Culture, community and cuisine: Malta Day held at SiGMA Asia
Over 40 ambassadors and consuls based in Manila gathered at SiGMA Asia today to celebrate Malta Day to commemorate Sette Giugnio, one of the most historic national holidays on the island.
Held as part of the iGaming and emerging tech event’s flagship Asia summit, the event was held for the first time in the Philippines. It was hosted by the Maltese Embassy to Philippines, in collaboration with SiGMA, on the summit’s opening day.
A programme shaped by diplomacy and dialogue
The afternoon began with the arrival of distinguished guests, followed by a series of addresses from key figures representing both Malta and the Philippines.
H.E. Ambassador of Malta to China and Philippines John Busuttil officially opened proceedings and outlined the importance of partnership and cultural exchange. “We are not just celebrating a date but an idea. The idea that two archipelagos separated by thousands of miles of ocean can be brought closer together by shared values, shared aspirations and shared digital futures,” he said.
This was followed by an address from Dr Regina Jacinto Barrientos, Malta Consul for Manila, who highlighted the strengthening relationship between Malta and the Philippines. She pointed out that both Malta and the Philippines have shared histories, but “it’s exciting that we have much to look forward to in the area of new technologies.”
Maria Andrelita S. Austria, Department of Foreign Affairs Undersecretary for Economic and Cultural Diplomacy, pointed out that, while it is evident that digital innovation has taken a more central role, we must make sure its use is ethical. She pointed out that the Philippines shares Malta’s vision of ethical use of AI, adding that Malta recently signed the world’s AI literacy deal with OpenAI and Microsoft.
Eman Pulis, Founder of SiGMA Group, then took to the stage, sharing insights into SiGMA’s global growth and its ongoing commitment to meaningful impact through the SiGMA Foundation. SiGMA Foundation is an organisation that empowers those in need the most through fundraising events, charity work, education programs and skills training.
Youth orchestra delivers a moving cultural centrepiece
A standout feature of this year’s Malta Day was the performance by the youth orchestra, mentored by Maltese Father Joseph Cremona.
The young musicians presented a carefully curated selection of Maltese music in the Philippines. “Their performance served as a cultural highlight of the event, creating an authentic and engaging atmosphere for our guests,” SiGMA Asia said.
A Maltese culinary journey in Manila
Guests were also treated to traditional Maltese food by Maltese nun Sister Maryann Farrugia. Based in Manila, Sister Maryann made delicacies inspired by traditional Maltese flavours.
The menu and accompanying selections included traditional delicacies such as pastizzi, bigilla and galletti, taking guests through Malta’s culinary identity and complementing the cultural narrative of the event.
This event also had the support of the Malta Tourism Authority.
Strengthening bonds through shared heritage
Through music, cuisine and meaningful dialogue, the event fostered deeper connections between Malta and its international partners, particularly within the Asian community. The involvement of Father Cremona’s youth orchestra and the emphasis on authentic Maltese elements highlighted the importance of heritage in shaping global connections.
As SiGMA continues to expand its presence worldwide, Malta Day remains a cornerstone of its identity: a celebration not only of where the event comes from, but also of the collaborations that continue to shape its future.
