The Philippine Consulate General in Barcelona, welcomed on 18 May 2022, fourteen members of the Asociacion Española de Amigos de los Castillos or the Spanish Association of Friends of the Castles. The visiting contingent was headed by the Association’s President in the Catalunya region, Mr. Miguel Ribera del Pueyo.

The association founded in 1952 has 2,400 members (300 based in Catalunya) who all share a common goal of preserving and protecting both the moral and material integrity of historical buildings in Spain. The organization also endeavors to do further research on the history of said buildings with the aim to further revitalize and promote their importance to the Spanish people.

As an organization that places value on their country’s heritage and culture, Barcelona PCG capitalized on this and gave the visitors an overview of the shared cultural heritage and identity as a result of the historical interaction between Filipinos and Spaniards during the Spanish colonial era.

A guided tour of the ongoing Santo Niño exhibit was also given to the visitors which further highlighted the influence of Spain not only on Philippine history but also on its culture, heritage and tradition.

Consul General Maria Theresa S.M. Lazaro expressed her appreciation to the members of the Association for choosing the Consulate as part of their monthly site visits to historical buildings.

Consul General Lazaro also received numerous queries from the guests, on matters ranging from Philippine tourism and requirements for traveling to the Philippines to business matching. Barcelona PCG will address the queries so that the arrival of potential tourists to the Philippines can materialize and mutually beneficial business opportunities can be realized.

Consul General Maria Theresa S.M. Lazaro with the members of the Asociacion Española de Amigos de los Castillos

 Consul General Maria Theresa S.M. Lazaro giving a tour of the Santo Niño Exhibit

Consul General Maria Theresa S.M. Lazaro receiving a token of appreciation from the President of the Catalunya sector of the Asociacion Española de Amigos de los Castillos

Consul General Maria Theresa S.M. Lazaro with Barcelona PCG personnel and members of the Asociacion Española de Amigos de los Castillos