A night of music & friendship

The Philippine Embassy in Madrid celebrated the first Philippine-Spanish Friendship Day with a concert-reception featuring the best Philippine and Spanish talents. Held at the amphitheater of the prestigious Casa de America in Madrid, the program began with speeches by Casa de America Director General Ambassador Asuncion Ansorena, Philippine Ambassador to Spain Joseph Bernardo and Secretary of State of Foreign Affairs Ramon Gil Casares.

The full-packed concert featured Fil-Hispano pianist Felipe Ramirez who performed pieces by Frederic Chopin, Sergei Prokofieff, Enrique Granados and Francisco Buencamino. His rendition of Buencamino’s Mayon especially mesmerized the Filipinos in the audience.

Renowned soprano Andion Fernandez interpreted Spanish and Filipino pieces by Manuel de Falla, Nicanor Abelardo and Francisco Buencamino. Captivating encore pieces were Yo Te Dire, the theme song of the movie Los Ultimos de Filipinas and the Tagalog classic Maalaala Mo Kaya. Classic beauty Isabel Preysler de Boyer was one of the many distinguished guests who attended the celebrated affair.

Viva España en Filipinas!

Johnny Congratulates...

Congratulations to the Chinese Filipino Business Club, represented by president Aw Peng Lam who recently attended Singapore’s Armed Forces Day celebration at the Heritage Hotel.

Aw Peng Lam took the time to discuss important issues with Singaporean Ambassador Lim Kheng Hua. In photo are Aw Peng Lam, Ambassador Lim Kheng Hua and Jason Leong Say Boon, Second Secretary (Commercial), Office of the Republic of Singapore.

Since CFBC was organized in 1998, the club has contributed to nation building through activities such as tax information drives, sending delegations to trade missions abroad, medical missions and the development of small and medium enterprises.

Bon Voyage, Ambassador Robert Collette

Canadian Ambassador Robert Collette and his wife Marilyn were feted in a reception at the Palm Grove, Rockwell Club. Hosts were former Ambassador to Canada Raul Goco, his wife and Eleonor Roosevelt awardee Marietta, Frank Evaristo of the Alay-Lakad Foundation and his daughter Amy.

Ambassador Collette will end his tour of duty in the Philippines after serving for almost three years. He will be returning to Canada to assume a new post, that of Chief Protocol Officer. Marilyn will follow later in view of her work with the Asian Development Bank.

Members of the diplomatic corps, prominent media personalities and close friends of the outgoing ambassador attended the cocktail reception. Hosts Raul Goco and Frank Evaristo gave a toast for the good health, success and prosperity of the honoree. In his response, Ambassador Collette cited his work and good relationship with the Philippine government, the projects he had pursued, his local travels and the countless friends he and his wife have made. He said that his knowledge of the Philippines and Filipinos has been enriched. His has been a tour of duty he will never forget.

Donna Marquinez, wife of Consumer’s Union president Chino Marquinez, sang Canada’s national anthem. Though she confessed that she just learned the lyrics through the Net, her rendition was excellent and well-applauded, making the honoree announce her designation as honorary citizen of Canada.

Bon Voyage, Robert!

Greetings

Happy birthday to our celebrators today, Mameng Carag, Sen. Vicente Sotto III and Raul Teehankee.

Advance birthday greetings to golfer and theater magnate Bobby Yang, Aug. 25; columnist Joe Guevarra, Aug. 27; Singapore Airlines dapper manager for marketing communications and services Rita Dy, Aug. 28; designer Oscar Attendido and businessman Ramon Cojuangco Jr., Aug. 29; Rosita Fernandez and Dr. Lucresia Kasilag, Aug. 30.

So, how was your week?

(For comments and inquiries please email us at jjlitton@indanet.com)