Philippine Envoy visits Filipino Radio Station, launches groundbreaking collaboration
- Qabayan Radio
- Apr 21
- 3 min read
Doha, Qatar – April 21, 2025 — In a significant and historic milestone for Qabayan Radio, the Filipino radio station in Qatar welcomed Philippine Ambassador H.E. Mardomel Celo D. Melicor for an official visit on Monday, April 21. Accompanied by Consul General Cassandra B. Sawadjaan and Vice-Consul Monica Remsy S. Calangian, the Ambassador’s visit marked the first of its kind since Qabayan Radio began its commercial broadcast in 2019.
The visit aimed to establish a collaborative partnership between the Philippine Embassy in Qatar and Qabayan Radio to help disseminate important information to the Filipino community. Central to the agenda was the production of a recorded interview addressing the ongoing Overseas Voting process for the Philippine mid-term elections, along with updates on other Embassy programs and activities.
Ambassador Melicor and his delegation were warmly received by Qabayan Radio CEO & Chairman Mr. Salem Al-Naemi and Managing Director Mr. Salim Kainikkara. In a brief discussion prior to the interview, Mr. Salem shared the station's achievements over the past six years, highlighting the station’s role not only as a source of entertainment but also as a vital platform for community engagement and public service.
Mr. Salem cited Qabayan Radio’s successful hosting of major concerts for Filipino artists such as Sarah Geronimo, Bamboo, and the iconic Eraserheads, which drew record-breaking audiences. He also highlighted the station’s active Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives and reaffirmed its dedication to working closely with both the Philippine and Qatar governments on programs and efforts aimed at uplifting and supporting the Filipino community in Qatar.
Mr. Salim - Qabayan's Managing Director, also introduced Mirchi One Qatar, a Hindi radio station under the same sponsorship, and shared plans to organize a tour to the Philippines for selected listeners and sponsors. The initiative will indirectly promote Philippine tourism not only among the broader Indian community in Qatar but also, and more significantly, within the Indian business sector.
Ambassador Melicor expressed his appreciation for the radio station’s pivotal role in keeping the Filipino community connected and informed. He acknowledged Qabayan Radio as a legitimate media partner, noting its ability to bring a sense of home to overseas Filipinos through its broadcasts, especially with the inclusion of Original Pilipino Music (OPM). "I myself tune in," the Ambassador remarked, reinforcing the importance of having a dedicated Filipino media presence in Qatar.
During the discussion, the Ambassador outlined the Embassy’s upcoming activities for the second quarter of the year.
Among the highlights is the celebration of Filipino Food Month, which will showcase selected restaurants across Doha, offering a taste of Filipino culinary traditions.
Preparations are also underway for the 2025 National Elections, with the Embassy set to facilitate overseas voting for qualified Filipino citizens.
The Embassy will also celebrate the Philippine Independence Day, featuring a flag-raising ceremony, a community breakfast (Salu-Salo), and the illumination of three prominent buildings in Doha with the colors of the Philippine flag — a vibrant display of national pride.
In addition, a meeting with Filipino entrepreneurs is scheduled to strengthen ties and support the growing Filipino business community in Qatar.
The visit concluded with an interview with officials from the Philippine Embassy, focusing on the ongoing overseas voting for the Philippine midterm elections. Set to air in the coming days, the interview aims to inform registered Filipino voters in Qatar about the procedures and timeline for the ongoing Overseas Voting.
This collaboration marks a new chapter in the Embassy’s outreach efforts and reinforces Qabayan Radio’s position as a trusted voice for the Filipino community in Qatar.
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