The Royal Norwegian Embassy in Manila

🇳🇴 Norwegian Language Café 2026 🇵🇭

Last Saturday the Royal Norwegian Embassy in Manila, together with CGI in the Philippines, hosted the Norwegian Language Café 2026.

The event was opened by Ambassador Christian Halaas Lyster, who shared a light-hearted introduction to Norwegian culture, traditions, food, and life in Norway.

Participants enjoyed interactive language activities, games, and conversations in a fun and welcoming atmosphere, while practicing basic Norwegian and connecting with fellow Norway enthusiasts.

Thank you to everyone who joined us and we look forward to seeing you again at next year's Norwegian Language Café.

Photos/Video: CGI Philippines

The Nordic Ambassadors to the Philippines concluded their annual joint visit to Puerto Princesa, Palawan, hosted this year by Finland. The program brought together the four Ambassadors of Finland, Sweden, Denmark and Norway for exchanges with local government leaders, media, health and environmental advocates, and security stakeholders on issues ranging from sustainable development and public service delivery to community resilience, reproductive health, environmental protection and regional security.

During the trip, the Ambassadors met with Mayor of Puerto Princesa City, Lucilo R. Bayron, and Governor of Palawan, Amy R. Alvarez. The Ambassadors also had a working dinner with WESCOM representatives to discuss regional security. In addition to official meetings, the Ambassadors met with Palawan News, Roots of Health advocacy for reproductive health and rights and learned about their important work in Puerto Princesa.

They also visited Ms. Patty Ortega at PATIO Agritourism Park to get familiarized with her farm and work to support local farming communities, and the visit concluded with a lunch at ALOHA farm, enjoying local delicacies with the farmer community.

This visit highlighted the Nordic countries’ shared commitment to dialogue, partnership and inclusive development in the Philippines.

Building bridges through education and research

The Royal Norwegian Embassy in Manila welcomed representatives from the University of Asia and the Pacific in a meeting with Ambassador Christian Halaas Lyster.

The discussion highlighted Norwegian and Filipino cultural nuances, and the growing collaboration between Norwegian and Philippine academic institutions. This includes Dr. Mary Josefti C. Nito’s forthcoming post doctoral research fellowship at the University of Oslo. Her research—focusing on ecological cooperation and the historical period of the 1500s–1600s in the Philippines, including the anthropological constructs in early maps—offers valuable perspectives on shared histories and understanding of the ancient world's ecology.

We wish Dr. Nito every success in this new chapter and look forward to strengthening partnerships in education, research, and beyond.

Quezon City — Last Thursday, the Ambassador joined Misjonalliansen (Mission Alliance), national and local government partners, and the Nordic Liaison Office in marking 50 years of Mission Alliance's work in the Philippines.

From advancing action against online sexual abuse and exploitation of children (OSAEC), to strengthening prevention and community-based protection, this partnership reflects a shared commitment to safeguarding children.

At the law enforcement level, Norway works closely with Philippine counterparts through the Nordic Liaison Office in Manila—recognising that protecting children requires strong cross-border cooperation. Norway also supports the work through local governments, supporting Mission Alliance's work, funding Plan International Pilipinas projects nationwide, and partnering with the local governance OSAEC research of the De La Salle University.

As Ambassador Christian Halaas Lyster underscored in his keynote during the opening of the Multistakeholder OSAEC Conference 2026:

“When something truly matters, we should be patient, stubborn, and work together… we are all stubborn together.”

We thank and congratulate Mission Alliance Philippines for five decades of dedicated partnership—and reaffirm our shared commitment to the OSAEC work, ensuring that children receive nothing less than our stubborn best.

🎬✨Amazing day for cinema!

The Norwegian Embassy teamed up with the Film Development Council of the Philippines for an exclusive screening of Joachim Trier’s hit "The Worst Person in the World" AND the Oscar-winning masterpiece "Sentimental Value"! 🇳🇴🇵🇭

Ambassador Christian Lyster had the crowd buzzing when he shared how Norway and the Philippines are perfectly in sync when it comes to loving movies. 🎥❤️

A day full of great films, cultural connections, and unforgettable moments!

Ambassador Christian Halaas Lyster met with the Minister of State of Palau Gustav Aitaro for a dialogue on shared priorities and cooperation platforms.

The exchange on 15 May highlighted Norway’s continued engagement with Palau, including high-level participation and side events in the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) in September. Norway also highlights ongoing efforts to advance sustainable ocean management, disarmament, and climate resilience. Ambassador Lyster also shared his upcoming field visit to a Norwegian-supported initiative by the Norwegian People's Aid in Koror in June.

We also extend our appreciation to German Ambassador Andreas Pfaffernoschke for hosting the meeting at the Residence.

Norway looks forward to building on this important cooperation with Palau and the Pacific Island Forum in the months ahead.

Get ready to embark on a journey to learn and practice basic Norwegian in the most fun and interactive way possible. Hosted by the Royal Norwegian Embassy in Manila and CGI Philippines, featuring special activities and games. No prior Norwegian Language proficiency is required.

First drink (Coffee, Soda, Beer) is complimentary with the option to order food and additional drinks by yourself.

Date: Saturday 30 May
Time: 14:30-17:00 hrs
Venue: The Astbury, 2 Orion, Poblacion, Makati

Registration and more information:
https://forms.gle/6eUN7Y26npNdVexM9

Gratulerer med dagen! 🇳🇴

Last Tuesday night, the Norwegian Embassy in Manila hosted a memorable and one-of-a-kind celebration of Norway’s National Day at the Museo del Galeón, showcasing the vibrant and enduring friendship between the two nations.

The event featured a lively parade with a marching band going around the Galeon ship, symbolizing the strong bonds in maritime collaboration, renewable energy, seafood trade, and our shared commitment to sustainable development. It was inspiring to see representatives from government, civil society, peace NGOs, and various sectors come together in camaraderie and partnership.

We are proud of the deep connections that continue to strengthen Norway-Philippines relations, built on mutual respect and collaboration across diverse fields.
Thank you to everyone who joined us in celebrating this special occasion.
A heartfelt thanks to our sponsors for their support!

Together, Norway and the Philippines look forward to a future of continued friendship and shared success.

Hurra! Hurra! Hurra! 🇳🇴🇳🇴🇳🇴

Level 1 Sponsors:
Jotun
Odfjell
Shipmoney
Scatec
Wilhelmsen
DelRosario & DelRosario
DNV
Royal Norwegian Seafood
DMMA College of Southern Philippines
OSM Thome
Norwegian Training Center
Knutsen Group

Level 2 Sponsors:
Solvang
Yara
Our Lady of Triumph Institute of Technology
Solstad
Jordan, Orkla
Altera
Poseidon
Consolidated Training Systems Incorporated (CTSI)
The Marshall Islands Registry
AD & V Business Consultancy and Outsourcing Services Inc.
Medmar Travel Agency

Philippines Norway Business Council - PNBC

𝐀𝐧𝐧𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐰𝐢𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐝𝐨𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐟𝐢𝐥𝐦 𝐬𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 We are pleased to announce 6 lucky winners of the competition to win tickets for our very special double screening featuring movies from acclaimed Oscar winning Norwegian Director Joachim Trier, this coming Saturday. Winners will also enjoy a small reception hosted by the Royal Norwegian Embassy and FDCP between the two screenings.

The lucky winners are:

Jovy Perez
Axl Roel Andaya
Zay Delos Santos
Andy Mar
Celine Rudio Uzarraga
Regina Rabanillo

Congratulations 🎉🎉🎉

Winners will be contacted via DM shortly.