 Ambassador Jocelyn Batoon-Garcia with senior officials from the Royal Thai Government - (From L-R) H.E. Senator Jet Sirataranont, H.E. Mr. Anusorn Kraiwatnussorn, Vice Minister of Labor, H.E. Dr. Pithaya Pookaman, Vice Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, Ambassador Jocelyn Batoon-Garcia, H.E. Dr. Sombat Kuruphan, Vice Minister of Tourism and Sports, H.E. Mr. Nopadol Gunavibool, Deputy Permanent Secretary of Foreign Affairs, guest, and Mr. Pichet Kitisin, Adviser on Foreign Relations of the Senate. |
The Philippine Embassy in Bangkok hosted a reception to celebrate the 115th year of Philippine Independence on 12 June 2013 at 7:00pm at the Mandarin Oriental hotel.
Ambassador Jocelyn Batoon-Garcia delivered a message which highlighted the economic growth and improved credit rating of the Philippines. Tourism was also highlighted in the Ambassador’s message. The Ambassador mentioned that the number of tourists from Thailand increased by 11% in the first quarter of 2013 compared to the same period last year. Guests were invited to visit the country to find out how “It’s more fun in the Philippines.”
During the program, video presentations prepared by the embassy, the Department of Tourism and the Department of Trade and Industry were shown to guests. Tarpaulins sent by the DOT were displayed outside the hotel’s ballroom.
Guests enjoyed a variety of Filipino food and desserts including kare kare, pancit palabok, kinilaw na isda, lechon kawali and leche flan. Philippine drinks such as bignay wine (red wine), tapuy (rice wine), VuQo vodka and a variety of juices (mango, moringa citrus, etc.) were also served. Mr. Sulbert Orcullo, a saxophonist, and Ms. Margie Uy Amorsolo welcomed the guests and serenaded the crowd with Filipino music. Mr. Rolly Javier of Hotdogs began the program with the well-known song “Manila, Manila.”The Royal Thai Navy Band also provided background music.
More than 250 guests attended the reception. Among those present were H.E. Senator Jet Sirataranont and H.E. Deputy Permanent Secretary Nopadol Guinavibool of the Thai Government. Other Thai dignitaries include H.E. Dr. Pithaya Pookaman, Vice Minister of National Resources and Environment, H.E. Mr. Surachai Baochanya, Vice Minister of Public Health, H.E. Dr. Sombat Kuruphan, Vice Minister of Tourism and Sports and H.E. Mr. Anusorn Kraiwatnussorn, Vice Minister of Labor. Heads of diplomatic missions and international organizations, senior officials of the Thai Government, businessmen and leaders of the Filipino Community were also in attendance. END
