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Manila Bulletin devider Lifestyle devider People and Events devider Le French Gala shines as Manila celebrates a week of French culture

Le French Gala shines as Manila celebrates a week of French culture

Published Nov 29, 2025 12:28 am
It was a very French week in Manila this last week of November! On top of the activities surrounding the ongoing 28th French Film Festival, Ambassador Marie Fontanel had to troop to the Shangri-La at the Fort for the annual Le French Gala, hosted by the French Chamber of Commerce and Industry in the Philippines (CCIFP). Jacques-Christophe Brannelec of Jewelmer is the current President of the Chamber, and he made doubly sure this would be a night to enjoy and remember. The gala was hosted by Anne Gauthier, with entertainment provided by the Jewelmer Jazz Band, El Gamma Penumbra, the Daloy Dance Company, Stank Tank, and DJ Christi McGarry.
Special guests for the evening were DTI Secretary Cristina Roque and, from the film festival, rising French actress Garance Marillier. The festival has three full-feature films and one short in which the actress is involved. During the post-screening discussion of one of her films, I witnessed the enthusiasm of the young audience for her presence here.
Anne Gauthier-Das Neves and Mickael Das Neves, CloudCfo founder
Anne Gauthier-Das Neves and Mickael Das Neves, CloudCfo founder
Garance Marillier and the author
Garance Marillier and the author
Ambassador Marie Fontanel and Issa Litton
Ambassador Marie Fontanel and Issa Litton
DTI Secretary Ma. Cristina Roque
DTI Secretary Ma. Cristina Roque
Olivia and Maia D’Aboville with Solenn Heusaff
Olivia and Maia D’Aboville with Solenn Heusaff
Alex Deakin, Hannah Deakin, and Mikaela Usigan
Alex Deakin, Hannah Deakin, and Mikaela Usigan
Jacques-Christophe Brannelec, president of the CCIFP
Jacques-Christophe Brannelec, president of the CCIFP
One highlight of Le French Gala is the awarding ceremony of Le Trophée Bleu. It is the fourth year of the awards, which honor corporate institutions and initiatives that champion environmental protection and the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Winners were picking up the Peace, Prosperity, Partnership, People, Planet, and Sustainable Excellence trophies. It’s business sustainability in action, and a wonderful way to punctuate the evening with substance.

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