PH Embassy in Lisbon Hosts Festive Diplomatic Reception in Celebration of Philippine Independence
Ambassador to Portugal Celia Anna M. Feria (4th from left) with members of the diplomatic corps at the Philippine National Day Diplomatic Reception at Altis Belem Hotel. (Mabille Sampaio photo)
LISBON 12 July 2019 — In commemoration of the 121st Anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence, the Philippine Embassy in Lisbon hosted a diplomatic reception at the Altis Belém Hotel in Lisbon on 27 June 2019.
In this year’s reception, the Embassy provided an opportunity to promote Philippine cultural and economic diplomacy by showcasing Philippine gastronomy, music, tourism as well as Philippine-manufactured food and beverage products with the goal not only presenting the best of the Philippines, but also creating a festive and lively “Fiesta Filipino” ambiance at the outdoor reception area of Altis Belem Hotel, a five-star hotel overlooking the Tagus (Tejo) River.
Guests were welcomed by Philippine Ambassador to Portugal Celia Anna M. Feria and greeted with a series of musical medleys by the Pundaquit Virtuosi, a Philippine youth string ensemble from San Antonio in Zambales led by its musical director Alfonso “Coke” Bolipata.
The group was in Portugal as part of their 2019 European tour, a cultural diplomacy initiative of the Department of Foreign Affairs' Office of Strategic Communications and Research-Cultural Diplomacy Division.
A flair bartending show care of the Department of Tourism by multi-awarded Filipino bartender Dennis Barela also entertained guests through his unique way of preparing cocktails using Philippine-made Dom Papa Rum.
The music and bartending entertainment provided by Pundaquit Virtuosi and Mr. Barela, respectively at the diplomatic reception became a platform to show the creativity and ingenuity of Filipino talent at its best.
Large high resolution tarpaulins showing an array of images of the Philippines ranging from the white sand beaches of Boracay to the colorful MassKara Festival of Bacolod were displayed throughout the reception venue to give guests a feel of the beauty and diversity of the Philippine’s natural and tourist attractions.
Filipino style chicken and pork barbeque and sisig prepared with Mama Sita’s sauces were served, giving the guests an authentic taste of Filipino street food. As tokens of appreciation, guests were gifted with dried mangoes from Cebu and fans woven out of anahaw leaves, one of the iconic native products of Quezon province woven by women weavers.
“A beautiful day, beautiful music, wonderful people and we are celebrating freedom and independence, what more can we ask for…..we are bringing in the best of the Philippines, we brought in the best of our Philippine youth, Philippine food and Philippine music,” said Ambassador Feria during an interview with Portuguese video blogger Carlos Sampaio, who covered the event.
The Philippine National Day reception was attended by the Portuguese government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, members of the academe and business communities, the Filipino community, and friends of the Embassy. END
Pundaquit Virtuosi enthralled the for guests at the diplomatic reception, with their repertoire of Filipino and European pieces. (Mabille Sampaio photo)
Madrid-based Filipino bartender Dennis Barela dazzles and entertains the crowd with his flair bartending skills at the Diplomatic Reception of the 121st Anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence at Altis Belem Hotel. (photo courtesy by Mabille Sampaio)
Filipino style barbeque and sisig served to guests during the diplomatic reception. (Jaymalyn Galiza Day photo)
For more information, visit https://www.lisbonpe.dfa.gov.ph or https://www.facebook.com/PHLinPortugal/.