Lebanese, Foreign Guests Fall in Love with Pinoy Food
The diplomatic community with the business sector and other nationalities enjoyed a taste of the Philippines with Filipino dishes and dessert, including beef tapa, chicken sisig, Pinoy garlic fried rice, pandesal, halo-halo, and drinks from Destileria Limtuaco. (Beirut PE photo)
BEIRUT 02 August 2018 — Guests at the Independence Day reception hosted by the Philippine Embassy in Beirut lined up to have a taste of Filipino food and drinks introduced to Lebanese, foreign diplomats, members of the business sector, and non-government organization partners.
The Embassy on 26 June 2018 held its reception at the Coral Beach Hotel to celebrate the 120th anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence. For the first time, the Embassy served Filipino all-time favorites, including Pinoy garlic fried rice, beef tapa, chicken sisig, pandesal, and halo-halo.
Following the invitation of Ambassador to Lebanon Bernardita L. Catalla, the guests trooped to the Filipino food corner to sample the appetizingly laid out cuisine which were consumed in no time at all.
There were also inquiries on the availability for sale of the mango, calamansi, and other rum products from Destileria Limtuaco. Embassy personnel were on hand to answer questions about Filipino food and drinks.
Ambassador to Lebanon Bernardita L.Catalla (left) gives a heartwarming speech; offered a toast (middle); and led a ceremonial cake cutting (right) in celebration of the proclamation of Philippine Independence and as a symbol of stronger ties between the Republic of the Philippines and the Lebanese Republic. (Beirut PE photo)
In her speech, Ambassador Catalla gave a short history of the Philippines’ journey to achieve freedom and pointed out that the Philippines and Lebanon both have sizeable diaspora.
Acknowledging the longstanding ties between the two countries, the Ambassador expressed optimism on the potential for expanding relations in Lebanon on areas such as culture, trade, and security.
Recognizing Filipino Community leaders who attended the reception, she thanked them for being steadfast partners of Embassy’s projects and activities.
Moreover, she expressed appreciation to the government and people of Lebanon for being gracious hosts to overseas Filipino workers. She said, “We are grateful to Lebanon for welcoming our nationals within your homes and giving them an opportunity to build better lives for their families in the Philippines.”
The guests of honor were State Minister for Combating Corruption Minister Nicolas Tueni representing President General Michel Aoun, MP Kassem Hachem representing Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, and Minister of Telecommunications Jamal Jarrah representing Prime Minister Saad Hariri.
Other guests include the Chargé d’Affaires of Vatican as Acting Dean of the Diplomatic corps, Ambassadors of Antigua and Barbuda, Chile, Greece, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, United Arab Emirates and Russia, representatives from the Embassies of United States of America, Cuba, Egypt, Ghana, Iran, Italy, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Sri Lanka and Syria, Lebanese government officials, and prominent members of the business community. END
For more information, visit www.beirutpe.dfa.gov.ph or https://www.facebook.com/PHLinLebanon/
The Philippine Embassy, Philippine Overseas Labor Office and Overseas Workers Welfare Administrator team showcasing Philippine art and culture with their Barong and Filipiniana-inspired ensembles. (Beirut PE photo)