18 May 2015 - It was the turn of the Philippine Embassy in Brasilia to host the Monthly Luncheon Meeting of the Asia Oceania Group of Ambassadors and Heads of Missions which was held at the Bahay Pilipino, the Official Residence, on May 07. The Dean, Fiji Ambassador Cama Tuiloma, described the Asia Oceania Group as one of the largest and most dynamic diplomatic groups in Brasilia. The Asia-Oceania Group is a group of like-minded individuals who espouse the importance of Asia and Oceania countries towards greater cooperation in various fields inspired by the proximity of distance of the two regions and some cultural similarities.
The Guest Speaker, Federal Deputy Mr. Nelson Marquezelli, was a recipient of the Global Peace Award for Good Governance recognizing his leadership in congressional committees overseeing the areas of agribusiness, economic development, the environment and public safety, among others. Now, on his 7th term as Congressman, representing Pirassununga, State of São Paulo, he is currently the Ombudsman General of the Chamber of Deputies of Brazil. During the Luncheon Meeting, his speech was about "Brazil and its Diplomatic Relations in the 21st Century."
After the speech, a Barong Tagalog was presented by Philippine Ambassador to Brazil Jose D.R. Burgos as a special gift which was gratefully accepted by Congressman Marquezilli. A plaque was also awarded by Fiji Ambassador Cama Tuiloma to the outgoing South Korean Ambassador Koo Bon - Woo.
During the event, guests were served with Filipino dishes such as ukoy or squash, lumpiang shanghai, chicken embutido, fish and shrimp sinigang, white rice, and buko pandan prepared by Filipina Chef, Mrs. Remedios Prado. END