INTRODUCTION
It has been a very long day for many of us. And on behalf of a grateful nation and people, I can only express to your excellencies our profound appreciation that you have come and shared with us this historic and most memorable day.

A few days after the proclamation of Philippine independence, our first president, General Emilio Aguinaldo decreed the formation of the Philippine foreign service corps and charged it with the mandate to seek international recognition and support for the nascent Philippine republic. We are today deeply honored that on the one hundredth anniversary of the birth of Asia’s first republic, your excellencies are with us to express your countries’ solidarity.

Your excellencies, i trust, have by now heard our shouts of joy, witnessed our total jubilation and felt our deep pride.

Our collective spirit went into every song sung. Our genius as a people went into every presentation that told the world our story. Our energy as one nation united, invested every marching man, woman and child.

For today is so special for our people. This day vindicates our heroes. This day sanctifies our martyrs. This day anoints our nation. And this day empowers the Filipino.
OUR PAST: ANCHOR FOR OUR FUTURE
Indeed, today we celebrate our past. We celebrate it because we are proud of Kawit and the independence we proclaimed there. We celebrate it because we treasure Bataan and Corregidor and the valor and sacrifice we showed and endured there. We celebrate it because we value EDSA and the “People Power” we unleashed there in February, 1986.

But today, too, we consecrate our future. It is a future that draws courage from the fortitude of heroes. It draws strength and inspiration from the solidarity of friends. And it rests on the resilience and industry of a gallant people.

Your excellencies, my friends, it has been my great honor and privilege to preside over my country’s centennial celebrations. But my greatest honor will always be the privilege of leading the Filipino people as we close the first one hundred years of this noble republic, with renewed vigor and fresh confidence in the future.

Soon, the administration of President-elect Joseph Estrada will lead this country into our second century. And with the friendship and support of all the nations that you represent, I am certain that the world will see that, for the Philippines, the best is yet to come.
TOAST
On that note, I invite your excellencies and dear friends to join me in the centenary toast:

To friendship and solidarity between the Philippines and all nations of the world;

To freedom, peace and prosperity for all our peoples; and,

To the bright future of this our beloved Philippines.

Mabuhay! — long life!