Philippine Consulate General in Dubai

The Philippine Consulate General in Dubai hosted a Filipino Community Dinner Reception in commemoration of the 128th Anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence, bringing together officials, community leaders, partners, institutions, and friends of the Filipino community in Dubai and the Northern Emirates. The evening served as a celebration of freedom, fellowship, and the enduring Filipino spirit, while also offering a moment of gratitude for the partnerships that continue to sustain the Consulate’s work.

In his welcome message, Consul General Ambrosio Brian F. Enciso III said this year’s commemoration carried special meaning, as recent months had tested the resolve, patience, and solidarity of the Filipino community. He paid tribute to the quiet courage of overseas Filipinos, the generosity of partners, and the bayanihan spirit that allowed the community to meet uncertainty with compassion and hope. He emphasized that independence is sustained by people who choose to care for one another, especially when circumstances become difficult.

The program also featured the keynote message of H.E. Alfonso Ferdinand A. Ver, Ambassador of the Republic of the Philippines to the United Arab Emirates, who underscored the collective commitment of the Philippine Team in the UAE to serve overseas Filipinos and strengthen cooperation with the host country. The Ambassador affirmed that the work of the Embassy, Consulate General, Migrant Workers Office, attached agencies, and community partners is anchored in the shared duty to protect the welfare and dignity of Filipinos while contributing positively to Philippine-UAE relations.

A highlight of the evening was the Consulate General’s expression of appreciation for partners whose service and goodwill helped support Filipinos during extraordinary times. Through the Handog-Pugay ng Konsulado, the Consulate General honored individuals, institutions, and organizations whose contributions reflected compassion, professionalism, and shared responsibility in moments of humanitarian concern. The reception concluded with renewed appreciation for the community’s unity and for the enduring friendship between the Philippines and the United Arab Emirates.

The Philippine Consulate General in Dubai hosted UAE-based business leader and culture advocate Ms. Laila Rahhal El Atfani for an exclusive tour of Casa Filipina by DMJ Ecospace on 17 June 2026. Located at The Garden Concept in Dubai, Casa Filipina is a pioneering showroom that brings Philippine furniture, décor, lifestyle pieces, and artisanal products to one of the region’s most dynamic design and consumer markets.

The engagement brought together Ms. El Atfani, PTIC Dubai Trade Commissioner Vichael Angelo Roaring, Casa Filipina Founder and Managing Director Ms. Marilou Lorenzo Joson, and Director for Operations, Project, and Design Mr. Henry Lee Limbaga. Also present were Ms. Melon Perez, Founder of Olivia Pearls by Melrish Jewels, and Ms. Babylyn Buchan, Founder and Managing Partner of Terno by TCG. The meeting highlighted the strength of Filipino-led creative enterprises in the UAE and opened discussions on branding, institutional linkages, and possible partnerships with cultural and business networks, including prospective engagement with Dubai Culture.

Ms. El Atfani expressed strong appreciation for the quality and market potential of the Philippine products featured at Casa Filipina and conveyed her willingness to help expand its network among government and private sector contacts. Casa Filipina also shared its planned operational expansion in Saudi Arabia, signaling wider opportunities for Philippine design and craftsmanship in the Gulf. The Philippine Consulate General in Dubai will continue supporting initiatives that raise the profile of Filipino creativity, promote sustainable and heritage-inspired products, and connect Philippine enterprises with strategic partners in the UAE and the broader region. END