Manama, Bahrain — The Filipino community in Bahrain warmly welcomed Ambassador-Designate Gines Jaime Ricardo D. Gallaga during a festive meet-and-greet held on the grounds of the Philippine Embassy on 28 November 2025. The gathering, celebrated in true Filipino fiesta spirit, brought together community leaders, organization representatives, and embassy officials in a vibrant display of unity and support.
Ambassador’s Remarks
In his speech, His Excellency Ambassador Gallaga expressed gratitude to everyone in attendance, noting his delight in meeting community leaders whose presence reflects the unity and strength of the more than 55,000 Filipinos living in Bahrain. He shared that this occasion marked his first official hosting as Ambassador, making it especially meaningful.
Ambassador Gallaga highlighted the importance of strengthening ties within the Filipino community and reaffirmed his commitment to working collaboratively toward shared goals for the welfare and advancement of Filipinos in the Kingdom.
Throughout his years in the Foreign Service, in various postings abroad, he has always viewed the Filipino community as vital partners in nation-building, believing that by working together, more can be achieved for the benefit of every Filipino.
Introduction of Embassy’s Official
In addition to Dr. Orville A. Ballitoc, Labor Attaché; Vice Consul Charlie Florian T. Prenicolas; OWWA Welfare Officer Juvilyn Anns “Butch” Gumabay; and Fatima Dalyn Mendoza, SSS Representative, the Ambassador also introduced his wife, Moira G. Gallaga, who was warmly acknowledged during the presentation. Their introduction highlighted the Embassy’s strengthened team and its continued commitment to providing comprehensive support for overseas Filipinos in Bahrain.
Paskuhan sa Pasuguan
He invited the Filipino community to join the Paskuhan sa Pasuguan on 12 December, from 3:00 PM to 9:00 PM at the Embassy grounds. The celebration will showcase food and merchandise stalls by Filipino vendors, alongside Christmas carols, raffle draws, and a Lumpia Contest for pre-registered participants.
New Initiative ‘Lingkod Kababayan Friday’
Ambassador Gallaga also announced the launch of ‘Lingkod Kababayan Friday,’ a special frontline service to be held on the first Friday of every month, starting in Janduary 2026. This initiative aims to recognize the hard work of kababayans and better accommodate those who cannot visit the Embassy during regular working days, providing services for consular matters, MWO, OWWA and SSS,
Community Participation
Approximately 150 attendees joined the celebration, making it a lively and meaningful introduction for Ambassador Gallaga as he begins his diplomatic service in Bahrain. The warm reception reflected the Filipino community’s optimism and cooperation as they look forward to working closely with the new envoy.
Rosemarie Hernandez, president of Filipino Club Bahrain (FCB), expressed her greetings, saying: “The Filipino Club Bahrain warmly welcomes our new Ambassador. It was an honor to meet him, and we are sincerely grateful for the opportunity. We look forward to supporting his leadership and working together for the continued growth and well-being of the Filipino community in the Kingdom of Bahrain.”
Filipino American Association of Bahrain (Fil-Am Bahrain) president, Orlando Fontanilla, also extended a warm welcome:
“On behalf of Fil-Am Bahrain, I warmly welcome His Excellency Gines Jaime Ricardo D. Gallaga, Ambassador-Designate of the Republic of the Philippines to the Kingdom of Bahrain. It is an honor to meet you today, Your Excellency, and we are grateful for your presence at this meaningful gathering. Together with our Vice President for Internal Affairs, Mr. Joselito Sarmiento, we look forward to fostering a strong and collaborative relationship with your esteemed office. Fil-Am Bahrain remains committed to supporting our kababayans and promoting unity, service, and cultural pride within the Filipino community.”
My heartfelt best wishes to His Excellency as he assumes his role as the new Philippine Ambassador to Bahrain. May his service be guided with wisdom, dedication, and meaningful accomplishments for our kababayans,” conveyed Christian Martizano, President of the Philippine Badminton League Bahrain.
Scott Saboy, officer of the Filipino Writers’ Circle Bahrain (Filwrite Bahrain), shared his reflections on the Ambassador’s engagements, ‘’It’s heartwarming to see the new ambassador hit the ground running with all these visits with various individuals and groups in the Kingdom not only for meet-and-greet purposes but also for initial talks on possible collaborative programs, projects and activities. His inclusion in his inaugural speech schedules for upcoming events is a preview of a productive diplomatic stint in the next six years. The presence of his wife, Ma’am Moira, herself an essayist and poet also augurs well for the Filipino writers here, as her background and interests can help inspire and strengthen the literary community in Bahrain.”
Notable Personalities and Organizations
Notable personalities in attendance included Mr. Mitch de Guzman, president of the Travelers Tribe Masonic Club Bahrain (T2), Ms. Dinah Sta. Ana of Pinay Ikaw Na (PIN), and Ms. Antonette Avila of Good Cause Bahrain, highlighting the continued engagement of Filipino leaders in promoting social support, empowerment, and cultural solidarity.
Several organizations were also represented, including Katolikong Pinoy, Ateneo Leadership and Social Entrepreneurship (ALSE), Koro Filipino and members of Iglesia ni Kristo (INC), each contributing to community development and civic leadership.
Some professional groups were equally present, with members from the United Architects of the Philippines (UAP) – Bahrain Chapter, the Philippine Teachers Association of Bahrain (PTAB), and the Philippine Institute of Civil Engineers (PICE), reflecting strong support and active engagement from the Filipino professional community in the Kingdom.
The collective presence of leaders, volunteers, and professionals highlighted the Filipino community’s cooperation and dedication to service, and reinforced their partnership with the Philippine Embassy in warmly welcoming the Ambassador.
Ambassador Gallaga’s Background
Ambassador-Designate Gines Jaime Ricardo D. Gallaga arrives in the Kingdom of Bahrain with a distinguished record of service in both the military and the Philippine Foreign Service.
Before joining the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) in 2000, Ambassador Gallaga served as a military officer from 1991 to 2000, holding key roles in the Philippine Army’s First Scout Ranger Regiment and the Defense Intelligence and Security Group. His decade-long military career laid a strong foundation for his later work in diplomacy, marked by discipline, leadership, and strategic acumen.
Within the DFA, Ambassador Gallaga has served in various vital capacities. He was formerly the Acting Senior Special Assistant at the Office of the Undersecretary for Administration and Acting Director for the South America and Regional Multilateral Affairs Division at the Office of American Affairs. He also worked as Assistant Director for the United States of America Division and Principal Assistant in both the Southeast Asia Division and the Pacific Division under the Office of Asia and the Pacific.
His extensive overseas assignments include postings in Stockholm, Sweden; Lisbon, Portugal; Washington, D.C.; and Los Angeles, USA, experiences that have equipped him with a wide global perspective and a deep understanding of international relations.
Ambassador Gallaga’s proven dedication and broad diplomatic background are expected to strengthen the Philippine mission in Bahrain and further enhance the longstanding relationship between the two nations.
