TWO PHOTOS herewith show the change of TIME and FACES. At the Philippine Consulate in Manhattan, New York during a private invitation and reception by Madame Cecille Rebong prior to her new tour of duty as Ambassador to Switzerlands United Nations Council. She personally introduced me to Philippine Vice President Noli de Castro and called for this photo-op. Cara and a group of 15 businesswomen traveled later with Madame Rebong via Korean Airlines during the first Ambassador and Consul General Tour to the Philippines at the invitation of the Department of Foreign Affairs, Department of Tourism and the Office of the President respectively. We were officially met on a diplomatic arrival by Secretary Albert del Rosario at the Ninoy Aquino Airport where we were billeted at Shangri-la Hotel later. We were joined by a group of more than 700 delegates. In Malacanan Palace, the exclusive U,S. Delegation were treated to a sumptuous lunch and received by no less than the Philippine President with an official group photo per U.S. State. Afterwards, we all were joined by top Cabinet members. Secretary Albert del Rosario, then Ambassador to Washington, was asked to sit for an hour for a live Press interview in the Palace and he asked Cara to join him on why Tourism was the primary goal of the country. From the Philippines we proceeded to China and then stayed at Prima Bong Medrano who co hosted our stay.at her posh and well appointed home in Ayala Alabang. A sit down dinner at the Ayala Museum was hosted by the Ayala de Zobels to showcase their first Condominium project, The Residence. I was deeply grateful for the opportunity. Cara and Caroll also joined Brad Baldia on two more official occasions promoting Philippine business opportunities with Ambassador Jose Cuisia. The second (2) photo is with Mr. De Castro and my friend, Tom Sheie , again with the Secretary of Tourism. This was arranged by former Tourism Secretary and bosom family friend, Madame Mina Gabor. It was held at the just newly opened Asia Mall during an international US and Asian convention. On the last day after the Goodbye dinner, Mina closed the convention ballroom for just the twelve of us friends. We danced and sang Karaoke until 3am in the morning with a live band with the convention chair from Thailand and sister of the King. As I looked at these two photos, and while I aged a little bit it was among my best travel memories.
Posted on: Mon, 13 Oct 2014 02:18:21 +0000