Philippine Embassy in Spain

HAPPENING NOW: The Philippine Embassy in Spain commemorated the 165th Birth Anniversary of Dr. José P. Rizal with a wreath-laying ceremony at the Rizal Monument in Madrid, led by Ambassador Philippe J. Lhuillier today, 20 June 2026.

Ambassador Lhuillier delivered the opening remarks, paying tribute to Dr. Rizal’s enduring contributions to Philippine nationhood and his continuing relevance as a source of inspiration for Filipinos worldwide. President Councillor Jaime Taboada of Madrid’s Chamberí District likewise delivered remarks, reflecting on Rizal’s historical significance and the strong cultural and historical ties between the Philippines and Spain.

The ceremony was attended by members of the Knights of Rizal-La Solidaridad Chapter, the Madrid Conquerors Eagles Club, and the Filipino-Spanish community, who gathered to honor the memory and legacy of the Philippine national hero. Through this commemoration, participants reaffirmed their appreciation for Dr. Rizal’s ideals of patriotism, reform, and service to country.

𝐂𝐎𝐌𝐌𝐔𝐍𝐈𝐓𝐘 𝐀𝐍𝐍𝐎𝐔𝐍𝐂𝐄𝐌𝐄𝐍𝐓

HAPPENING NOW: The Philippine Embassy in Spain commends the Madrid Conquerors Eagles Club for conducting a clean-up drive around the José Rizal Monument today, 20 June 2026, in preparation for the wreath-laying ceremony.

Mabuhay po kayo!

𝐀 𝐓𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐏𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐩𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬 𝐀𝐫𝐫𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐒𝐩𝐚𝐢𝐧

The Philippine Embassy in Spain is pleased to present fresh Guimaras Mangoes as part of a pioneering 100-kilogram test shipment to Europe, introducing one of the Philippines' most celebrated agricultural products to European consumers and trade partners.

This initiative marks an important milestone for Philippine agriculture and exports. Guimaras Mangoes are the first registered Geographical Indication (GI) product of the Philippines, reflecting the unique connection between their exceptional quality and their place of origin. Cultivated in the island province of Guimaras, these mangoes are renowned for their distinctive sweetness, aroma, and flavor, characteristics shaped by the province's soil, climate, and generations of farming expertise.

The shipment also represents several firsts: the first journey of Guimaras Mangoes to Europe; the first export to Europe by woman-led enterprise Guimaras Wonder Farms; and a pioneering test shipment designed to generate valuable insights on logistics, shelf life, and premium market opportunities in Europe.

The European journey began in Brussels, Belgium, the seat of the European Union and the symbolic first entry point from the heart of the Philippines to the heart of Europe. From there, the mangoes continue their route across key European cities, including The Hague, Paris, Berlin, and Madrid, introducing new audiences to a premium Philippine product with a remarkable origin story.

Philippine Ambassador to Spain, H.E. Philippe J. Lhuillier, welcomed the initiative and underscored its significance for Philippine exporters:

"Introducing premium Philippine products to European markets creates opportunities not only for our exporters, but also for our farmers, entrepreneurs, and local communities. We hope this initiative will open doors for future partnerships and strengthen appreciation for the quality and diversity of Philippine agricultural products."

This initiative is the result of close collaboration among the DTI Supply Chain and Logistics Group, DTI-Guimaras, the Provincial Government of Guimaras, Guimaras Wonder Farms, logistics partners, and Philippine Embassies and Trade Offices across Europe working together to expand market access and promote Philippine products abroad.

At its heart is a shared objective: to connect Philippine farmers and SMEs more directly with international markets and create new export pathways for high-value agricultural products.

Today, as Guimaras Mangoes arrive in Madrid, we are delighted to share a taste of the Philippines and showcase a product that embodies excellence, heritage, and the dedication of the Filipino people.

We hope you enjoy this premium taste of the Philippines.

Today, we are joined by 38 Sentro Rizal sites around the world in one shared cultural moment. From different countries, cities, and communities, Filipinos come together through a simple question:

“Kumusta na kayo d'yan?”

As we celebrate Dr. Jose Rizal's 165th Birth Anniversary today, and in anticipation of the 15th Anniversary of Sentro Rizal, we share glimpses of Filipino life, identity, and connection across borders.

From Filipinos in SPAIN to Filipinos everywhere, this is our message across the world.

Sentro Rizal, Sentro ng Filipino. Tuloy po kayo.


National Commission for Culture and the Arts International Cultural Programs

LOOK: Ambassador Philippe J. Lhuillier of the Philippine Embassy in Spain hosted a luncheon meeting with H.E. Miguel Utray, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Spain to the Philippines, Director-General Luis Fonseca, and Deputy Director-General Laura Mayoral of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation (MAEC) today, 18 June 2026.

Ambassador Lhuillier and Ambassador Utray exchanged views on key issues of mutual interest and reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing bilateral cooperation.

Joining the Ambassador at the meeting were DHM and Consul General Mark Francis C. Hamoy and Consul Dyan Kristine Miranda-Pastrana.

HAPPENING NOW: Ambassador Philippe J. Lhuillier of the Philippine Embassy in Spain visited the Royal Thai Embassy in Madrid today, 18 June 2026 to sign the Book of Condolences for Her Royal Highness Princess Bajrakitiyabha Narendiradebyavati.

He was welcomed by Ms. Supamas Yunyasit, Chargé d’Affaires a.i. of the Royal Thai Embassy.

On the occasion, Ambassador Lhuillier also met H.E. Doan Thanh Song, Ambassador of Vietnam to Spain, who likewise signed the Book of Condolences in a gesture of respect and solidarity.

LOOK: Ambassador Philippe J. Lhuillier of the Philippine Embassy in Spain welcomes Mr. Emman De Guzman, Vice President for Europe Operations of Filipino Homes, during his courtesy call at the Embassy today, 16 June 2026.

LOOK: Ambassador Philippe J. Lhuillier of the Philippine Embassy in Spain welcomed Filipino band The Juans during their courtesy call at the Embassy on 15 June 2026.

Currently on their Europe Promo Tour, the band is set to perform across Europe this September, bringing Filipino talent and music to international audiences.

When asked to describe themselves, The Juans shared that they are simple Filipinos from the provinces who represent the ordinary “Juans”, dreamers who dared to aspire to something greater than themselves. Through their music, they hope to showcase the richness of Original Pilipino Music (OPM) and share Filipino stories, creativity, and culture with the world.

LOOK: Ambassador Philippe J. Lhuillier of the Philippine Embassy in Spain welcomed former Labor Attaché Nelson Victorino and Atty. Luis Romero-Salas during their courtesy call at the Embassy today, 15 June 2026.

HAPPENING NOW: Ambassador Philippe J. Lhuillier and Madame Edna Lhuillier is attending the Kalayaan Festival 2026 in Madrid at the Colegio Sagrado Corazón de Chamartín today, 14 June 2026.

Ambassador and Madame Lhuillier join the Filipino community in a vibrant celebration of the 128th Anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence through cultural performances, traditional music, and festive presentations, the event highlighted the richness and diversity of Filipino culture abroad.

A special highlight of the celebration were the fashion show of Costura Filipinas and performances of the Karilagan Cultural Group from San Antonio, Texas, the Choystacular Kids and GMA artists led by Pepita Curtis, as well as an appearance made by The Juans whose heartfelt and energetic presentations showcased Filipino artistry, talent, and the enduring transmission of cultural traditions to the younger generation.

The Kalayaan Festival 2026 is located at Colegio Sagrado Corazón de Chamartín, Avenida de Padre Pío XII, 81, Madrid.