National Day of Belgium Celebration

CEBU, Philippines - The Ambassador of Belgium Christian Meerschman with Honorary Consul in Cebu Enrique Benedicto and his ever supportive wife Helena, played hosts to the annual National Day celebration of Belgium held at the Manila Room of the Marco Polo Plaza Hotel.

Representing the government sector were Cebu's first lady Governor Gwen Garcia and Mayor Michael Rama.

Meerschman, in his brief welcome remarks, expressed gratitude for the unrelenting  friendly relations between the Philippines and his native country. In response, Governor Garcia assured the Ambassador and Belgian residents in Cebu of the island's continued support to Belgian nationals.

The highlight of the joyous occasion was the conferment of the Honorific Distinction of Officer in the Order of Leopold, the highest award bestowed on civilians, to Consul Enrique Benedicto by First Secretary Josef Adriaan Nauts.

This prestigious medal given by King Albert II by Royal Decree serves as a token of appreciation for the service rendered to the Kingdom of Belgium.

 The members of the Consular Corps were well represented, possibly approaching a 100 percent attendance.

Among the leaders of the active civic organizations were Hernan Streegan, Ramon Sebastian, Roger Lim and Ted Locson: while the hotel industry had Hans Hauri, president of the Hotel Resort and Restaurant Association and GM of Marco Polo Plaza, and Gary Garcia, GM of BE Hotel.

After the program, invitees enjoyed the sumptuous spread of Belgian favorites prepared by the property's executive chef Karl Beter.