For the last 30 years, when the former Belgian Honorary Consul in Cebu was Mr. Enrique Benedicto, the Belgian National Day was celebrated every July 2. After his retirement, his successor, his son, Honorary Consul Enrison Benedicto, marks the Belgian National Day at a later date, by two days.
Thus, last July 23, Belgium Ambassador H.E. Michel Goffin and Consul Enrison Benedicto were hosts at a reception held at the Grand Ballroom of Marco Polo Plaza to celebrate Belgium National Day. Opening the short program was a toast led by Ambassador Goffin; then the playing of the Philippine National Anthem followed by the Belgium National Anthem. In his speech, Ambassador Goffin introduced the new Belgian Consul in Manila, Jeremy Thorion.
Cocktails and dinner served were superb. Entertainment of the evening was the music played by the Sinfonia Academy Orchestra. And the special part was the rendition of an original Filipino song “Batang Gamhanan” prepared by Maestro David Anne. It was a very touching song and the maestro was given a thunderous applause.
As usual, guests were members of the consular corps, businessmen, government officials, Belgian nationals and the media.