Stamps celebrating PHL-Cuba relations out by July 1

The Philippine Embassy in Havana said the special commemorative stamps marking the 65th anniversary of the establishment of Philippine-Cuban diplomatic relations will be unveiled on July 1. Charge d' Affaires (CDA) Wilfredo Maximo said the unveiling of the stamps is one of the highlights of this year's celebration of Philippine-Cuba ties. The unveiling rites will be held at the Casa de la Amistad, Cuban Institute of Friendship with the Peoples (ICAP) headquarters on July 1. According to a news release on the Department of Foreign Affairs website, the event is jointly organized by the Embassy, the Cuban Foreign Ministry and the Cuban Ministry of Communications. Recently, the Philippine Embassy in Havana celebrated the 113th anniversary of the Declaration of Philippine Independence with a cultural visit of the Embassy to the José Martí Memorial on June 8. It was arranged by ICAP to help the embassy staff become familiar with the life story of Cuba's national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal's contemporary José Martí. Also part of the celebration of Philippine Independence Day was the raising of the Philippine flag at the Chancery on June 12. Maximo read the Independence Day message of President Benigno S. Aquino III, while Vice Consul Jason Anasarias read the message of Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert F. del Rosario. After the flag-raising ceremony, the members of the Filipino-Cuban community were treated to a breakfast featuring Filipino cuisine. - VVP, GMA News