Not Down Under!

Formal sit-down dinners–complete with place cards, elegant centerpieces, wine glasses and gleaming silverware (three forks to the left, a soup spoon, three knives to the right, a teaspoon, tablespoon and a fork for dessert)–are becoming increasingly informal in atmosphere.

Although women guests are dressed to the gills, perhaps to signify the formality of the occasion, men come in casual attire perhaps to signify, for their part, its informality. (This may not sit well with women activists who could view the disparity unfair because it would mean women taking more time and trouble with their wardrobe and toilette.)

At any rate, the ambience at the farewell dinner Swiss Ambassador Werner and Suzanne Baumann hosted for departing New Zealand Ambassador Graeme and Audrey Waters was both formal and informal, and the best proof of the formal dinner’s informality was Mr. Baumann’s toast to the honorees. "New Zealand is not Down Under!" he said most emphatically, waving before his listeners what looked like a colored map printed on a tablecloth. (The Baumanns had just returned from a memorable vacation in New Zealand, and the tablecloth must have been one of their souvenirs.)

I must beg indulgence for my ignorance but I still don’t know why Australia is referred to as "Down Under"; further, geography never having been my strong point, I don’t know why New Zealand is not Down Under. The genial Australian Ambassador John Buckley, who was seated at our table, must have appreciated the humor of Mr. Baumann’s observation.

Anyway, we were enjoying our dinner in the porch under the stars–or nearly under the stars–and because of the intense summer heat, Tony Rufino’s wry humor had turned really dry. Meanwhile, I was immensely amused at the Ateneo-versus-La Salle jokes of Cristino Panlilio (nephew of my wonderful neighbor Loleng Panlilio) as his lovely wife Brin, Consul Evie Costa and Mita Rufino listened.

Tables nearby were occupied by Sri Lankan Ambassador P.G. and Sakuntala Karunasari, Josie Lichauco, Tessie Luz, Luciano and Helen Ong, Juan and Milette Carlos, among others.

All regretted the impending departure of Graeme and his Audrey who will be sorely missed not only because she’s one of the prettiest women in diplomatic circles but also because she’s warm, friendly and compassionate.

We hope Audrey and the ambassador will visit us from New Zealand even if it is Down Under - or not.