09 June 2016 - The Philippine Embassy successfully hosted a National Day Reception to celebrate the 118th Anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence at the Grand Ballroom of Phoenicia Hotel in Beirut on June 01. The reception was attended by members of the diplomatic and consular corps led by the Apostolic Nuncio and Dean of the Diplomatic Corps H.E. Monsignor Gabriele Caccia, Lebanese parliamentarians, government officials and businessmen, representatives of non-government organizations and leaders and members of Filipino community organizations in Lebanon.
Prominent Lebanese politicians and leaders graced the occasion: H.E. Elie Aoun, Member of Parliament officially representing the Speaker of Parliament/President of the National Assembly H.E. Nabih Berri; H.E. Minister for Displaced Persons Alice Shabtini, representing the Prime Minister/President of the Council of Ministers H.E. Tamman Salam; Minister of Environment H.E. Muhammad Machnouk; Ministry of Defence, H.E. Dr. Riad Rahal, Member of Parliament; H.E. Ali Osseiran, Member of Parliament; Presidential Chief of Protocol Ambassador Lahoud Lahoud; former MFAE Secretary General Ambassador William Habib; Ministry of Tourism Director General Nada Sardouk, Deputy Director of Protocol Nadim Souraty, representing the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Emigrants, Mr. George Aida, Director General of the Ministry of Labor, and Mr. Thomas Wakim, representing the Minister of Labor.
The Lebanese Armed Forces Commander General Jean Kahwagi was represented by Brig. Gen. Joseph Ghorayeb; General Khaled Dandashly represented Internal Security Forces Director General Ibrahim Basbous, and Col. Wadih Khater represented General Security Director General Abbas Ibrahim.
Senior advisers of the leaders of major political parties also attended: Free Patriotic Movement, Lebanese Forces, Future Movement, Kataeb Party, Marada Movement and Amal Movement.
Apostolic Nuncio of the Holy See and Dean of the Diplomatic Corps Monsignor Gabrielle Caccia, led the diplomatic and consular dignitaries present, including Ambassadors, CDA/Consuls General and their respective spouses: Algeria, Australia, Austria, Bangladesh, Canada, Chile, Columbia, Finland, Germany, India, Indonesia, Iraq, Republic of Korea, Malaysia, Sovereign Order of Malta, Mexico, The Netherlands, Pakistan, Paraguay, Poland, Romania, Saudi Arabia, Spain, Syria, Turkey, UAE, Uruguay, US, Central African Republic, Benin, Ghana, Ireland, Mauritius, Peru, Singapore and Vietnam.
Representatives from the UN and International Organizations, Non-Government Organizations, Educational Institutions, Women’s Organizations, the Business Sector (President of the Chamber of Commerce, Agriculture and Industry of Sidon and South Lebanon and President of the Chamber of Commerce, Agriculture and Industry of Tripoli and North Lebanon), cultural events sponsors, and the leaders of Filipino Community organizations also attended the reception.
In her message Ambassador Leah M. Basinang-Ruiz highlighted the development and economic progress achieved by the Philippines, noting that its turnaround from being the ‘sick man of Asia’ to the region’s most resilient, bright spot is the product of good governance and discipline.
Ambassador Ruiz noted the successful conduct of Overseas Voting that commenced last April 09 and ended to coincide with the National Elections in the Philippines on May 09, which resulted in the election of the country’s 16th President, Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte.
She also announced that the year 2016 is a banner year for Philippines-Lebanon relations because both countries will celebrate on October 24 the 70th Anniversary of the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations, which should provide further impetus for fruitful and successful collaborations with private sector groups, including business and academic institutions, to deepen all aspects of the country’s relations and promote deeper friendship and closer people-to-people linkages.
The guests were invited to sample the Mango Red cocktail drink made from the famous Philippine Mango Rum Liqueur and to view the framed photos of the latest tourism posters, as well as the latest painting of Dublin-based Filipino artist Marvin Baldemor depicting the iconic Our Lady of Lebanon in Harissa, while listening to a variety of Filipino music being played in the background. END
