The Philippines was named Country of Honor during the celebration of the 200th founding anniversary of the Port of Manzanillo in Mexico on Dec. 11, underscoring the longstanding maritime, historical and people-to-people ties between the two countries.
Philippine Ambassador to Mexico Arvin De Leon met with Colima-based chef, restaurateur and culinary writer Nico Mejía to discuss possible collaborations promoting Philippine gastronomy and the shared cultural heritage of the Philippines and Mexico.
In partnership with the Colima state government and the city of Manzanillo, the Philippine Embassy organized a mini-concert at the Universidad Tecnológica de Manzanillo. The event featured Filipino tenor Dr. Ramon Acoymo, former dean of the University of the Philippines College of Music. The embassy also paid a courtesy call on university officials ahead of the performance.
Acoymo presented a 45-minute repertoire featuring songs in Ilocano, Pangasinense, Ilonggo, Bicolano, Kapampangan and Cebuano, drawing strong audience response.
On Dec. 12, embassy officials visited Contecon Manzanillo, a Philippine-owned firm and subsidiary of International Container Terminal Services Inc. CEO José Antonio Contreras led a tour of the facilities and outlined the company’s operational priorities through 2026, citing its role in boosting the port’s efficiency and capacity.
The embassy also paid courtesy calls on Colima Gov. Indira Vizcaíno Silva and Manzanillo Mayor Rosa María Bayardo Cabrera. Discussions highlighted the Manila-Acapulco galleon trade and explored opportunities for cooperation in trade, investment, education, tourism and cultural exchange.
The embassy said the Philippines’ participation as Country of Honor reaffirmed its enduring partnership with the state of Colima and pointed to prospects for deeper bilateral collaboration.
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