Cebu celebrates Europe Day 2005

Cebu, like so many other cities around the world, celebrated the founding of the European Union, which is composed of 25 member states‚ with its own share of activities and festivities that showcased the best of European arts and culture, its excellence in the area of sports, and its innovations in business and industry.

The event commemorated the end of the last great European war and the emergence of the European dream, a new form of organization, which has given an unprecedented period of peace. It likewise marks the growing relationship of Europe and the Philippines as an important partner within the context of the ASEAN dialogue and in the ASEM process.

Over a cocktail reception at the Cebu Marriott Hotel, European Commission head Ambassador Jan de Kok said: "Europe Day 2005 is a day for celebration, not just for us Europeans, but also for all our partners and friends around the world. The Filipino people have a special place in this, not only because you share an important part of your history with us, not only because many Filipinos have made Europe their home, but also particularly because of the many values we share."

Extending their greetings were the Cebu-based diplomats led by Austrian Consul General Arcadio Alegrado, Swedish Honorary Consul Jose Sala, Spanish Honorary Consul Jaime Picornell, and Belgian Honorary Consul Enrique Benedicto.

The gathering included familiar faces from the Arts Council of Cebu who lent their support, such as club president Petite Garcia, with dedicated and hardworking members Fe Sala Villarica, Maxwell Espina, Tessie Javier, Mariter Klepp, Alice Plaza, Teresin Mendezona, Elvira Luym, and Marissa Fernan.