A French affair to remember

Cebu-based Honorary Consul Michel Lhuillier and his wife recently hosted a formal reception and dinner to celebrate the National Day of France, traditionally one of the biggest events, with French Ambassador Thierry Borja de Mozota in attendance.

Cocktails were served at the foyer, after which the elegantly dressed guests were led into the Grand Pacific Ballroom of the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel. The hotel was fabulously was decorated into the theme “A Tribute to France”.

The entire room carried the unmistakable French tri colors. The high-ceiling was draped with vertical bands of blue, white and red reminiscent of the national flag. The table centerpieces, which were filled with beautiful clusters of blooms, also carried the same color scheme. The walls covered in white projected iconic images of French scenes. The perfectly executed decorations with unique embellishments were surely guided by the innovative ideas of the property’s general manager Marco Protacio.

Ambassador Mozota in his short speech highlighted not just the celebration but also the robust relationship both nations enjoy. He reminded everyone that the historic event gives French citizens the opportunity to unite around the motto of the French Republic proclaiming, “Liberty, Equality and Fraternity”.

Borja de Mozota, who performed his military service in the airforce, has always been attracted by international issues. Having started his career in the private sector namely banking and civil aviation, he has, to his credit, many business missions and cultural trips in more than 100 countries on the five continents. It was after the brief response by Lhuillier that the guests enjoyed an exquisite gastronomic spread that complemented the French wine that flowed throughout the evening.

It was a night of surprises as hidden talents were quickly revealed, starting off with the Voice of Praise Choir that rendered a moving interpretation of both the Philippine and French National Anthems. This was followed by Rhea Mae Senining Judilla and Rhina Rose Senining Echevare who serenaded everyone with a selection of broadway classical songs. The performance was met with thunderous applause. A special performance by French Moroccan musical artist Moise had everyone on their feet dancing.

The merriment marked a fitting Bastille Day celebration that truly epitomized the French voie de vivre.