The last week of September was all about Hungary as the country—found in the heart of Europe—celebrated 50 years of diplomatic relations with the Philippines. Hungarian Ambassador to the Philippines Titanilla Tóth made sure to maximize the week as she brought in some of the best experts and talents to showcase her country’s rich cultural background.

“Hungarikums are a collective term denoting a value worthy of emphasis that represents the highest quality of Hungarian products with its characteristically Hungarian attributes, uniqueness, special nature, and quality,” she said. To bring Hungarikums closer to Filipinos, the embassy organized three events in a week at The Grand Hyatt in BGC: An afternoon tea event, a diplomatic reception, and a wine tasting, each one a hit among their many guests.

In the country for Hungarikum week was Zsolt V. Németh, the Hungarian prime minister’s commissioner for the protection of the Hungarian way of life and national values. At the afternoon tea event, he delighted female ambassadors and members of the Spouses of Heads of Mission (SHOM) and members of the media, by playing one of Hungary’s traditional musical instruments, the zither. Ladies sipped tea, admired pieces from Hungarian porcelain manufacturers Herend and Zsolnay, and ate Hungarian treats prepared by chefs flown in specifically for Hungarikum week. Guests were also treated to a preview of the fashion show to be showcased at the diplomatic reception. 

Adry Couture’s Adrienn Balogh and Erzsébet Papp of Hungarian fine porcelain jewelry maker Zema Jewels brought some of their best work to show to the crowd. Akin to the modern Filipiniana trend taking over the Philippines, Adry Couture makes modern pieces that feature traditional Hungarian elements, such as distinct embroidery. Zema Jewels, meanwhile, also does the same with its jewelry by using porcelain, one of Hungary’s well-loved exports to the world. An extended collection of both designers were highlighted during the diplomatic reception, which happened two days later at the Hyatt’s grand ballroom.

The reception was attended by the diplomatic corps, Philippine government officials, friends of the embassy, and Hungarians in the Philippines. Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri was in attendance, delighting the crowd with a speech on his travels to Hungary and the deep bond he and his family have with the country. Department of Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Antonio Morales also talked about the strong ties between the Philippines and Hungary, including the constant and welcomed presence of Filipino scholars in their universities.

A surprise addition to the fashion and jewelry showcase that night was a collection by one of the Philippines’ premier fashion designers, Dennis Lustico. Modernized ternos graced the runway along with Hungarian designs. Lustico’s work isn’t new to Ambassador Tóth as she wore his design to the last vin d’honneur held at Malacañang for the celebration of Philippine Independence Day. The black, modern Filipiniana number remains to be one of the ambassador’s most iconic looks as it provided such a beautiful contrast with her long, red hair.

Hungarian chefs Atilla Timár and Barnabás Hack prepared a wonderful feast for the attendees, with a focus on their most popular dishes. Goulash was quite the start that night along with the lángos, deep-fried flat bread made tasty by garlic, sour cream, and cheese.

“Tonight is not just about Hungary,” said the ambassador in her welcome remarks. “It’s not Hungary’s national day but a celebration of our friendship with the Philippines as we commemorate 50 years of diplomatic relations.” Toasts that evening all agreed that 50 more years of friendship and beyond seem like a great idea for the two countries that may be “physically apart, but never in heart.”

Hungarikum week ended with an afternoon wine tasting event, featuring wines from the Tokaj region. Dating back to the ninth century, this wine region’s history is almost as rich as its terroir—a special, volcanic region that has continuously produced wine for monarchs and popes. Because of this, Tokaj wine has been branded as “wine of kings, king of wines.”

While Hungarikum week may have closed the diplomatic circle’s social calendar, what was celebrated is indeed the beginning of many more years of understanding and friendship between the two countries. 

Glenfiddich to empower  the next outstanding Filipino techpreneur

Speaking of a good drink, well-awarded single-malt Scotch Glenfiddich is partnering with three esteemed industry pillars in the Philippines for its Where Next Club, each one a trailblazer who represents and embodies the core values and vision of the brand. These three partners will help in picking the chosen startup for this year’s Where Next Club Program and will also provide strategy and one-on-one mentorship to help propel the chosen startup and its founders to the next level.

These three partners include Endeavor PH managing director Manny Ayala, Terry S.A co-founder and president Anne Gonzales, and 500 global partner and Ninjavan country head Martin Cu. 

“Glenfiddich, which launched the Where Next Club Program last year, has developed a stepping stone for entrepreneurs and businesses embodying the core values of the brand,” said Kate Osmillo, Philippine brand ambassador for Glenfiddich, at the launch event held at Gallery by Chele. The program was developed to search for and reward an innovative venture that is ready to scale up and create a lasting impact in the Philippines and, eventually, the world.

Aside from the organized mentorship and guidance by the esteemed panel, Glenfiddich will also be providing a one-million-peso non-equity dilutive grant to the chosen startup.