The Ultimate in ‘Glastnost’

At the Russian Federation’s National Day, Ambassador Anatoly V. Nebogatov and Mrs. Valentina T. Nebogatova–note the added "a" in the Russian manner–welcomed guests to their Makati residence with the ultimate in "glastnost", that is, with openness, candor, warm friendship and hospitality.

These were particularly evident in how the charming, effervescent and vivacious Valentina personally attended to each guest. The glastnost was infectious. Sri-Lankan Ambassador B. Rekawa "boasted" in jest to Argentine Ambassador Mario Schuff that he was senior to him, having presented his credentials in Malacanang a few seconds ahead! Actually, the Singaporean woman Ambassador Lim Kheng Hua is senior to both, having presented hers minutes earlier.

The irrepressible Kessara Arnold, wife of Dutch Ambassador Theo Arnold,"dragged" me to the buffet table of delectables, the indispensable caviar among these, then thrust a saucerful of finger foods towards me, employing her own distinctive glastnost.

Later, Kessara introduced to me Libyan Ambassador Salem Adam, Ph.D., a balikbayan who amusingly demonstrated a smattering of Tagalog. The effusive Romanian Ambassador Radu Homescu, Ph.D. told me he comes from a family of academicians–he is a physicist; his wife, a literature professor–and musicians. There are a piano and a violin at home to prove this. Mr. Homescu’s grandpa was a composer (presumably, an eminent one). The former senator served as ambassador to Israel before coming over.

I missed seeing Australian Ambassador Pearce whose previous post was Russia. Those who met her for the first time that evening must have discovered that her "Barbie Doll"-like face disguises a razor-sharp mind.

The Nebogatov residence hummed with spirited conversation throughout–meaning glastnost was having a wonderful effect,with Political Attaché Anton V. Saygin and Victor Sovolsky, likewise extending their own.

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The nearly 200 Filipino friends, diplomats and members of the local Egyptian community who gathered at the Egyptian embassy residence did honor to Egypt’s 51st National Day celebration, no less than to the personable hosts themselves, Ambassador Saber A. Monsour and his beautiful wife Azisa.

The event inevitably brought to mind Egypt’s ancient civilization, one of the world’s oldest, and the root of many other civilizations, harking back to pharaohs, pyramids and The Sphinx which unceasingly attract tourists.

Guests warmly commended Ambassador Mansour for his country’s active regional and international role of establishing peace and stability, for its successful development plans which have raised Egypt’s national product and standard of living, and reduced inflation.

Egypt’s shining example led Filipinos present to congratulate the hosts with a collective "Mabuhay!"