THE EMBASSY of the Philippines in Phnom Penh hosted a diplomatic reception to celebrate the 118th Anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence at Raffles Hotel Le Royal on Monday, June 13. Over 200 guests, including members of the royal family, high ranking officials, diplomatic corps, and business leaders attended the event, which was graced by the appearance of Ly Thouch, senior minister in charge of Special Missions as guest of honour. The guests were also treated to the musical talent of the Philippines with the Philippines’ Loboc Children’s Choir, which flew all the way from the Philippines. They wowed the audience with awe-inspiring renditions of the Prayer, Kruhay (a Filipino song), and Arrapiya, a favourite Cambodian song. The dinner buffet was made up completely of Philippine cuisine, which the guests thoroughly enjoyed. Photos by Hong Menea