Czech National Day reception celebrates shared values and growing ties with PH

The Czech Embassy in Manila hosted a vibrant reception in celebration of Czech National Day on Sept. 29 at the Fairmont Hotel in Makati, marking the anniversary of the founding of independent Czechoslovakia in 1918.

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Ambassador Karel Hejč leads the traditional toast with Undersecretary Leo M. Herrera-Lim for migration affairs of the Department of Foreign Affairs, and the Most Reverend Charles J. Brown, apostolic nuncio to the Republic of the Philippines.

The event, attended by diplomats, government officials, cultural partners, and members of the Czech and Filipino communities, highlighted the enduring friendship and expanding cooperation between the Czech Republic and the Philippines.

Ambassador Karel Hejč, in his keynote address, opened with a heartfelt acknowledgment of the Czech Republic's recent sporting triumph at the World Men's Volleyball Championship held in Manila. "Against all odds and paper predictions," he said, "the Czech team made it through to the bronze medal game, ultimately finishing fourth in the world—our best result since 1970." He credited the "small yet mighty and very loud Czech community" for their passionate support, noting how such moments "bring our nations closer through shared pride, hospitality, and mutual respect."