East Asia meets Latin America in QC

A fiesta atmosphere prevailed at the Araneta Center in Cubao, Quezon City yesterday morning as the city government and the Araneta Group of Companies formally opened the Forum for East Asia-Latin America Cooperation ( FEALAC) Fiesta," a cultural and trade meeting of East Asian and Latin American countries.

Quezon City Mayor Feliciano Belmonte Jr., Araneta Group of Companies president Teofilo Asuncion Jr. and Foreign Affairs Secretary Delia Domingo Albert led the opening of cultural and trade exhibits at the ground floor of Ali Mall.

The exhibits feature products from the 32 member-nations of the FEALAC.

In his welcome address, Belmonte said Quezon City is proud to be the host of the FEALAC Fiesta, citing the strong historical and blood ties between the Philippines and Latin American countries.

"Our ties with Latin America are special and we share the same aspiration with Asian countries. We are proud to have the chance to host two brothers in culture and history," Belmonte said.

He told delegates that the Araneta Center, which is owned by the Araneta Group of Companies, is one of the business growth areas being developed by the city government. The center is now undergoing major construction activities as part of its linking up with the railways systems of the MRT 2 and MRT 3.

The Philippines, which is taking a lead role in the charting the organization’s outlook, is hosting FEALAC’s second foreign ministers’ meeting. The FEALAC Fiesta is a prelude to the gathering of the foreign ministers to be held on Jan. 29 to 30.

The FEALAC conference will allow foreign ministers to experience the attractions of the Philippines as their gateway to Asia. Tagged as "East Asia Meets Latin America at the Araneta," the FEALAC Fiesta aims to foster awareness about FEALAC and its member-countries among Filipinos.

The Fiesta celebration was highlighted yesterday by a "Parade of Nations," which featured colors and flags of the 32 member-nations as well as cultural dances from the different regions of the country.

Members of the Diplomatic Corps and guests were entertained by participants clad in colorful costumes.

Joining the parade were the Quezon City band, MMDA band and drum and bugle corps from various public schools as well as folk dancers who performed the Masscara, Dinagyang, Ati-atihan, Moriones, Kadyanwan and Babaylan.