Philippine-Italian Association celebrates its golden year

MANILA, Philippines - Marking another fruitful year of friendship and understanding, the Philippine-Italian Association (PIA) toasted its 50th anniversary with an invitational dinner celebration last Aug. 20 at The Peninsula Manila.

“Founded in 1962, the Philippine Italian Association stands tall in all its glory that is worth what we are celebrating tonight. Fifty years is an achievement in itself, a shining testimony to the selfless dedication and resolve of exceptional individuals to strengthen a partnership between two countries and their peoples — who share a common love for life,” enthuses PIA president Zenaida “Nedy” Tantoco.

Playing a big part in PIA’s success, Ambassador Luca Fornari also shares his thoughts on PIA 10 years from now. “With the promotion of Italian culture, concentrating on its aspects that Filipinos love — like food, film, and what we recently just witnessed, opera — I am sure, as I vouch on my trust, to see a rise not only of those who would like to know more about Italian culture but of those who would actually take the next step to learn more and love more the Italian language, after all, taking to heart the lovely slogan Filipinos invented for Italy: “I Trust And Love You!”

PIA also recognized certain individuals and board members who have made their significant contributions to the association, namely Lina Paolini Lorenzo with a Juan Luna posthumous award for loyalty, service and dedication as secretary general for 49 years; Felicitas “Chit” Montenegro, Antonio Pigafetta awardee for loyalty, service and dedication, a PIA member for 40 years and board of director for 25 years, and the first lady president of PIA from 1999-2002; Silvana Ancellotti Diaz, member for 31 years and board of director for 24 years; Tillie Pelagallo, member for 28 years and board of director for 20 years; Marilou Fernandez Alejandro, member for 26 years and board of director for 25 years; Conrad Calalang, member for 26 years and board of director for 25 years, and PIA president from 1992-1999.

Special recognition was given to the three charities run by Italian missionaries — Sister Handmaids of Charity headed by Sr. Graziela Milani, Servants of Charity headed by Fr. Luigi de Giambattista and Canossian Sons of Charity headed by Fr. Giovanni Gentilin — for helping Filipinos in need.

PIA director Betty Ildefonso Chalkley and her family were also cited for their donation of maestro Diosdado Magno Lorenzo’s artwork to the National Museum.

This special occasion saw an exclusive performance led by the Cultural Center of the Philippines president Raul Sunico on piano; and Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra music director and principal conductor Olivier Ochanine on flute. The Philbanda Wind Orchestra, conducted by professor Hermie Ranera, serenaded guests. The Peninsula Manila executive chef Patrick Boucher created a truly Italian menu. The ingredients were carefully selected and provided by Rustan Supercenters, Inc. (RSI) and Italfood.

Guests were also treated to special raffle prizes courtesy of Etihad Airways, El Nido Resorts, Misibis Bay, Eskaya Beach Resort & Spa, Pearl Farm Beach Resort and Cebu Pacific Air. The evening’s beneficiaries — The Servants of Charity, The Sister Handmaids of Charity of St Vincent de Paul and the Canossian Sons of Charity — will receive donations coming from the silent auction of select Italian sculpture pieces together with exclusive artworks from artists Arturo Luz, Benjamin Dailo, Duddley Diaz, Popo San Pascual, and Leon Pacunayen. 

Since its founding, the Philippine-Italian Association has evolved into an association with a broader scope and rationale. It manifests its aims through mutual networking and programs of socio-cultural, educational, scientific and technological exchanges between the two countries. 

Born out of the initiative of Italian families residing in the ’60s in Manila who wanted to provide their kids with Italian language classes, PIA has since furthered its involvement to continue to strengthen ties between the Philippine and Italian cultures through various socio-cultural events.

In recent years, it has successfully organized a wide spectrum of activities and significant projects such as granting of scholarships to Filipino students of music, fine arts, agriculture, book restoration, science, architecture, and economics. Most recently, as part of this wholeiyear commemoration, PIA worked closely with Rustan’s and the Italian Embassy with the staging of renowned opera The Barber of Seville at the CCP led by a renowned group of Filipino and Italian talents.