18 June 2015 - The Philippine Consulate General in Milan hosted a diplomatic reception on June 12 in honor of the 117th Anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence. Held at the luxurious 5-star Palazzo Parigi Hotel, the evening was not only a celebration of the hard-fought freedom of the Filipino people but also everything that is good about the Philippines.
The highlight of the evening was the presentation by Philippine National Artist, the Dipolog Community Rondalla, who performed a short program of Filipino and Italian songs including the classic “Santa Lucia,” much to the delight and surprise of the Italian guests. The Dipolog Rondalla troupe flew in specifically for the Independence Day activities of the Consulate General, in a joint project with the National Commission of Culture and the Arts (NCCA) to promote Filipino culture in Milan and Northern Italy.
A video presentation of the Department of Tourism’s Visit Philippines 2015 campaign was also shown to the guests to demonstrate the wonders and beauty of the Philippines.
A collection of bags and accessories made of indigenous Filipino materials were exhibited to demonstrate the craftsmanship, skill, and artistry of Paris-based Filipino designer Marjorie Renner.
Philippine Consul General Marichu Mauro thanked the government of Italy, the city government in Milan, the Region of Lombardia and the rest of Northern Italy, colleagues in the Consular Corps, private institutions, and civil society for their support for the programs of the Philippine government.
Honorary Consul to Turin, Maria Grazia Cavallo, extended the greetings of all the Filipinos in Piemonte and Valle d’Aosta in her short remarks.
Also extending their congratulations were Councilor of the City of Milan Andrea Fanzago, and Vice Prefect of Milan Maria Stefania Caracciolo.
The diplomatic reception was also a way for the Consulate General in Milan to reconnect with the local institutions, the private sector, and civil society based in Milan in order to gain their support for the Consulate’s projects, particularly those benefitting the welfare of the large Filipino community in Northern Italy.
To cap off the evening, guests were given small packets of Philippine Brand dried mangoes coated in chocolate as a small token of appreciation for their attendance. END