MANILA, Philippines - The Embassy of the Republic of Colombia in the Philippines celebrated the 204th year of the Independence of the Republic of Colombia with distinguished guests from the diplomatic corps, the government headed by Secretary Albert F. Del Rosario of the Department of Foreign Affairs, members of the business community and Colombian nationals in the Philippines. Chargé d’ Affaires Stella Márquez de Araneta and Consul ad-honorem Jorge L. Araneta led the celebration held at the Bahay na Puti. In a video message sent to all Colombian missions and diplomatic offices overseas, the recently re-elected President of Colombia Juan Manuel Santos encouraged his countrymen to support the Colombian government’s program geared toward the achievement of genuine and lasting peace in the country. Photos by JOEY VIDUYA