Makati City — September 21, 2026, Makati Shangri-La Hotel
The Embassy of Malaysia in Manila proudly celebrated the 69th National Day of Malaysia on the evening of September 21, 2026, at the Makati Shangri-La Hotel — an evening of festivity, diplomatic solidarity, and a powerful collective call for peace and justice across nations, held at a significant moment as the Philippines now serves as Chair of ASEAN.
Hosted by Dato’ Ambassador Abdul Malik Melvin Castelino bin Anthony, the celebration was made possible through the full support of the Malaysian Embassy home staff led by Norjufri Nizar Edrus, Deputy Head of Mission, alongside key embassy officials: Muhammad Iqbal Ismail (Minister Counsellor), Nur Farahliza Putri Naaim Yazid (Counsellor / Head of Chancery), Shahril Anwar Anwar Abdul Latif (Counsellor), Tan Foo Koeng (First Secretary), Col. Ahmad Jafri Ahmad Zulyadai (Defence Attaché) and spouse Norafidah A., Lt. Cdr. Mohd Adzmirul Azrie (Assistant Defence Attaché), Ssgt. Mohd Nashreeq Mak Fon (Assistant Staff) and spouse Anna, Kpl Mohammad Ikhmal Hafidzi Seman (Admin Staff) and spouse Ema, Supt. Al-Malek Bin Kasoh (Police Attaché), Asp. Mohd Haniff Bin Abdul Latiff (Assistant Police Attaché), Azlina Che Dir (Trade Attaché), Mohd Amsyari Yahya (Assistant Trade Attaché) and spouse Anis, Mohd Faizal Sharip (Tourism Attaché) and spouse Juma, Rohana Dahalan (Assistant Tourism Attaché), Mohd Farriq Osman (Second Secretary), Siti Sarah Mohammad Safian (Third Secretary), Wan Normielyana Natasha Wan Azmi (Office Secretary), Muhammad Azharuddin Ismail (Office Secretary), Ammar Syafiq bin Ayob (Embassy Chef), and Tezla Gael Raquinio.
Undersecretary Marie Theresa De Vega of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) served as Guest of Honor, joined by Dean of the Diplomatic Corps and Apostolic Nuncio Archbishop Charles Brown. The ceremony featured the traditional ceremonial cake-cutting and toast — honoring the enduring Malaysia–Philippines friendship, strengthened further as the Philippines assumes the ASEAN Chairmanship for 2026, advancing regional cooperation, unity, and shared prosperity across Southeast Asia.
In his remarks, Ambassador Castelino delivered a moving statement centered on humanity, equity, and ASEAN’s collective values, with a firm, heartfelt plea: “Peace and justice for the people of Palestine.” The Ambassador emphasized that true and lasting peace cannot exist without justice — that every people deserves dignity, freedom, and fairness under international law. He underscored that as ASEAN works toward greater regional solidarity under Philippine leadership, the bloc must also stand united in upholding universal human rights and just causes beyond the region. His words resonated deeply with the entire assembly, reinforcing Malaysia’s unwavering solidarity and moral stand for both peace and justice in the pursuit of a just world.
Distinguished members of the diplomatic corps in attendance included: H.E. Bartinah Ntombizodwa Radebe-Netshitenzhe (South Africa), H.E. Dr. Asima Rabbani (Pakistan), H.E. Ei Ei Tin (Myanmar), H.E. Marciano Octavio Garcia Da Silva (Timor-Leste), H.E. Faisal bin Ibrahim Al-Ghamdi (Saudi Arabia), H.E. Meshari Yousef Muhammad Alnibari (Kuwait), H.E. Mounir Y.K. Anastas (Palestine), India H.E. Harsh Kumar Jain, Iraqi H.E Khalid Ibrahim Mohammed, Angola H.E Daniel Antonio Rosa and Consul Marinella Rebong Gonzales (Guinea).
Also present were public officials and prominent community leaders: Ako OFW Party-list Representative Vince Mañalac and spouse; City of San Jose del Monte Mayor Florida Robes; Former Ilocos Sur Governor Chavit Singson; businesswoman Malou Brewer, President of Zonta Club Metro Rizal, with granddaughter Ashley; Noel Ruiz, Program Coordinator of the Hanns Seidel Foundation; PCCI Regional Governor Xavier Mercado and spouse; Andrew Koh of the Singapore Chamber of Commerce and Industry; Azhar Mahmood of the Berjaya Group; and representatives of the Malaysia Chamber of Commerce and Industries Philippines (MCCI), Malou Ampuan founder-Philippine Halal Trade and Tourism Expo (PHTTE) and the Universal Islamic Center (UIC).
Also showcase as part of CSR contribution by Biblio a 1,000 book donation led by Ms Ley Almeda
It was an honor to have Mj Balaguer (Maryam Jannah Binti Ismail) of www.dzmjonline.net and Michael Balaguer (Abdul Malik Bin Ismail) of www.diaryongtagalog.net serve as official media partners, capturing and sharing this meaningful milestone.
The 69th National Day celebration stood not only as a tribute to Malaysia’s journey of nationhood but as a united, resounding affirmation — that peace and justice are inseparable, universal aspirations binding all peoples, and that ASEAN, under Philippine leadership, stands strongest when it stands together for what is right.
