Embark on a journey into the intricate world of international diplomacy as we sit down for an insightful conversation with Ambassador Celia Anna Feria, the esteemed representative of the Philippines in Portugal. With a distinguished career spanning more than three decades in the Philippine Foreign Service, Ambassador Feria offers us a unique perspective on the multifaceted relationship between the Philippines and Portugal. Join us as we uncover the cultural connections, collaborative ventures, and future prospects that shape the vibrant bilateral relations between these two nations.

Prior to her appointment as Ambassador to Portugal in 2017, Ambassador Feria’s diplomatic roles took her to various global destinations, including assignments in the Philippine Embassies in Brasilia, Paris, and Madrid. Ambassador Feria also currently carries the responsibility of being a non-resident Ambassador to Angola, Cape Verde, Guinea Bissau, and São Tome and Principe — countries in West Africa where Portuguese is spoken.

Key Successes & Milestones

Upon her arrival in Lisbon, the Philippines and Portugal were gearing up to commemorate two historic events: the 500th anniversary of the Victory at Mactan and the 500th anniversary of the First Circumnavigation of the World by the Magellan-Elcano expedition. Ambassador Feria saw a unique opportunity to highlight the Philippines' role in these historical events. Despite Magellan's tragic end in Mactan, there were rich narratives and stories surrounding this epic voyage that deserved broader recognition.

Ferdinand Magellan, the Portuguese navigator, embarked on this historic expedition under the Spanish Crown, setting sail from Sevilla in September 1519. The mission aimed to discover a western route to reach the spice islands of the Moluccas, now part of Indonesia. Preceding this voyage, the Portuguese had already achieved the remarkable feat of being the first Europeans to reach Asia in 1498 when Vasco da Gama reached present-day India. Subsequently, the Portuguese launched expeditions to explore their "half of the world," as outlined in the Treaty of Tordesillas. Magellan himself had ventured into Southeast Asia in 1511 as part of Afonso de Albuquerque's expedition to Malacca. There is even speculation that he may have encountered traders from Luzon during this journey, marking his earliest connection with future Filipinos.

Since 2017, even amidst the challenges posed by the pandemic, the Embassy headed by Ambassador Feria has been committed to promoting "Philippine narratives" within the broader context of the Magellan-Elcano circumnavigation commemorations. This included organizing conferences featuring prominent Philippine historians who provided insights into Magellan from the perspective of Philippine history. The Embassy also hosted a retrospective film festival, organized an exhibit on the banig (a significant artifact present in the places where the Magellan expedition anchored until reaching Cebu), and showcased an exhibition of the Santo Niño de Cebu, a lasting legacy of Magellan in the Philippines (he presented the original image of the Santo Niño as a baptismal gift to the wife of Raja Humabon).

Collaborations with Portuguese Asian history professors and researchers from the Universidade Nova de Lisboa resulted in forthcoming publications that highlight the Philippines' place in Portuguese history. These publications include the first-ever annotated bibliography of the Philippines found in Portuguese archives and libraries. Notably, the Embassy achieved the publication of the first-ever Portuguese pocketbook edition of the Noli Me Tangere by Penguin Random House in Portugal — a pioneering project supported generously by the offices of Senator Loren Legarda and former Senator Franklin Drilon, both of whom recognized the cultural value of these initiatives.

Beyond these historical links spanning 500 years, Ambassador Feria also aimed to emphasize the remarkable cultural and traditional similarities between Filipino culture and that of the Portuguese. One fascinating example is the shared tradition of basket and bag weaving. Ambassador Feria had the privilege of witnessing this tradition firsthand by traveling to Portugal's rural regions, where local artisans, mostly women, craft their traditional baskets known as Cestas de Odivelas. Although the materials used may differ, the essence of the tradition remains constant. The Embassy collaborated with Habi, the Philippine Textile Council, to start an exchange of ideas between young Filipina weaving entrepreneurs and the local weavers of these Portuguese baskets, fostering people-to-people connections rooted in shared cultural activities. Although these initiatives are still in their early stages, progress has already been made in innovating the designs of the Cestas de Odivelas, providing a source of immense satisfaction and enjoyment for the Ambassador.

Through innovative projects, collaborative efforts with Portuguese partners, and a shared appreciation for cultural traditions, Ambassador Feria has illuminated the rich tapestry of history and heritage that binds the Philippines and Portugal.

Cultural Connections

Ambassador Feria reveals a fascinating interplay of shared traditions and historical ties between the Philippines and Portugal. Despite their geographical distance, these two nations exhibit surprising cultural similarities that resonate deeply with both Filipinos and Portuguese living in Portugal.

One striking historical link lies in the colonial past that both countries share. The Philippines endured Spanish colonization for a significant span of its history, precisely 333 years from 1565 to 1898. Interestingly, during a portion of this era, from 1580 to 1640, Portugal also found itself under Spanish rule. This historical convergence implies that, at some point, the Philippines and Portugal were united under Spanish sovereignty. This shared colonial history forms a foundational connection between the two nations.

Religion has also played a pivotal role in connecting the Philippines and Portugal. Ferdinand Magellan introduced Catholicism to the Philippines upon his arrival in Cebu in 1521. Consequently, a majority of Filipinos practice Catholicism. This religious bond resonates with Portugal, a predominantly Catholic nation. Such shared faith fosters a sense of connection between Filipinos and the Portuguese.

Delving into culinary traditions, it becomes evident that both cultures hold a profound appreciation for seafood. Filipinos, renowned for their love of dried fish, share this affection with the Portuguese, who cherish their dried bacalhãu, resembling the Filipino tuyo both in appearance and aroma when fried. Additionally, the use of coconut milk in cooking is a shared culinary preference. Traditional Filipino delicacies like cassava cakes and bukayo find resonance in Africa and Brazil, rendering them appealing to Portuguese palates, particularly to those with strong connections to former colonies. Witnessing Portuguese guests enthusiastically embrace Filipino kakanin and rice dishes cooked in coconut milk is a source of satisfaction for the Ambassador.

Beyond culinary delights, family values serve as a significant commonality. Just as in the Philippines, where family meals often unite generations around the dining table, the Portuguese place a similar emphasis on family gatherings over food. Shared traditional values of respect for elders, a strong work ethic, and a love for nature further strengthen the cultural kinship between the two nations.
Another unifying factor is a mutual love for the beach and sunny days. While Filipinos enjoy the coastline of their archipelago, the Portuguese, perhaps, take beach appreciation to another level. Their affinity for sunbathing and seaside escapades mirrors the Filipino fondness for the ocean, creating a natural bond between residents of both nations.

The Ambassador emphasizes the significance of learning Portuguese to truly grasp the subtleties of Portuguese life. While Portuguese and Spanish do share certain grammatical similarities, each language possesses unique characteristics that enhance cultural interactions.

The dynamic cultural connections and historical links between the Philippines and Portugal underscore the remarkable affinity between these two nations. These commonalities serve as a strong foundation for cultural exchange and collaboration. As Ambassador Feria highlights the importance of embracing the Portuguese language to fully appreciate the nuances of Portuguese life, we recognize the enduring ties that bind these two nations and eagerly anticipate further enriching cultural interactions.

Embassy Services and Community Building

The Philippine Embassy in Portugal plays a vital role in providing a wide range of services to support Filipinos living in Portugal. The Ambassador highlights the embassy's commitment to safeguarding the welfare of Filipino nationals abroad, which is one of the pillars of the Philippine Foreign Service.

The Embassy's Consular Section in Lisbon is at the forefront of these services. It is responsible for processing essential documents and applications for Filipinos residing in Portugal. This includes passport applications and civil registry documents such as Reports of Birth, Marriage, and Death for Filipinos abroad. Whenever such events occur abroad, they must be reported to the nearest Philippine Embassy or Consulate.

Ambassador Feria shares real-life examples of situations where the embassy's services have made a significant difference in the lives of Filipinos. Unfortunately, there have been instances when Filipinos pass away in Portugal with no next of kin or family members present. In such cases, the Consular Section of the Embassy takes immediate action, following established regulations for the repatriation of the remains if that is the wish of the family in the Philippines.

Additionally, there are Filipinos who, due to various reasons, find themselves needing to leave their current employers and require assistance, such as finding a new place to live and securing new employment. The Embassy actively collaborates with the very active Filipino community in Lisbon, as well as in other parts of Portugal, to provide support to these individuals. The goal is to help them find new opportunities and resolve their situations satisfactorily.

One of the heartwarming aspects of the Filipino community in Portugal is its close-knit nature. Despite being a relatively small community, comprising approximately 2000 Filipinos in Portugal as of 2022, there is a strong sense of unity and support among its members. The active Filipino community officials, with whom the Embassy maintains a close working relationship, contribute significantly to the well-being of Filipinos in Portugal. This community's proactiveness and collaboration with the Embassy ensure that Filipinos have access to essential services and resources.

The online presence of Filipino communities in Portugal, particularly on Facebook, underscores the close bonds that unite Filipinos in the country. With over 5,000 members in the largest Filipino Portuguese Community Facebook group—more than the number of Filipinos in Portugal itself—it's clear that the sense of camaraderie and mutual support transcends geographical distances. This vibrant online community serves as a testament to the resilience and unity of Filipinos living in Portugal.

Back in Manila, there is no Portuguese Embassy, which is why the Philippine Embassy in Lisbon collaborates closely with the Portuguese Ambassador in Jakarta, who is a non-resident Ambassador to Manila and plays a pivotal role in managing bilateral relations. Regular communication through calls, emails, and SMS messages ensures that both embassies are well-informed and aligned on diplomatic matters. The diplomatic briefings provided by the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) to the Diplomatic Corps in Manila are also shared with the Portuguese Embassy in Jakarta to keep them updated.

Moreover, the Philippines is represented in Portugal by two Honorary Consuls, one in Manila and another in Cebu. These Honorary Consuls play a crucial role in facilitating diplomatic and consular affairs and maintaining a close relationship with the Philippine Embassy in Lisbon.

Bilateral Agreements and Impact

The Philippines and Portugal have a significant history of bilateral agreements aimed at strengthening their relations. Ambassador Feria highlights the importance of these agreements in enhancing cooperation between the two countries. At present, there are seven signed bilateral agreements that have entered into force, with an additional seven in various stages of negotiations.

Some of the key signed agreements include the Cultural Agreement, Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Tourism Cooperation, Agreement on the Mutual Protection and Promotion of Investments, Recognition of Regulation 1/10 of the International Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping of Seafarers, Social Security Agreement, MOU on the Establishment of a Bilateral Consultations Mechanism, and an MOU between the Foreign Service Institute and the Instituto Diplomatico.

These agreements have had a significant impact on various aspects of the relationship between Portugal and the Philippines. For instance, the Social Security Agreement has provided substantial benefits to both Filipino and Portuguese retirees. It allows for the totalization of contributions, enabling retirees to include their Philippine Social Security System (SSS) contributions in their Portuguese contributions. This allows for "early retirement" as the total contributions now cover both systems. Furthermore, retirees can export their benefits between the two countries, offering greater flexibility and financial security.

As more agreements are set to be signed and come into force, the relations between Portugal and the Philippines will continue to grow and diversify across different fields, including trade, investment, cultural exchange, and people-to-people ties.

Cultural Exchanges and Initiatives

The Ambassador is deeply committed to fostering cultural exchanges and collaborations between the Philippines and Portugal. Her aspirations and future plans for these cultural projects hold great promise for connecting the two nations in meaningful ways. For Filipinos living in Portugal, whether as investors or immigrants, Ambassador Feria emphasizes the importance of staying connected with the Philippine Embassy and the local Filipino community. This connection serves as a valuable resource, providing information and support to make the transition from the Philippines to Portugal smoother and more enjoyable.

The Philippine Embassy in Lisbon actively facilitates opportunities for cultural exchange and engagement with the local community. They organize a variety of cultural activities not only within Lisbon but also in the deep regions of Portugal, in towns and municipalities outside the capital. One notable collaboration is with the cultural association known as Terras Sem Sombra which in English means lands without shade. This association specializes in organizing cultural events in the Alentejo region, known for its vast rural landscapes and agricultural significance in Portugal.

Ambassador Feria's vision for cultural exchanges includes inviting Filipino cultural icons, such as Dr. Raul Sunico, to perform piano concerts in municipalities throughout the Alentejo. These events serve as bridges that connect people from both nations, fostering a deeper understanding of the Philippines, its culture, and its people.

One of the key messages from Ambassador Feria is that everyone and anyone, regardless of their background, is always welcome to participate in these cultural events. This inclusivity ensures that cultural exchanges are accessible to a broad audience and contribute to building stronger bonds between the Philippines and Portugal.

The future of cultural exchanges and initiatives between the Philippines and Portugal under Ambassador Feria's leadership holds immense potential. Filipinos living in Portugal are encouraged to actively engage in these events and activities, as they provide a platform for cultural sharing, mutual understanding, and the strengthening of people-to-people ties between the two nations.

Future Plans and Collaborations

The Ambassador envisions a promising and exciting future for collaborative ventures between the Philippines and Portugal, particularly for those considering investment or residence in Portugal. One noteworthy trend she observes is the increasing presence of young Filipino entrepreneurs coming to Portugal to expand their businesses. These individuals bring with them the Filipino brand of excellence and innovation, and their bold and creative approaches to business are inspiring. While investing is a personal and business decision, she is inspired by the determination and readiness of these young Filipino entrepreneurs and investors to conquer Portugal with their plans.

Ambassador Feria also highlights a significant Filipino investment in the north of Portugal, NST Apparel, a 100% Filipino-owned company that employs around 300 Portuguese workers in its factory in Paredes. NST Apparel specializes in manufacturing quality garments for high-end European brands. This successful investment serves as a testament to the strong business synergies between the Philippines and Portugal. Furthermore, Portuguese companies are also recognizing the potential of the Philippine market for their products and services. Vision Box and EID, both tech-based companies, are notable examples. These collaborations demonstrate the mutual benefits of trade and investment between the two countries.

Real estate investments in Portugal have also attracted foreign investors, including Filipinos, who have made business and private investments in the country. While their numbers may not be as large as some other foreign investors, their satisfaction with their investments in Portugal underscores the country's appeal as an investment destination.

In terms of educational, cultural, and people-to-people programs, the Embassy has initiated efforts to twin Philippine universities with their Portuguese counterparts. This initiative aims to create opportunities for academic collaboration and student exchanges between the two nations. There are existing partnerships between universities like Ateneo de Manila University and Universidade Nova de Lisboa, as well as Mindanao State University in Marawi and ISCTE-Instituto Universitario de Lisboa. These partnerships have led to joint projects and the availability of courses in English, making Portugal an attractive destination for Filipinos seeking foreign education.

Overall, these educational and cultural programs not only strengthen the ties between the Philippines and Portugal but also benefit Filipinos looking to make Portugal their new home and those who already call Portugal their home. The increased awareness and engagement between the two nations promise a bright and collaborative future.

Under Ambassador Feria's stewardship, the Philippine Embassy in Portugal continues to be a beacon of support for Filipinos living in Portugal and a catalyst for building bridges between these two distinct yet harmoniously intertwined cultures. As cultural exchanges, economic partnerships, and people-to-people ties flourish, the future holds great promise for strengthening the bonds between the Philippines and Portugal. Ambassador Feria's profound insights into the historical ties and future prospects between these two nations have provided a captivating glimpse into the ever-evolving dynamics of international diplomacy.

We extend our gratitude to Ambassador Celia Anna Feria for sharing her wisdom and experiences and for her unwavering commitment to fostering a deeper understanding and collaboration between these two nations. The journey of cultural exchange and diplomatic cooperation continues, guided by the vision and dedication of leaders like Ambassador Feria, towards a brighter and more interconnected future for all.