Aguila Azteca Awards

Expectedly, most guests came from business, banking, finance, industrial and diplomatic circles, the recipients of Mexico’s prestigious and coveted Aguila Azteca award being business magnate-industrialist Raul "Ronnie" Concepcion and Juan "Johnny" Rocha, former ambassador to Spain and likewise, a prominent businessman. That night, they were to receive the highest award the Mexican government confers on private citizens.

In his response, Ronnie adverted to the establish-ment in 1996 of the Philippine Mexico Business Council (of which he is a founding member), as also to the Galleon Trade between Acapulco and Manila which started way back in 1564. In fact, "it was the first important commercial relationship across the Pacific, linking not just the Philippines to Mexico but also Asia to the American continent. In a sense, both Mexico and the Philippines were pursuing Globali-zation–four centuries before it became fashionable," observed Ronnie.

He added: "With our common background–95 percent of our people are Catholics–there should be greater incentive between Filipinos and Mexicans to pursue not just trade but more so, cultural, social and political exchanges. Despite our being Asians, Filipinos are actually more akin to Mexicans in good looks, culture, temperament, warmth and hospitality."

Realizing that his response would be a virtual "repeat" of Ronnie’s, Johnny made his own brief, if not less meaningful. Incidentally, not to be outdone in gallantry by Ronnie who had made special mention of his lovely wife Menchu, Johnny acknowledged the presence of the beauteous Pilina, "my wife of thirty-nine years".

The Mexican Ambassador read the citations in the original Spanish but his own remarks were in English as he pointed up the value of the Aguila Azteca award which very few have received, among them Amelia Earhart in America, and Alejandro R. Roces in the Philippines.

In the mood to celebrate the evening’s very rare occasion were the vivacious, extraordinary philanthropist Tereret Tambunting Liboro and her husband Andy, Paco Delgado, Ramon Sy, Lourdes Montinola, the other Rochas–Arturo and Marissa, Eddie and Annie–Diana Santos, Evie Costa, Ching Montinola, Tess and Jun Campillo and scores more who filled up every inch of available space.