124th Philippine Independence Day Celebration, National Day Fiesta in Geneva
H.E. Evan P. Garcia, ambassador and permanent representative of the Philippines, Philippine Mission to the United Nations and Other International Organizations, and H.E. Manuel A.J. Teehankee, ambassador and permanent representative of the Philippines, Philippine Mission to the World Trade Organization, led the celebration of the 124th Anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence with the Global Filipinos in Geneva and the international community. A Diplomatic Reception was held Friday, June 10, 2022 at the WIPO Headquarters, Geneva, Switzerland.
For this National Day Fiesta 2022, the men and women of the Permanent Missions and the Philippine Consulate General in Geneva treated the international community with a heightened sensory experience of the Philippines, much to the visual, auditory, and gustatory delight of the international guests.
Showcased at the WIPO headquarters reception hall, the venue of this year’s celebration, is the grand 10-meter-long tapestry called “Dutch Marikina” by Filipino Artist Issay Rodriguez, graciously lent by Art Collector David H. Brolliet, president of Chambre Commerce Culture du Tourisme Suisse Senegal.
Baritone Joseleo Logdat, Gawad Marinduqueno Awardee for Music (2020), Aliw Awardee (2019 and 2020), and NCCA Awardee (2013), accompanied on piano by Ms. Solveig Breger, Prize Winner of the France Music and Radio France Competitions, serenaded the guests with “Sa Mahal Kong Bayan” by Lucio San Pedro and his cover of Freddie Aguilar’s “Anak” among other performances.
Organizers of this year’s National Day Fiesta did not leave any “seashells” unturned, so to speak, giving careful thought to the explicit presentation of Philippine culture with their elegant display and proud wearing of the Philippine national costumes—the Filipinas in either baro’t saya complete with the pañuelo or the terno with the iconic Philippine butterfly sleeves, and the Filipinos in embroidered barong Tagalog; down to the suggestive expressions of the Philippines—from the blue, yellow, and red spotlights, to the napkins bearing the same colors of the Philippine flag, down to the Philippine crafts and crates that adorned the cocktail and buffet tables—a true feast for the eyes which primed the senses for the ultimate appreciation of the Philippine dining experience that followed.
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The food tables were a brilliant attempt to get to the international audience’s heart through their stomach, imprinting an association of exciting tastes and flavors to the beauty of the Philippines. Every dish is displayed with cards artistically describing the Philippines through the ingredients, combination and contrast of flavors, method of cooking, and even historical origin as applicable, all the way to suggestions of best drink pairing (with a glass of ice-cold beer, for example) for maximum dining pleasure and enjoyment which confidently promised transporting the guests to our beloved homeland, the Philippines, at an instant.
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The foreign palates were introduced to various tastes of Philippine delicacies and flavors. There were bite size portions of lumpiang sariwa (fresh vegetable spring rolls), kilawin (fish ceviche), chicken sisig taco, crispy adobo flakes with rice, beef longganisa burger with atchara garnish, and beef caldereta meatballs. To top the Philippine gustatory and gourmet experience, an inter-active dessert station was set-up. The dessert offering proved to be a true delight for the guests who excitedly helped themselves to the very Filipino dessert perfect for the summer air from the “mix-your-own-halo-halo” station which was complemented by macarons in mango, calamansi, and ube flavor. Crafted spirits by 170-year old Philippine company, Destileria Limtuaco, was also on display across the hall.
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Master of Ceremonies, Jet Olfato, vice-consul and third secretary at the Permanent Mission has revealed more of the interactive mode for the 2022 National Day celebration. Guests were encouraged to talk to men and women of the Philippine Mission who can easily be spotted in their national costumes and ask anything they wish to know about the showcased pieces—from the materials to the manner of wearing and for which occasion.
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Truly, the sophistication with which the National Day celebration in international Geneva was conducted is a clear indication of the Permanent Mission and the Consulate General’s objective to make a mark for the Philippines and the Filipinos in the international community through influence not only with traditional diplomacy but likewise, with soft power, getting the Philippines on the map with cultural expressions, uniquely Filipino. It was indeed a proud National Day for the 124th anniversary of Philippine nationhood and freedom.
Mabuhay ang Pilipinas! Mabuhay ang bawat Pilipino!