'Hasta La Vista', Spanish Ambassador Miguel Utray

Upgrade to High-Speed Internet for only ₱1499/month!

Enjoy up to 100 Mbps fiber broadband, perfect for browsing, streaming, and gaming.

Visit Suniway.ph to learn

October 22, 2026 | 12:00am

After four years of serving as Spain’s ambassador to the Philippines, Miguel Utray bid farewell at a fully packed reception on Oct.12.

When the ambassador first arrived in Manila in 2022, he knew the Philippines through its history, the longstanding ties between the two countries, and the perspective of diplomacy.

After four years, he said he leaves with something far more valuable: a profound affection for this country.

In his speech, he recalled that when he took up his post, the two countries were emerging from the difficult years of the pandemic. Today, he believes, they can look back with satisfaction on what they have achieved together.

Ambassador Utray also said that throughout his time in the Philippines, he had been particularly pleased to see the vitality of cultural and educational exchanges and the continuing interest in the Spanish language.

Next year, the two countries will commemorate the 80th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations.

In December 2022, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez expressed their shared determination to strengthen bilateral relations. Since then, both countries have worked to translate that political commitment into concrete results.

Ambassador Utray said he was especially proud of the preparations for an upcoming exhibition of Philippine art at the Prado Museum in Madrid in 2027. The exhibition will offer an opportunity to celebrate the Philippines’ artistic heritage and the remarkable talent of the ilustrados. He also expressed hope that the exhibition would be brought to Manila in 2028.

As he prepares to leave for his next post in Angola, the ambassador said he would take with him memories of Manila, Intramuros, the extraordinary beauty of these islands, and the many journeys that had allowed him to discover this remarkable country.