2025 La Fiesta: 126 years of La Cámara’s legacy of celebrating talent
From L-R: La Camara Board of Directors: Mr. Zane Fansler, Mr. Fermin Alvarez, Mr. Diego Castillejo, La Camara President – Ruben Camba, H.E. Ambassador Miguel Utray, Department of Education representative Usec. Mel John Versoza, UST representative Rev. Fr. Louie Coronel, Instituto Cervantes Director Francisco Lopez Tapia, Ayala Corporation President – Bong Consing, and La Camara
MANILA, Philippines — Top business leaders, government officials, and dignitaries gathered to celebrate the 126th anniversary of the Spanish Chamber of Commerce in the Philippines (La Cámara) through La Fiesta 2025: Celebrating Talent.
The event highlighted the enduring friendship and strong trade relations between Spain and the Philippines while recognizing exceptional talents in various fields.
La Cámara President and Managing Director of ACCIONA Southeast Asia Ruben Camba said Philippines and La Camara has been working together to drive progress and ensure positive impact in various fields for 126 years.
“Reflecting on our journey, we honor the individuals and organizations that have played a vital role in shaping La Cámara’s success. As we move forward, we remain committed to fostering partnerships and celebrating the talent that drives our shared progress,” Camba stated.
Spanish Ambassador to the Philippines, His Excellency Miguel Utray, highlighted the significance of the longstanding ties between the two nations, particularly in terms of trade, infrastructure, and energy sector.
“In recent years, Spanish businesses have played a pivotal role in driving growth across key sectors of the Philippine economy—from infrastructure and energy to water management and digital transformation. The contributions of these companies go beyond investments; they embody a commitment to sustainability, innovation, and inclusive development,” Utray said.
“In infrastructure, Spanish expertise has been instrumental in advancing projects that significantly enhance connectivity and mobility across the archipelago. Meanwhile, in the energy sector, we are proud to support the Philippines’ transition toward renewable sources, championing initiatives that harness solar, wind, and hydroelectric power. These efforts reflect our shared dedication to building a greener and more resilient future,” the Ambassador added.
Utray also noted the important role of the Spanish Chamber of Commerce in bridging Philippines and Spain, fostering dialogue, and encouraging collaborations that benefit both countries.
“Our partnership is not solely defined by commerce. It is equally strengthened by the people-to-people connections that have flourished over the years. The exchanges between Spanish and Filipino professionals, entrepreneurs, and thought leaders have not only enriched our business communities but have also spurred creativity and progress,” he explained.
This year’s La Fiesta recognized organizations and their representatives for their outstanding contributions.
The awardees include Ayala Corporation President Cezar “Bong” Consing, who received an award for pioneering end-to-end mobility solutions through AC Mobility, and Instituto Cervantes Director Mr. Francisco Lopez Tapia, who was recognized for promoting the Spanish culture and education in the Philippines.
Education Undersecretary Mel John Versoza was also recognized for enhancing educational access nationwide, while University of Santo Tomas (UST) Secretary General Rev. Fr. Louie Coronel accepted the award for the university’s legacy in developing world-class leaders and talents.
The awardees were given trophies inspired by “Las Meninas” and painted by the artist Felipao.
Successfully capturing the spirit of collaboration and excellence, La Fiesta set the stage for another year of thriving partnerships between Spain and the Philippines.
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