23 June 2016 - The Philippine Embassy in Brussels, led by Philippine Ambassador to Belgium and Luxembourg and Head of the Philippine Mission to the European Union (EU) Victoria S. Bataclan, provided guests with a double treat as the Embassy presented world-renowned pianist Dr. Raul C. Sunico and the choral group A Cappella Manila, in a mini-concert during the Philippine National Day celebration at the Panoramic Hall of the Square Brussels Meeting Centre on June 15.
Belgian government officials, officials from the different EU institutions, diplomats from the different Embassies/Missions in Belgium, business and trade people, leaders of the different Filipino community organizations in Belgium, and friends of the Philippines numbering around three-hundred listened in awe to Dr. Sunico’s rendition of Liebestraum, Bato sa Buhangin, Aragon, Prelude in C#Minor, Hanggang sa Dulo ng Walang Hanggan and Rhapsody in Blue and to A Cappella Manila’s Eres Tu, La Rose Complete, Heal the World, Iisang Bangka, Lipad ng Pangarap and Tagumpay nating Lahat while savouring an array of carefully-selected Filipino dishes which includes tapa and ukoy, served with San Miguel Beer.
In her Message, Ambassador Bataclan cited the Filipinos’ love for freedom and found it fitting that they are celebrating the 118th Anniversary of Philippine Independence with Belgian friends with whom they are also celebrating 70 Years of Philippine-Belgium diplomatic relations.
Another highlight of the event was a chocolate piece symbolizing Philippine-Belgium friendship created by chocolatier John Soriano.
Dr. Sunico’s performances in France, Germany, Brussels and Luxembourg were made possible with the generous support and assistance of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts.
The A Cappella Manila, on their 6th European Goodwill Concert Tour, performed in The Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, France, Germany, Sweden, Norway, Austria, Belgium and Luxembourg. In Belgium, apart from the National Day reception performance, they were at the Shrine of Infant Jesus in Brussels and the Knights of Rizal (KOR) commemoration of the 155th birth anniversary of Dr. Jose Rizal.
This year’s Philippine Independence Day celebration in Brussels was likewise made possible with the support of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts, thePhilippine Department of Tourism office in Frankfurt, Germany; the Office of the Agricultural Attaché in Brussels, and the Philippine Trade and Investment Center (PTIC) in Brussels.
In addition, the Philippine Embassy organized an economic briefing, The Philippines – Your Business Partner in Asia-Pacific, for Belgian officials and members of the business sector prior to the National Day celebration. The briefing, held in preparation for the Belgian Economic Mission to the Philippines in May 2017, was attended by representatives from the Federal Public Service - Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation; the Belgian Foreign Trade Agency; Brussels Invest & Export; Flanders Investment & Trade; Wallonia Foreign Trade and Investment Agency; the Chambers of Commerce and Industry of key Belgian cities; and a number of Belgian companies.
Ambassador Bataclan in her welcome remarks said the Belgian Economic Mission is a testament to the longstanding friendship between the Philippines and Belgium, and a vote of confidence in the strength of the Philippine economy. END
