‘Spring’ and Other Seasons

The opening of the fifth "French Spring" at the Mandarin Oriental Ballroom was the socio-cultural event of the month. Ranking officials, diplomats, cultural and society figures first listened to Ambassador Renée Veyret quote the following line from UNESCO’s credo: "Cultural diversity is a source of exchange, innovation and creativity", then saw a fascinating program proving just that thereafter. Other "seasons" were equally interesting.

Jaime Laya, former NCCA chairman who now heads an auditing firm, honored Mexican Ambassador Enrique and Mariana Hubbard at a dinner in his QC residence. Honorees and guests–Enrique and Letty Syquia, Anding Roces, Javier Galvan, Ramon Ilusorio, Tony and Tina Turralba, Emilo de Miguel, Evie Costa and Luis and Mely Ablaza–had a glimpse of Jimmy’s valuable collection of paintings and artifacts.

Ambassador Robert Collette (Canada), Ruth Pearce (Australia), Terry Baker (NZ) and Deputy Joseph Mussomeli (US), constituting "a coalition of the willing", jointly held a food fair exhibiting "the world’s finest foods"–meaning their exports to the Philippines–at Mr. Collette’s residence.

Ambassador Caetano da Silva and his stylish, vivacious wife Ulrike, marked Portugal’s National Day with a homage to the 16th century poet Camoes.

The personable Ambassador Paul Moe hosted a noon-day reception at the Mandarin Oriental Ballroom on his country’s National Day. There was no exchange of toasts. Delicacies served would not have been complete without Norway’s famous salmon.