brunei Darussalam successfully organized a physical celebration of the 123rd Anniversary of Philippine Independence through a Diplomatic Reception held on 15 June 2021 at the Songket Ballroom of The Rizqun International Hotel.
The event was attended by close to 350 guests from the Government of Brunei Darussalam, members of the diplomatic corps, business and private sector representatives, and members of the Filipino Community.
The Honorable Minister of Home Affairs of Brunei Darussalam, Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Kerna Dato Seri Setia (Dr.) Haji Awang Abu Bakar bin Haji Apong, was the Guest of Honor as representative of His Majesty the Sultan of Brunei. He was accompanied by his spouse Datin Paduka Hajah Jahrah binti Haji Mohamad.
In his remarks, Ambassador Christopher B. Montero reiterated the deep appreciation of the Philippine Government to His Majesty the Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah for the effective containment and efficient management of the COVID-19 pandemic in Brunei Darussalam, which made the face-to-face celebration possible.
He also conveyed the gratitude of President Rodrigo Duterte to His Majesty The Sultan for the warm hospitality and generous assistance accorded to the Filipino community in Brunei Darussalam during the pandemic as they continue to contribute to the Sultanate’s economic and social development.
A traditional cake-cutting ceremony with the Guest of Honor and the Heads of ASEAN Diplomatic Missions in Bandar Seri Begawan was held to underscore ASEAN solidarity and in support of Brunei Darussalam’s current ASEAN chairmanship.
The main highlight of the event was a cultural presentation that showcased the rich musical heritage of the Philippines and the creative expressions of its talented, caring and resilient people.
A photo exhibit entitled “The Abode of Peace: Through the Eyes of Filipinos in Brunei” was mounted at the venue featuring forty-two (42) award winning photographs of life in Brunei Darussalam from the Pinoy Shutters Club, a Filipino community association of Filipino professional and hobbyist photographers.
A dinner-buffet featuring Filipino popular dishes such as chicken adobo, beef caldereta, pancit palabok, and leche flan, among others, were served at the event. In addition, guests received souvenir giveaway bags containing proudly Philippine-made products, tourism promotional materials and a plush miniature version of the popular “Jolly Bee” character courtesy of Jollibee-Brunei, the number one fast-food chain in the Sultanate.
Ambassador Montero, and his spouse, Atty. Maria Lourdes Montero, along with Guest of Honor, Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Kerna Dato Seri Setia (Dr.) Haji Awang Abu Bakar bin Haji Apong, Minister of Home Affairs, and Datin Paduka Hajah Jahrah binti Haji Mohamad, during the singing of the national anthems of the Philippines and Brunei Darussalam. 
Ambassador Montero tours the Guest of Honor around photo exhibition entitled “The Abode of Peace: Through the Eyes of Filipinos in Brunei” featuring forty-two (42) award winning photographs from the Pinoy Shutters, a Filipino community association of Filipino professional and hobbyist photographers. 
The Manila Strings, a local ensemble of Filipino music teachers in the Sultanate, play Original Pilipino Music (OPM) during the musical presentation.
Young vocalists from Del Mar Virtuoso Music School sing “Better World’ by Philippine National Artist for Music Ryan Cayabyab. 
Ballet dancers from Elite Dancing Coach with a dance interpretation of Kay Ganda ng Ating Musika, together with a Philippine tourism video presentation in the background.
