15 April 2015 - As the Philippine Embassy in New Zealand continues to embark on its cultural diplomacy and people to people ties, Philippine Ambassador Virginia H. Benavidez hosted an Easter family gathering and fellowship for the fourth year with the Filipino community and Embassy personnel and their families at the “Ang Bahay” (Ambassador’s Official Residence) on April 05. The Easter gathering brought together nearly 200 guests and their children to celebrate the significance of our Lord’s resurrection through thanksgiving prayer, egg hunt, food, and fellowship.
Ambassador Benavidez warmly welcomed all the guests and thanked them for joining the annual Embassy Easter celebration with their families and loved ones at “Ang Bahay”, a truly Filipino home where Filipino ambience, atmosphere and furnishings reflect the warmth of friendship and the renowned hospitality of the Filipino people. The richness and variety of Filipino culture filled up “Ang Bahay” distinctively decorated and furnished by some of the finest art works by Filipino artists such as Jose Joya, H.R. Ocampo, Malang, Martin Manero, Paco Gorospe, Rodel Caparas, Pulido, Tagle and other Filipino artists, glass sculptures by Ramon Orlina, “Sarimanok” brass sculpture by Abdul Imao, living room sets by Ed Yrezabal, hand crafted dining sets by Pampanga craftsmen, colorful “sorbetero” ice-cream carts, typical “taho” containers, Jollibee icons and dolls, “Balikatan sa Kaunlaran” dolls with costumes designed by Patis Tesoro, woven tapestries by Narda’s, antique narra cabinets and wooden furniture, “kulintang” gong set from Southern Philippines, “Tinalak” hand woven tapestries by the T’boli tribe, uniquely designed shell decorations and table settings, baskets, potteries, lamp fixtures and an array of Filipino furnishings and handicrafts.
Speaking before the guests, Ambassador Benavidez reminded the children and the youth of the significance of Easter and importance of Jesus Christ our Lord And Savior in our lives. She also stated that “We are delighted that you all feel very much at home here in “Ang Bahay” where we hope the globally known innate Filipino hospitality and world- class talents will always be shown and felt. Our yearly gathering and observance of our traditions and cultures makes Easter more meaningful to all of us in New Zealand”.
The children and teenagers had an enjoyable and entertaining time hunting for more than 600 Easter eggs around the sprawling gardens and everyone thoroughly enjoyed the special “Ang Bahay” cuisine of “Ang Bahay” home-made pizza (Chorizo, Hawaiian, Seafood), fried chicken, tokwa’t baboy (pork with tofu), pansit (vegetables and meat noodles), mixed vegetables salad with seaweed and roasted sesame dressing, carrot cake and home-made nangka (jackfruit), chocolate and corn “sorbetes” (ice cream) served in an authentic Filipino “sorbetero” cart. END