Celebrating French National Day in Cebu
Bastille Day is the French national holiday that commemorates the storming of the Bastille, a prison and symbol of the power of the ancient regime of Louis XVI. The event, which happened on July 14, 1789, marked the beginning of the French Revolution.
This French national holiday symbolizes the birth of the Republic. It is a time of patriotism, pride and a celebration of the hope independence has brought for generations.
To join in the festivities of French tradition, Honorary Consul of France Michel Lhuillier and his wife Amparito hosted a casual, al fresco cocktail reception at the La Maison French Restaurant for the ever-growing French community in Cebu. First counselor of the French Embassy Hugues-Antoine Suin of the French Embassy in Manila flew in to represent French Ambassador Gilles Garachon.
From the moment guests stepped into the massive white tent draped with the French tri-colors of blue, white and red, it was apparent that they were in for an evening of fun, with delectable hors d’oeuvres prepared by chef Adrien Guerrey.
Among the dignitaries present were Provincial Board member Raul Alcoseba, Consul of Japan Shoji Otake, Honorary Consuls Jose Sala of Sweden, Enrique Benedicto of Belgium and former Honorary Consul of Spain Jaime Picornell.
Louie Thevenin, director of Alliance Française de Cebu and general manager of La Maison, popularly known as the Pink House, with his wife Honeylet, the efficient and well-organized guest relations manager, graciously did the rounds and made certain that whatever they had meticulously planned for was carried out smoothly, to the contentment of the invitees.
