New Delhi, 24 February - The grounds of the Philippine Embassy turned festive with Pinoy camaraderie, performances, and merry-making as Filipinos from New Delhi and adjacent regions gathered to welcome new Philippine Ambassador to India Josel Francisco Ignacio.

The enthusiastic crowd of about 200 guests were led by members of the two major Filipino Community (FilCom) organizations in New Delhi, the Kapisanan ng mga Pinay na may Asawang Indiano sa Hindustan (KAPIHAN) and the Filipinos in India Community (FIC). Joining them were their Indian and expatriate spouses and family members, Embassy partners, and representatives from the larger Indian community.

Ambassador Ignacio expressed immense gratitude for the Filipino Community’s unremitting support and active participation in Embassy events and initiatives through the years and successive Heads of Mission. He pledged the Embassy's own resolve to carry out its mandate to promote the welfare of Filipinos in India, and to harness their talents and energies in support of larger Philippine-Indian relations.

FilCom leaders, for their part, assured the Ambassador of their readiness to contribute to the Embassy’s work in advancing national and bilateral objectives. KAPIHAN leader Ms. Meljhun Banswal introduced the organization to the Ambassador, while voicing gratitude for the Embassy's own support for their undertakings. In her own welcome for the Ambassador, FIC head Fatima Sharma thanked the Embassy for its strong partnership with Community organizations.

Filipino fiesta spirit permeated the proceedings, as guests were captivated by a medley of lively dances, soulful vocal numbers, and moving instrumental performances. A joint Embassy-FilCom group performed a Bollywood number to loud cheers. In a surprise number, Ambassador Ignacio accompanied Attaché Ms. Alyssa G. Arago on guitar in a rendition of Filipino pop songs. Open mic and spirited karaoke and videoke sessions lasted until the event’s conclusion.

The attendees were treated to a potluck, featuring a delightful blend of Indian cuisine and delicious Filipino dishes jointly prepared by the FilCom and Embassy personnel. END

             Performances added further color to the festivities. Highlights included a Bollywood dance from a joint Embassy-FilCom group and a song number with Ambassador Ignacio  accompanying on guitar.

The dynamic, hardworking Philippine Embassy-New Delhi Team with the new Ambassador.