Franco-Philippine ties: A partnership of hearts Taiwan extends visa-free privilege starting August

exchanges and tourism in the postpandemic era, the ministries have agreed to promote Taiwan’s “New Southbound Policy” seen to further improve visa measures for nationals of partner-countries traveling to Taiwan.

Meanwhile, the “Project for Simplifying Visa Regulations for High-end Group Tourists from Southeast Asian Countries” will continue for a further year through December 31, 2024. Announcements on the TAC will be made via https://niaspeedy.immigration.gov. tw/nia_southeast.

The secretary of State for Development, who will be arriving in Manila in three weeks' time, will be working with the Philippine authorities to do just that.

Let me also mention the Paris Olympic games next year, where we hope to host a large Philippine delegation and your gold medallist, Hidilyn Diaz.

Let me now extend my sincerest thanks to the representatives of the 30 Filipino and French companies who provided significant support for the organization of this national celebration. May this 14th of July celebration be above all yours, with your guests, with whom you have been keen to share this moment.

Dear friends: Just a few days before I leave you, I don't want to say farewell, as I may well be coming back to the Philippines to see you again. I'm leaving so many friends in this magnificent country, and will treasure exceptional memories.

Let me seize the opportunity to thank my amazing team at the embassy and at the [ambassador’s residence who have] performed so remarkably, and to pay tribute to them this evening. Nothing could have been achieved without their dedication.

This country has given me so much, and you have all given me so much over the last two-and-a-half years. This is a magnificent country, but it is the Filipinos who give it this unique character, this human warmth, humor, and generosity that I have never seen anywhere else.

With you, I'm taking a piece of the Philippines with me. Thank you so much!

For its part, Taiwan’s MOFA will continue to review and fine-tune visa policies, with a view to strengthen bilateral exchanges and attract more visitors while ensuring border and public security. It will also continue to communicate with the governments of related countries to enhance visa treatment for Taiwan nationals while making their overseas travel more convenient, according to Teco.

J. Eduardo Malaya and Mme. Rena Cristina K. Malaya MD joined the unveiling rite. He underscored the occasion’s significance in helping spread the heroic identity and proud heritage of the Philippine people and cited the connections of Rizal with the Netherlands.

“It is fitting that Rizal [found a home here], as there are special connections between him and our host country,” Malaya explained.

“Though he did not set foot in Dutch soil during his many travels across Europe, Rizal had an affinity and admiration for the renowned Dutch writer Edward Douwes Dekker, who went by the pen-name ‘Multatuli’ and whose novel Max Havelaar made a deep impression on [for the writing of] “El Filibusterismo.”

The diplomat furthered that both authors had similar views on the harsh realities of colonialism and wanted to expose them: Dekker on the Dutch in the East Indies (now Indonesia), and Rizal on the Spaniards in the Philippines.

Supreme Commander Calderon was accompanied by Sir Virgilio R. Esguerra KGCR (Council of Elders), Sir Remigio Esguerra KCR (Taytay, Rizal Chapter commander), Sir Atty. Joel Tuplano KGOR (executive assistant to the supreme commander), Sir Flavio Caringal KCR (chapter commander), Sir Jose Gardose Jr. KCR, Sir Joseph Gardoce, and other Ladies of Rizal from Manila. The recently constituted “Ladies of Rizal-The Netherlands” led by Lady Irene Esquibil were also present.

The Philippine delegation was in Europe for the KOR’s eighth European Regional Assembly, and its 72nd Charter Day celebration held in Rome, Italy.

In the embassy’s statement, the Order of the Knights of Rizal is a civic and patriotic organization established by Republic Act 646 as an instrumentality by which Rizal’s teachings may be propagated among Filipinos as well as other nationals who may believe in his teachings, and emulate his examples.

I. Cervantes screens Spanish LGBTI+ shorts

FOR July, Instituto Cervantes’ Vimeo channel is currently hosting the short-film series “Zinegoak” which features eight animation stories on lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer plus (LGBTQ+) themes by various Basque filmmakers.

The film cycle presents personal stories, reflections, and testimonies that deal with gender identity, homosexual love, and transsexuality, focusing on an underrepresented genre in cinema.

Ezohikoak (2022, Alejandra Bueno) is a film about the roles of women in Basque culture, which on July 22 and 23 will be shown through https://vimeo. com/824069976.

For the last week of the film cycle, on July 26 and 27, catch Garelako (2015, Usue

Egia), which is a call for freedom to all to define themselves, and feel as each and everyone wants. It will be accessible via https://vimeo.com/828266180.

Lastly, the animated documentary Makun (2015, Emilio Martí), which depicts the harsh reality of detention centers for foreigners who left their countries to be themselves, will conclude the film cycle on July 29 and 30, and will be available at https://vimeo.com/827930587.

The movies, presented by Instituto Cervantes in collaboration with Zinegoak Film festival, will be in Spanish or Basque with English subtitles. Admission is free. For further information and updates on the film series, check out Instituto Cervantes’ Facebook page or the event page: https://www.facebook.com/ events/222136474040685.