Ambassador Christopher B. Montero (8th from left), together with the Diplomatic Heads of Missions, pose for a photo with Ministry of Culture Youth and Sports Permanent Secretary Dayang Hajah Nor Ashikin binti Haji Johari (9th from left), during the 2021 Diplomatic Corps Bowling Friendlies in Bandar Seri Begawan.
In line with its public diplomacy activities, the Philippine Embassy in Brunei Darussalam successfully organized the 2nd Diplomatic Corps Bowling Friendlies on 27 June 2021 at the Airport Mall in the capital.
A total of twenty-five (25) resident diplomatic missions (out of 29 Embassies) participated in the tournament, which was also attended by high officials from the Ministry of Culture Youth and Sports (MCYS) led by Permanent Secretary Dayang Hajah Nor Ashikin binti Haji Johari, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) led Deputy Director Mr. Soekarddy Hj Abdullah Sani.
Participating Ambassadors and High Commissioner, as well as high officials of the MCYS and MFA led their respective teams under a mixed-team format of 19 teams composed of four (4) players each.
Trophies and medals were handed out for highest scorers in the Team and Individual categories, with MCYS Permanent Secretary Dayang Hajah Nor Ashikin binti Haji Johari and Mr. Ruel Barretto of the Philippine Embassy copping the top prizes for the Women and Men category, respectively.
“The diplomatic corps is indeed blessed and fortunate that the Government of Brunei Darussalam successfully contained and managed the pandemic that have enabled us to hold friendly sports competitions” Ambassador Christopher B. Montero told participating diplomats and officials in his opening remarks during the event. “We hope that this gathering will further strengthen the spirit of friendship and camaraderie among the diplomatic corps and the host government, despite the challenges posed by the ongoing global pandemic,” the Ambassador concluded.
MFA and MCYS officials, as well as the Heads of Mission and members of the diplomatic corps, expressed their commendation to the Philippine Embassy team for a smoothly coordinated and well-organized activity.
Heads of Missions and high officials of Brunei Darussalam do the Ceremonial Roll-Off to start the friendly tournament.
Ministry of Culture Youth and Sports Permanent Secretary Dayang Hajah Nor Ashikin binti Haji Johari (top photo) and Mr. Ruel Barretto (bottom photo) receiving the trophies for 1st place in the Women and Men Individual Category, respectively.
The team led by H.E. Dr Sujatmiko, Ambassador of Indonesia (3rd from left) and team members, Mr. Samaullah (Pakistan), Awang Ismandi bin Timbang (MCYS), and Mr. Ruel Barreto (Philippines), pose for a photo with Ministry of Culture Youth and Sports Permanent Secretary Dayang Hajah Nor Ashikin binti Haji Johari (2nd from left), Dean of the Diplomatic Corps H.E. Sheikh Ahmed Bin Hashil Al-Maskari of Oman (center) and Ambassador Montero (1st from left). 