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Manila Bulletin devider Embassies at Work devider 'Vernissage of Memento': A celebration of Europe Day

'Vernissage of Memento': A celebration of Europe Day

Published Jun 2, 2025 04:07 pm
Xavier Leroux, executive director of Alliance Française de Manille; Amos Reichman, chargé d'affaires of the Embassy of France; Wolfgang Gmasz, deputy head of Mission of the Embassy of Austria; Ambassador Răduţa Dana Matache of the Embassy of Romania; Ambassador Anna Ferry of the Embassy of Sweden; Ambassador Franz-Michael Mellbin of the Embassy of Denmark; and Ambassador Davide Giglio of the Embassy of Italy
Xavier Leroux, executive director of Alliance Française de Manille; Amos Reichman, chargé d'affaires of the Embassy of France; Wolfgang Gmasz, deputy head of Mission of the Embassy of Austria; Ambassador Răduţa Dana Matache of the Embassy of Romania; Ambassador Anna Ferry of the Embassy of Sweden; Ambassador Franz-Michael Mellbin of the Embassy of Denmark; and Ambassador Davide Giglio of the Embassy of Italy
Celebrating Europe Day, Alliance Française de Manille, in partnership with the embassies of Austria, Denmark, Finland, France, Italy, Poland, Romania, and Sweden in the Philippines, presented “Vernissage of Memento” on May 9 at Alliance Française de Manille in Makati.
The exhibition, featuring images that evoke memories, is a celebration of European art and culture, and the diverse heritage and culture of Europe through the displayed memento.
One of the highlight of the program was when the partner EU Ambassadors promoted their respective countries'  exhibit photos.
Ambassador Răduţa Dana Matache discussed Romania's Accession Treaty to the European Union. She highlighted images representing Romania, including UNESCO World Heritage churches, and the Transpagalesia highway, among others.
Ambassador Saija Nurminen of Finland talked about the pictures of the Midnight Sun, Miss Universe Armi Kuusela, the first Miss Universe from 195, and Nokia phones. For the cocktail reception, guests were treated with different varieties of Fazer chocolates from Finland.
Ambassador Răduţa Dana Matache of the Embassy of Romania, Ambassador Franz-Michael Mellbin of the Embassy of Denmark, Ambassador Davide Giglio of the Embassy of Italy
Ambassador Răduţa Dana Matache of the Embassy of Romania, Ambassador Franz-Michael Mellbin of the Embassy of Denmark, Ambassador Davide Giglio of the Embassy of Italy
Ambassador Saija Nurminen of the Embassy of Finland, Ambassador Anna Ferry of the Embassy of Sweden, Charges de’ Affaires Amos Reichman of Italy
Ambassador Saija Nurminen of the Embassy of Finland, Ambassador Anna Ferry of the Embassy of Sweden, Charges de’ Affaires Amos Reichman of Italy
Charges de’ Affaires Wolfgang Gmasz of Austrian; Ambassador Saija Nurminen of the Embassy of Finland with European Union’s deputy head of mission Dr. Ana Isabel Sanchez Ruiz and Ambassador Anna Ferry of the Embassy of Sweden
Charges de’ Affaires Wolfgang Gmasz of Austrian; Ambassador Saija Nurminen of the Embassy of Finland with European Union’s deputy head of mission Dr. Ana Isabel Sanchez Ruiz and Ambassador Anna Ferry of the Embassy of Sweden
Marivic Rufino of Philippine Red Cross – Rizal Chapter, Mme. Eva Wollerup Fischer Melbin, Ambassador Franz-Michael Mellbin, Ambassador Hjayceelyn M. Quintana, and Miguel Realmonte
Marivic Rufino of Philippine Red Cross – Rizal Chapter, Mme. Eva Wollerup Fischer Melbin, Ambassador Franz-Michael Mellbin, Ambassador Hjayceelyn M. Quintana, and Miguel Realmonte
Ambassador Franz-Michael Mellbin of Denmark contributed a personal series of photographs highlighting biking in Denmark—where cycling isn’t just a means of transportation, but a deeply embedded part of everyday life. His images reflect the Danish values of simplicity, sustainability, and community, emphasizing sustainable living, happiness, and work-life balance.
Italian Ambassador Davide Giglio presented images focusing on detailed observations of human situations. He emphasized the importance of living in the moment rather than constantly capturing memories.
Ambassador Anna Ferry of Sweden highlighted the Nordic region's connection to nature, featuring images of Lapland's indigenous Sami people, Stockholm's historic old town, and the Nobel Prize ceremony.
Charges de’ Affaires Amos Reichman of the French Embassy shared an insight on the 75th anniversary of the Schuman Declaration, a historic proposal that laid the foundation for the European Union, showcasing photographs from France and its overseas territories.
Austrian Charges de’ Affaires Wolfgang Gmasz presented images highlighting the country's blend of tradition and creativity, featuring cultural landmarks and artistic heritage of Austria, including Gustav Klimt’s The Kiss, the imperial beauty of Schönbrunn and Belvedere Palaces, the picturesque village of Hallstatt, and Austria’s rich theatrical tradition.
Moldovita Monastery, built during the 15th and 16th centuries, by Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Romania
Moldovita Monastery, built during the 15th and 16th centuries, by Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Romania
Colorful medieval houses along a canal in Colmar, France. ‘Charming Colmar’ by Sergey Guk
Colorful medieval houses along a canal in Colmar, France. ‘Charming Colmar’ by Sergey Guk
On Geology Trail: Kettle Lake by Karol Kaminski of Poland
On Geology Trail: Kettle Lake by Karol Kaminski of Poland
Skeppsbron runs from Slussen down past the Royal Castle, Stockholms’ oldest and most important dock until late 1700’s. Skeppsbron by Ola Ericson
Skeppsbron runs from Slussen down past the Royal Castle, Stockholms’ oldest and most important dock until late 1700’s. Skeppsbron by Ola Ericson
Finland is known as the ‘Land of the Midnight Sun’. Summer Midnight Sun 5 by Terchi Tuvinen
Finland is known as the ‘Land of the Midnight Sun’. Summer Midnight Sun 5 by Terchi Tuvinen
Where am I! II by Anna Lisa Ghini of Italy
Where am I! II by Anna Lisa Ghini of Italy
Multi-generational multi-bike by Ambassador Franz-Michael Mellbin of the Embassy of Denmark
Multi-generational multi-bike by Ambassador Franz-Michael Mellbin of the Embassy of Denmark
The Kiss (Lovers), a famous painting by Gustav Klimt that embodies love and union, considered a masterpiece of the Vienna Secession style. Der Kuss (Liebespaar)
The Kiss (Lovers), a famous painting by Gustav Klimt that embodies love and union, considered a masterpiece of the Vienna Secession style. Der Kuss (Liebespaar)
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