PH Embassy in Moscow Promotes PH in Armenia with “Evening of PH Places, Flavors, Fashion, Crafts”
Philippine Ambassador to Russia Carlos D. Sorreta, (left) who is accredited to Armenia as non-resident Ambassador, delivers his remarks at the reception he hosted “An Evening of Philippine Places, Flavors, Fashion and Crafts” on 20 December 2019 at the Congress Hotel in the capital city of Yerevan. Ambassador Areg Hovhannissian (right), Head of the Asia Pacific Department of the Armenian Foreign Ministry, delivers remarks on behalf of Foreign Minister Zohrab Mnatsakanyan. (Moscow PE photo)

YEREVAN 06 January 2020 — Armenians were given a glimpse of Philippine tourist destinations, fashion, handicraft and products as well as a taste of Philippine cuisine, beverages, spirits, wines and liqueur at a reception entitled “An Evening of Philippine Places, Flavors, Fashion and Crafts” on 20 December 2019 at the Congress Hotel in the capital city of Yerevan.

The reception was hosted by Philippine Ambassador to Russia Carlos D. Sorreta – who is accredited to Armenia as non-resident Ambassador – and Philippine Honorary Consul General in Yerevan Albert Taroyan. 

In his remarks, Ambassador Sorreta said that although thousands of miles separate the Philippines and Armenia, distance “should not stand in the way of knowing each other better, fostering greater understanding, and in building closer relations,” adding “tonight we take a small step in that direction —  by giving a glimpse of my country’s many natural wonders and top tourist attractions, our traditional and modern fashion, our unique and wonderful handicraft, and our delicious cuisine and award winning beverages, spirits and liquor.”

Ambassador Sorreta also said that as one of the most dynamic economies in the Asia Pacific region, the Philippines must develop its relations with non-traditional partners and that “we must engage other growing economies, like Armenia, for there is much we can offer each other.”

Head of the Asia Pacific Department of the Armenian Foreign Ministry Ambassador Areg Hovhannissian represented Foreign Minister Zohrab Mnatsakanyan at the event and read remarks on behalf of the Foreign Minister.

In his remarks, as read by Ambassador Hovhannissian, Foreign Minister Mnatsakanyan said “the Philippines is a friendly partner for Armenia in the Asia-Pacific region, and we attach great importance to the further development of cooperation with the Philippines.”

Prior to the remarks, the national anthems of both countries were played. Both officials offered toasts to deeper and closer relations between the Philippines and Armenia. After the remarks, the two officials, together with Honorary Consul General to Armenia Albert Taroyan cut the ceremonial cake specially made for the occasion by Madame Mary Taroyan, wife of the Honorary Consul General.

Guests were composed of representatives of the Armenian government, the diplomatic and consular corps, the business community and media.

The evening was marked by a fashion show. The first half featured a resorts wear theme incorporating Philippine handmade fashion accessories, costume jewelry and handbags. The second half presented the creations of Ditta Sandico, a visionary Filipino designer who uses Philippines indigenous and sustainable banana-abaca (banaca) fibers.

Served during the reception were Philippine snack food products during the cocktails followed by cuisine made with Philippine seasonings, food mixes and food products like adobo balls, fresh lumpia, pancit and tuna. Sweet food offerings were composed of puto, biko and turon made with Philippine coconut flour, sugar and oil.

Non-alcoholic drinks served were Philippine salabat tea, turmeric tea and calamansi juice. At the bar, the guests enjoyed Philippine beer, spirits, wine and liqueur.

On display during the reception were photos showing Philippine places and people taken by award-wining Filipino photographers Gabby Malvar, Javi Flores and Wilfredo Garrido.  Also on display were stunning Philippine underwater scenes taken by award-winning photographer and diving enthusiast Dr. Alexey Stoyda.

The guests were also treated to an exhibit composed of Philippine food products, home décor made from capiz shells and mother of pearl, native bags made with indigenous materials, and fashion accessories.

The reception is part of the economic and cultural promotion program of the Philippine Embassy in Moscow. The reception was made possible with the support of Honorary Consul General Albert Taroyan, his family and his assistant, Sona Hovhanisyan. END

Left photo: Philippine Ambassador to Russia Carlos D. Sorreta (leftmost), Ambassador Areg Hovhannissian (center), and Philippine Honorary Consul General in Yerevan Albert Taroyan (rightmost) toast to deeper Philippine-Armenia relations. Right photo: The three officials join in the ceremonial cake cutting. (Moscow PE photo)

Some of the Filipino food served at the reception and the guests enjoy the Filipino cuisine during the “An Evening of Philippine Places, Flavors, Fashion and Crafts” on 20 December 2019 at the Congress Hotel in the capital city of Yerevan. (Moscow PE photo)

Philippine products showcased during the reception, “An Evening of Philippine Places, Flavors, Fashion and Crafts” on 20 December 2019 at the Congress Hotel, Yerevan. From top left, clockwise: guests at the display of Philippine handicraft; mother of pearl frames; capiz shell plates and platters; Mrs. Teelo Sorreta, wife of Ambassador Sorreta, showing a guest a capiz-shell platter; Philippine bags made from indigenous materials, Philippine-made tote bags, and more Philippine-made handicrafts and pouches. (Moscow PE photo)

Left photo: Exhibit of photos at the reception showing Philippine places and people taken by award-wining Filipino photographers Gabby Malvar, Javi Flores and Wilfredo Garrido, admired by a guest. Right photo: Stunning Philippine underwater photos taken by award-winning photographer and diving enthusiast Dr. Alexey Stoyda. (Moscow PE photo)

Models feature the unique and inimitable fashion creations of Ditta Sandico, a visionary Filipino designer who uses Philippines indigenous and sustainable banana-abaca (banaca) fibers during the reception, “An Evening of Philippine Places, Flavors, Fashion and Crafts” on 20 December 2019 at the Congress Hotel. (Moscow PE photo)

For more information, visit https://www.moscowpe.dfa.gov.ph, or https://www.facebook.com/PHLinRussia/ or https://twitter.com/phlinrussia