11 August 2014 - In commemoration of the 150th birth anniversary of hero Apolinario Mabini, the Philippine Embassy in the People’s Democratic Republic of Laos (Lao PDR) held an acoustic and poetry night entitled “Eksenang Mabini: A Celebration of Filipino Ingenuity” at the Rendezvous Café in Chanthabouly District, Vientiane on August 5. Members of the Filipino community in Laos were invited to the event to learn more about Mabini – his life, his legacy as the first Secretary of Foreign Affairs of the then newly-established Philippine Government, and his literary works – as well as to share their individual talents in singing and poetry.
Chargé d’Affaires (CDA) Analyn de Leon-Ratonel of the Philippine Embassy welcomed the attendees to the event and gave a brief discussion on the background of Mabini: his humble beginnings, his education, his career as a lawyer. CDA de Leon-Ratonel also mentioned Mabini’s contributions to the Philippine Revolution and the establishment of the first Philippine Government.
The evening’s program proceeded with an interactive presentation of “El Verdado Decalogo” (The True Decalogue), considered as the greatest literary work of Mabini. Third Secretary and Vice Consul Jose Carlo Morales moderated the discussion, interspersing excerpts from the Decalogue with musical performances from the attendees. Macoy Saoquillo and Rowena Nafianog started the night off with popular Filipino folk songs Oras Na (Coritha) and Ang Pagbabalik (Asin). Robert Olarte followed suit with soulful renditions of Kayumangging Malaya (Lucio San Pedro) and the popular Filipino ballad Maalaala mo kaya (Constancia de Guzman). Other performers for the night included pianist and composer Mr. Manny Reniva, former Ang Boses – Lao PDR contestant Riel Marcelino, singers Beverly Barte and Resty Padel, and Jonah Bohol.
The attendees were treated to a buffet dinner comprising of Filipino dishes, including Sinigang na Baboy (pork stew), Pritong Tilapia (fried fish), Afritadang Manok (chicken afritada), and Rendezvous’ popular dessert fare Leche Flan. After the evening’s program, the Filipinos had an open mic jamming session. END