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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider US congressman serves 'balut', San Miguel Beer to Romualdez in Washington 

US congressman serves 'balut', San Miguel Beer to Romualdez in Washington 

Published Apr 18, 2024 10:31 am

At A Glance

  • House Speaker Martin Romualdez and his companions from the Philippines were pleasantly surprised after an American congressman served them "balut" and Filipino beer as refreshments during their meeting at Capitol Hill in Washington, DC. 
  • Offering this "balut diplomacy"--and drawing smiles from the members of the Philippine delegation in the process--was California 6th district Rep. Ami Bera. 

IMG-49abd469f1b4567e21fc43b02fecbe69-V.jpg
California 6th district Rep. Ami Bera (center) chats with House Speaker Martin Romualdez (3rd from left) and the rest of the Philippine delegation to Capitol Hill in Washington, DC. (Speaker’s office)


House Speaker Martin Romualdez and his companions from the Philippines were pleasantly surprised after an American congressman served them "balut" and Filipino beer as refreshments during their meeting at Capitol Hill in Washington, DC.

Offering this "balut diplomacy"--and drawing smiles from the members of the Philippine delegation in the process--was California 6th district Rep. Ami Bera.

Balut--a popular and cherished street food in the Philippines--is boiled duck egg with a developing embryo.


The beverage partnered with balut was San Miguel Beer.


The American legislator's gesture of serving beer and balut on Wednesday, April 17 (US time) became symbolic of the camaraderie and cooperation between the US and the Philippines, which appear to be as iron-clad as ever under the Marcos administration.

The meeting was marked by discussions on crucial regional matters as well as the strengthening of diplomatic ties between the two countries.

Against the backdrop of geopolitical tensions, both Romualdez and Bera emphasized the importance of fostering stability, peace, and prosperity in the Asia-Pacific region.

Bera underscored the significance of the current geopolitical landscape, and emphasized the necessity of cooperation while respecting each other's sovereignty.

"It's an important time in the region. None of us wants conflicts. We seek cooperation but we should respect each other's sovereignty. We stand close to each other,” Bera said.

In response, Romualdez expressed gratitude for the unwavering support of Bera and his district. He said this reaffirmed the enduring friendship between Filipinos and Americans.

"Our gratitude and appreciation for your support, especially from your district as your home. We will not take that for granted. You are a true friend to the Philippines,” the Speaker said.

Aside from Romualdez, the Philippine delegation included Senior Deputy Speaker Aurelio “Dong” Gonzales Jr., Deputy Speaker David “Jay-jay” Suarez, Majority Leader Manuel Jose “Mannix” Dalipe, Agusan del Norte Rep. Jose “Joboy” Aquino ll, House Secretary General Reginald “Reggie” Velasco, Ambassador to the US Jose Manuel Romualdez, Ambassador to Japan Mylene Garcia-Albano, and House Deputy Secretary Generals Jennifer “Jef” Baquiran, David Robert Amorin, and Sofonias “Ponyong” Gabonada Jr..

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San Miguel Beer balut Martin Romualdez ami bera
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