CEBU, Philippines - Cebu City was the venue of choice for the two diplomatic affairs recently. Belgian Ambassador
to the Philippines Gregoire Vardakis together with Cebu-based Honorary Consul Enrique Benedicto and his ever supportive wife Helena played hosts at the annual National Day celebration held at the Arctic Room of the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel.
The Ambassador in his brief welcome remarks highlighted the robust relationship between the Philippines and his native country. “There are approximately 10,000 Filipinos contributing to the different sectors of society. They include seafarers, caregivers, cultural artists and private domestic staff in diplomatic missions,” he claimed.
Representing the government sector were first lady Provincial Governor Gwendolyn Garcia, Cebu City Mayor Tomas Osmeña and Vice Mayor Michael Rama.
Other members of the Diplomatic Corp present were US Consular Agent John Domingo, Honorary Consuls Jaime Picornell of Spain , Robert Lee of Canada, Samuel Chioson of Portugal and Michel Lhuillier of France.
The evening ended with toasts to continued friendship between both nations and a warm Godspeed to Ambassador Vardakis who will be ending his three year stint in the Philippines soon.
Barely twenty fours later, Ambassador of the State of Israel to the Philippines Ambassador Zui Vapni and Mme. Limor Vapni joined newly appointed Honorary Consul of Israel in Cebu Emily Benedicto Chioson in celebrating the 61st anniversary of the State of Israel at a cocktail reception held at the Salon de Madrid of the Casino Español de Cebu.
Vapni expressed deep appreciation for the continuing warm and friendly cooperation between the two countries.
The Filipinos and Israelis share common democratic values such as freedom and civil rights which are evident in the continuing span of the countries bilateral relations.
In response, Guest of Honor Provincial Governor Gwen Garcia reminded the invitees that in the United Nations creation of the State of Israel, the Philippines was one of 33 nations and the only Asian country that signed the document.
The highlight of the celebration was the one-man musical performance by the versatile and talented artist Tal Kravitz of Israel . Trained at the Israel Music Conservatory, the artist sung and played different musical instruments he collected during his vast travels around the world. In addition to harp, guitar and a musical saw, they included a mouth organ called khaen from Northeast Thailand, an antique bagpipe from Bulgaria, a wooden resonance box from Tanzania, an ancient instrument known as santour from Iran and African percussion instruments.