NUS Alumni Network Manila Attends the 59th Singapore National Day in Manila

03 September

The National University of Singapore (NUS) Alumni Network Manila attended a reception hosted by the Singapore Embassy in Manila at the Grand Hyatt Ballroom in Bonifacio Global City (BGC) to celebrate Singapore’s 59th National Day and the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Singapore.

Approximately fifty-five alumni were present at the event, which followed shortly after the state visit of Singapore President Tharman Shanmugaratnam to the Philippines in August 2024. The alumni represented ten faculties and schools, including Arts & Social Sciences, Business, Computing, Design and Environment, Engineering, Public Health, Public Policy, Science, Law, and Yale-NUS.

The short programme commenced at around 6.30pm, with Ambassador Constance See (Arts & Social Sciences ’97) emphasizing the strong, warm relationship between Singapore and the Philippines, and highlighting ongoing areas of cooperation between the two nations. She also expressed her gratitude for the warm welcome she has received since assuming her post last year. Joining her in the toast were Department of Foreign Affairs Undersecretary for Bilateral Relations and ASEAN Affairs Ma. Theresa Lazaro and Most Rev. Charles John Brown, DD, Apostolic Nuncio to the Philippines.

Around 800 guests, including government officials, members of the Diplomatic and Consular Corps, the business community, and Singaporeans in Manila, filled the ballroom to capacity. The NUS Alumni Network Manila Committee officers were present to welcome the NUS alumni who came. They are Chapter Chairperson Mr Richard Tan (Public Policy ’13), Vice-Chair Mr Nestor Precioso (Science ’06), and Chapter Treasurer Ms Karla Hotchkiss-Rufino (Business ’10). At least half of the NUS alumni who attended the reception were first-timers.

The evening’s festivities featured a variety of entertainment and prizes. The University of the Philippines Concert Chorus delivered a stunning performance, setting a celebratory mood. Exciting giveaways, including round trip tickets to Singapore, kept the energy high, while guests enjoyed complimentary treats like Irvin’s Salted Egg snacks and Tiong Bahru Bakery croissants. Throughout the event, free-flowing wine, Tiger beer, and an excellent spread of Singaporean cuisine—including favorites like laksa and crispy pork—further enhanced the celebration.

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