Brian Kennett
Amateur Chef and Boozy Traveling Foodie Extraordinaire
PHILIPPINE EMBASSY SINGAPORE REVIEW: This is a place to visit in Singapore, it is stunning...
PHILIPPINE EMBASSY SINGAPORE REVIEW: The Philippines gets fancy new digs in Singapore, and when I say fancy, I really do mean: fancy!!! Look, I’ve been to plenty of Embassy openings—OK, that’s a lie, I’ve been to exactly zero—until now. But, I have been to a number of events at British and Australian Embassy back in the day.
So, when Islifearecipe’s friend, Ambassador Macaraig, invited Spence and I, we were deeply honoured, mightily humbled and literally jumped at the chance. Ambassador Macaraig, and Team, held the relaunch of Sentro Rizal Singapore and formal opening of the new Chancery and Embassy on 9th January 2026 at 20 Nassim Road, after a rather beautiful mass (another first for me). I tell you, something special happened this night in Singapore‘s diplomatic scene. And by special, I mean the kind of special that involves years of construction, lots of investment of time and money, design and ideation, and probably enough paperwork to wallpaper the entire new building twice over.
It’s not just an embassy, it’s a Filippino ‘home’, somewhere to feel safe and supported, and you immediately get that feeling of warmth when you enter. Ambassador Macaraig joked with us about meetings that were held to decide on bottle or cans for the San Miguels at the launch-yes, that was important, what rooms had great acoustics for his forthcoming Karaoke sessions with his guests: yes, the Ambassador is a great singer… and a forthoming (spoiler alert) book from the embassy on the Filipino cuisine in Singapore> I personally can’t wait for that, and Islifearecipe will hopefully be reviewing that when it goes to print…
We had such a wonderful night with Ambassador Macaraig, his team, and our friends and community from the Philippines. It truly is an honour to be considered part of this amazing country and its celebrations. It also gave me a great chance to dust off my Knight of Rizal uniform, and kick me into action for 2026 to get the Singapore Chapter progressing. Ambassador, sincerely thank you. #BeProud of what you and the crew have achieved – the Chancery and Sentro Rizal are second to none, it is such a beautiful space.
Philippine Embassy Singapore Contact Details
- Address: 20 Nassim Rd, Singapore 258395
- Telephone: 6737 3977
- eMail: singapore.pe@dfa.gov.ph
- Website: https://www.philippine-embassy.org.sg/
Philippine Embassy Singapore Review: Contents
Philippine Embassy Singapore: A Homecoming Three Years in the Making
Picture this: It’s December 2022. The Philippine Embassy staff are packing boxes like it’s moving day from your condo because the rent just went up 50% (remember that Grace?), except instead of hiding the damage deposit disasters, they’re carefully cataloging official documents, and artifacts. Why? Because to pave the way to the construction of the Chancery, the Philippine Embassy transferred to its temporary office at the Triple One Somerset in December 2022. That’s right, folks—the Philippines went full renovation mode, relocating 220,000 Filipinos worth of consular services to a temporary location while their permanent home got the most beautiful facelift.
And what a facelift it was. The new Chancery at 20 Nassim Road isn’t your lola-style embassy (unless your lola has impeccable taste in modern architecture and design). This is diplomatic headquarters meets sustainable design, complete with representartions everywhere of the art, culture, history and heroes of the Philippines that is sure to make other governments in Singapore slightly green with envy…
Go go go the philippines, talagang kakaiba at napakagandang chancery at embassy ang ginawa mo. Iniisip ng Islifearecipe na ito ang pinakamahusay sa Singapore. Ito ay isang WOW!!!
Ambassador Macaraig and the Art of Filipino Diplomacy
Let’s talk about the man behind much of this success: Ambassador Medardo G. Macaraig, a career diplomat with thirty years of experience at the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs. This isn’t some newcomer fumbling through diplomatic receptions; Ambassador Macaraig knows his stuff. Since presenting his credentials to Singaporean President Halimah Yacob in a ceremony held at the Istana back in February 2023, he’s been steering the Philippine diplomatic ship in Singapore with the steady hand of someone who’s seen it all.
And trust me, overseeing an embassy relocation while maintaining operations for over 220,000 Filipinos in Singapore takes more than just a good filing system—it requires diplomatic finesse, patience, and probably an industrial-sized coffee maker, or fridge full of Filipino water (you know what I mean). Amabassador Macaraig, is also a total gent, and so approachable and supporting. He will be sorely missed when he retires – and Islifearecipe implore the Ambassador to allow us to have a cook off pop-up and Karaoke one day to say thank you from us.
Who designed the Philippine Embassy Singapore?
That would be Islifearecipe’s BFFs Jeanette Zmijewski and King Perez from Outside Inside Designs. If you have any projects that desire that magical design touch, I suggest you look no further – these guys are the bar-raisers in the industry. as they say themselves: “Inside Outside Designs was founded with the goal of transforming living spaces into more than just bespoke domiciles – we also seek to create experiences, memories and above all, a place to call home.” and boy did the guys nail it on this brief!!!
The Philipinne Embassy Singapore Big Opening (And Why It Matters to Your Weekend Plans)
In October 2025 there was an initial inauguration, which also wasn’t just some ribbon-cutting ceremony with lukewarm canapés curling in the sun, no, The Minister for Foreign Affairs of Singapore, Dr. Vivian Balarishnan, served as Guest of Honour, because when you’re opening a new chancery for Philippine Embassy Singapore, you bring out the big guns. Dr. Vivian described Philippine–Singapore relations as having grown in “leaps and bounds”, which in diplomatic speak translates to “these two countries actually really do dig each other.”
Please Dr Vivian can we have a direct flight from Singapore to Bohol. I would be forever in your debt… Come visit my Kapre RestoBar – dinner and margaritas on me Sir.
The ceremony had all the rather amazing pomp you’d expect—flag-raising, ribbon-cutting, commemorative plaques—basically the greatest hits of diplomatic ceremonies. And the program concluded with a special video presentation showcasing the Philippine Embassy’s journey and milestones leading to the completion of its new chancery. Yes, they made a highlight reel for lasting memories. I bet someone cried.
I could have cried when I saw it this night at the relaunch (I blamed some dust in my eye…). It was such a beautiful event, anthems, flag raising, ribbon cutting, a mass for blessing, visits to the totally incredible Sentro Rizal, and the networking drinks and nibbles that were just downright fun with such a wonderful audience of friends and most awesome Filipinos. Salamat!!!
The New Philippine Embassy Singapore: What This Means for the Filipino Community
The boys from Islifearecipe all looking rather good methinks for this most wonderful event, with our dear friend Ambassador Macaraig. I think we could take on any boy band. P-POP, K-POP, eat your heart out – cos we are T-POP: Tatay-POP…
Now, before you think this is all just fancy government buildings and diplomatic handshakes, let me break down what this actually means for regular folks. Serving over 220,000 Filipinos in Singapore, the Embassy processes between 900 and 1,000 clients daily. That’s not a typo—one thousand people per day trudging through passport renewals, visa applications, notarial services and so on.
The new Chancery is designed to enhance consular and labour services, promote cultural exchanges, and host diplomatic engagements, with modern, inclusive, and beautiful spaces. Translation: shorter lines, absolute comfort and homely feel, better air conditioning, art eye-candy and memories of home everywhere you look, and maybe—just maybe—you won’t have to take a half-day off work anymore to renew your passport.
Or, perhaps you’ll actually want to take a day off and spend time immersed in this most wonderful space. Spoiler alert: Eventually you will be able to visit the Philippines Embassy, Chancery and Sentro Rizal as a ‘visitor-by-appointment’. Watch this space, folks.
Sentro Rizal: Because Culture Matters Too At The Philippine Embassy Singapore
I have to call out this art piece below. Yes, it’s a map of ther islands of the Philippines, created with the use of little woven ‘coasters’. It is totally genius, and yes Tagbilaran, Bohol is on the map woo hoo. Ambassador Macaraig was joking with the design team that they have now caused a blockage – yes, folks, because everyone stops to find their island home, and then pose for a Selfie Instagram or TikTok – I kid you not, this art piece performs better than a traffic light.
But wait, there’s more! Hidden within this diplomatic ‘fortress’ is something special for culture vultures: the Sentro Rizal. For those scratching their heads, Sentro Rizal aims to promote Philippine arts, culture, and language throughout the world through the establishment of Philippine centers in various countries. Named after national hero José Rizal (yes, the guy on your peso bills + my uniform that I am wearing (Knight of Rizal)), Sentro Rizal Singapore was the first to open in a Philippine foreign service post in 2017.
Think of it as a cultural embassy within the embassy—a place where Filipino heritage isn’t just preserved but actively celebrated, and in Singapore there are 100% unique pieces of art created/commissioned by Filipino artists just for Ambassador Macaraig. The Sentro Rizal is designed to keep the homeland connection alive. Plus, it offers an intimate venue for Filipino solemnisations (wish I’d have know that ten years ago), because apparently, nothing says “till death do us part” quite like saying your vows in a space dedicated to your national hero, plus I’ll be asking Ambassador Macaraig if I can have some knightings done here.
The Sentro Rizal in Singapore is truly showcasing just how seriously the Philippines take cultural preservation. This isn’t just a reading room with dusty books—it’s a living, breathing celebration of the Filipino videntity. It’s truly beautiful as you’ll see from the below.
This will blow your mind. This is actually the back of a chair, like a booth chair. Hand-crafted by amazing Filipino artisans. Totally stunning.
I love how this piece ‘bleeds’ into the frame. I stared at this for ages and walked away with many versions of what I interpreted this to be. What a cracker.
This back-pack, I think crafted from coconut husks was a beauty. In fact I got really attached to this – no, seriously, really attached as my beard got caught… (or did it…).
Everywhere you look in Sentro Rizal there are pieces of art and Filipino history. I walked through like three times and saw new things every visitation.
Again, another chair back. This sits at the mighty table I’ll mention next. Such beautiful art, skillfully woven into a chair, which makes the room come alive. It’s all just WOW.
OK, to the table. This is one piece of wood from the Philippines. This is a whole lump of Filipino Ironwood. This table top took… guess how many men to pick it up… FORTY!!!v
I mean, seriously, just check out this most wonderful of lights. It’s like a little village of kubos and such, with little figures, cats and dogs going about their daily business. Truly captivating. You can’t help but stop, pause, and soak it in. I believe the designer for this is the one and only, Kenneth Cobonpue.
Knights of Rizal
So far, we have had many mentions of Filipino national hero José Rizal, so indulge me to talk a little about the Knights of Rizal, an order of chivalry of the Philippines created to honour and uphold the ideals of the de facto Philippine national hero José Rizal. Yes, you read that right—actual knights, of which I am one. With an actual order of chivalry. Established way back in 1911, the Order was granted a legislative charter by President Elpidio Quirino as a non-sectarian, non-partisan, civic, patriotic, and cultural organization under Republic Act 646 on June 14, 1951.
So when I get called Sir in the Philippines, I literally can say: “Yes, you are totally right my good man…” Joking aside, to be part of the Knight’s order is quite the amazing thing, and this boy from Margate keeps on pinching himself. Watch this space for developments of The Singapore Chapter, hopefully this year.
The order has grown to more than 25,000 members belonging to 131 active chapters in the Philippines and 61 active chapters around the world including soon to be Singapore. I plan to create the Singapore chapter, so even in the Lion City, Filipino knights are keeping the Rizalian flame alive.
The Bigger Picture Of The Philippine Chancery Singapore
Here’s the thing about this new chancery that gets lost in all the architectural specifications and ribbon-cutting ceremonies: it represents something bigger. The Chancery, acquired by the Philippine Government on 06 January 1986, has undergone several upgrades over the years, but this redevelopment marks its most significant transformation yet.
This building is a statement—a 21st-century declaration that the Philippines is here, established, and investing in its people abroad. In a region where soft power matters and cultural diplomacy can be just as important as trade agreements, having a state-of-the-art chancery sends a message: the Philippines takes its overseas community, and people so seriously.
For the 220,000 Filipinos in Singapore, this isn’t just about nicer waiting rooms (though let’s be honest, that really does help, and they are gorgous). It’s about feeling seen, valued, and connected to home. When you’re thousands of miles from family (I know this feeling), dealing with homesickness and sinigang nostalgia, knowing your embassy and Ambassador has your back – and, that means a great deal – right.
Islifearecipe 'fun moments' at the Philippine Embassy Singapore
Game of Thrones be afraid, be very afraid. Who needs Lord Varys, The Spider, when I’ve got The Spencer. Spencer has been known to sit on another throne for hours on end.
I have to share this. Yes it is the toilet door for the gents. But, it is simply the very best ‘male signage’ ever, it being the Filipino male national costume of a Barong: total GENIUS…
Headgear that only Spence could pull off. I am certain post this blog, that this fashion accessory will be seen on the heads of many up and down the East Coast: such is the ‘influencer power’ of the Spence-meister.
The Philippine Embassy Singapore Has Family Homely Warmth: Ridiculously Good Family Homely Warmth
OK this art piece at the entrance to the Philippine Embassy is just incredible. This is a representation of the Narra Tree, the National Tree of the Philippines, a symbol of strength and resilience, known for its durable, high-quality wood used in furniture, and its beautiful golden flowers, representing Filipino heritage and persistence. But your’s truly could not miss the chance for a blatant promo plug opportunity of my restaurant opening in Panglao, Bohol: The Kapre RestoBar. Ballete/Narra, very similar – so says The Kapre.
Friends of Islifearecipe
OK new friends here that we met this wonderful evening. Wifey will be so jealous haha. Every time I travel to Manila I have to visit a certain shop at the airport and bring back four to five boxes of delicasies such as Ensaymadas from the infamous Mary Grace – well the lady in the middle is Mary Grace’s daughter, Chiara. Wow. Islifearecipe hope to be at the Singapore branch opening – watch this space…
You must have seen our blog review of Ritch’s Lechon by now? That thing has gone viral, with Filipinos flocking from across Singapore to Bedok Marketplace to get their hands on some of the very best lechon, and flan on the planet. It’s a must-try, folks, be you Filipino or other. That pork needs to be in your life one day.
So many friends from Embassy, to Ritch’s, and beyond – even the rather well known Filipino singer, Bruno Mars, joining us for a quick photo shoot. Islifearecipe are truly honoured to have so many happy smiley Filipino faces with us – we fell like family. Sincerely, Salamat.
Final Thoughts from Your Friendly Pinoy Blogger: Our Philippine Embassy Singapore Review
So there you have it—our story of how Philippine Embassy Singapore got a massive upgrade, complete with modern facilities, cultural centres, and the backing of one big fat hairy Knight who’ll challenge anyone to a duel if they disrespect Rizal’s legacy and the Chancery (okay, maybe not an actual duel, perhaps a Lechon eating contest at our BFF Ritch’s Lechon).
The next time you’re complaining about having to renew your passport, remember: people literally spent years planning, building, and perfecting this place so you could do exactly that. Be proud of it my Filipino friends, it’s a home from home, and she is a stunner.
If you’re ever in the neighbourhood of 20 Nassim Road, pop by the Sentro Rizal. Learn some Filipino, appreciate some art, maybe even catch a Karaoke song with Ambassador Macaraig. Because at the end of the day, this shiny new chancery isn’t just about diplomatic handshakes and consular services—it’s about keeping Filipino culture alive and thriving in the heart of Singapore.
Now if you’ll excuse me, I need to go and get another Pilsen from the fridge, some fresh lechon from Ritch and assume my pseudonym of “Sir Blogger Who Writes About Embassy Openings”. That has a nice ring to it. You Amassador’s out there, open your doors, Islifearecipe, is ready to rock: Salamat!!!
People also asked about Philippine Embassy Singapore
Q: Can I go to the Philippine Embassy without an appointment? Most Philippine Embassies and Consulates operate on a strict appointment-only basis—meaning you’ll need to book ahead for services like passport renewals, visa applications, and document authentication. This scheduling system helps manage crowd control and maintains health protocols. That said, there are some exceptions to the rule: genuine emergency cases may be accommodated, and certain embassies offer designated walk-in hours (such as special Sunday service days) for particular groups including senior citizens, persons with disabilities, and Overseas Filipino Workers with valid identification. Since policies vary by location, it’s best to visit your embassy’s official website to confirm their specific appointment requirements and available booking options.
Q: Can I walk in the Philippine Embassy in Singapore? Most Philippine Embassies and Consulates operate on a strict appointment-only basis—meaning you’ll need to book ahead for services like passport renewals, visa applications, and document authentication. This scheduling system helps manage crowd control and maintains health protocols. That said, there are some exceptions to the rule: genuine emergency cases may be accommodated, and certain embassies offer designated walk-in hours (such as special Sunday service days) for particular groups including senior citizens, persons with disabilities, and Overseas Filipino Workers with valid identification. Since policies vary by location, it’s best to visit your embassy’s official website to confirm their specific appointment requirements and available booking options.
Q: How to book an appointment in Philippine Embassy Singapore?To schedule your visit, use the Philippine Embassy Appointment System (accessible at bit.ly/PHEmbAppt) or scan the provided QR code. If you need document-related services—including authentication, notarization, certification, affidavits, Special Power of Attorney (SFA), sworn statements, oath-taking, and similar transactions—reach out directly via email at epassport.sgpe@gmail.com to arrange your appointment.