Philippine Ambassador-at-Large Jose Eduardo B. Antonio, alongside his wife Hilda Antonio and son Robbie Antonio, joined world leaders, dignitaries, and close friends of the Trump family at the inauguration of Donald J. Trump as the 47th President of the United States.Coming off the New Year’s celebration at Mar-a-Lago – often referred to as the ‘Second White House’ – the Antonio family attended a series of exclusive inaugural events, including the prestigious inaugural ball where President Trump and the First Lady made their traditional dance.Ambassador Antonio, appointed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. as the Philippines’ Special Envoy with a global scope, engaged in high-level discussions with key world officials and business leaders centered on promoting foreign investments in the Philippines and exploring new avenues for bilateral trade.

“We are entering a pivotal era in global trade, where the U.S.-Philippine relationship holds immense potential,” Ambassador Antonio shared. “As the U.S. leads in this new technological age, the Philippines brings to the table a vibrant innovation community and a young, tech-savvy workforce already now engaged in higher-value industries. Strengthening these ties will not only drive mutual economic growth but also create new opportunities for the Filipino people in the global marketplace.”

The Trumps and the Antonios: A legacy of friendship and diplomacy

The Antonios and the Trumps have been long-time friends and business partners. For Robbie Antonio, who originally brought the Trump business relationship and the families together, this marked his sixth attendance at the Mar-a-lago New Year’s event with the U.S. First Family and second U.S. presidential inauguration – first for the 45th, and now for the 47th President of the United States.

Speaking about the family’s attendance, Robbie Antonio said: “Our family has cherished a long-standing friendship with the Trumps, and being present at this historic moment was both a personal honor and a reflection of the strong ties.”

PHL’s trusted, Go-To guy for trade relations

“As Special Envoy, I have always prioritized the Philippines in every diplomatic conversation. From my role as Special Trade Envoy to China in 2005 to my appointment as Special Envoy to the United States in 2016, my mission has remained clear—creating opportunities that benefit the Filipino people,” said  Ambassador Jose E.B. Antonio

With a distinguished diplomatic career spanning multiple administrations, Ambassador Jose E.B. Antonio has long been the country’s trusted representative in critical trade discussions. He served as the Philippines’ Special Trade Envoy to China in 2005 during the Arroyo administration, followed by his appointment as Special Envoy to the United States in 2016 under President Duterte during President Trump’s first term.