Twin celebrations in Cebu
Cebu City was privileged to host two diplomatic events recently. Belgian Ambassador to the Philippines Gregoire Vardakis together with Consul Enrique Benedicto and his ever-supportive wife Helen played hosts to the annual National Day celebration of Belgium held at the Arctic Room of the Waterfront Cebu Hotel.
Representing the government sector were first lady and Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia, Cebu City Mayor Tomas Osmeña and Vice Mayor Michael Rama.
Vardakis 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.
Other members of the diplomatic corps 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 24 hours later, Ambassador of the State of Israel to the Philippines Zui Vapni and 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.
In response, guest of honor Governor Gwen Garcia reminded the invitees that the Philippines was the only Asian country to support the United Nations Resolution 181 on the partition of Palestine and the creation of the State of Israel in 1947. It also supported the UN resolution to mark Jan. 27 a commemoration day to honor the victims of the Holocaust.
The Filipinos and Israelis share common democratic values such as freedom and civil rights which are evident in the continuing span of both the countries’ bilateral relations.
Highlight of the celebration was the one-man musical performance by Israeli artist Tal Kravitz. The entertainer, trained at the Israel Music Conservatory, sung and played different musical instruments that he collected during his vast travels around the globe. These included a mouth organ called khaen from Northeast Thailand, an antique bagpipe from Bulgaria, a wooden resonance box from Tanzania, an ancient instrument from Iran called santour, a harp, guitar, a musical saw and African percussion instruments.
The cooperation between the Philippines, Belgium and Israel in the promotion of culture and tourism is one of the most dynamic aspects of the bilateral relations.
