Pedestrians and motorists passing by the Philippine Embassy in Bangkokat night have been noticed to pause for a moment to take a closer look at the Embassy premises. The Embassy has adorned its perimeter fence fronting Sukhumvit Road, and the Chancery windows with about eighty (80) colorful Pampanga-made Christmas lanterns or parol. Sukhumvit Road is one of Bangkok’s main thoroughfares.
Ambassador Jocelyn Batoon-Garcia being interviewed by one of guest Thai media.
On 29 November, Ambassador Jocelyn Batoon-Garcia presided over the Parol lighting ceremony in the presence of Thai media, travel and tour operators, and officials from the Thai Ministry of Culture. TheParol will be displayed throughout Christmas season until 16 February 2013. She said it is the Embassy’s way of sharing a unique aspect of Filipino culture with the Thai people.
Ambassador Jocelyn Batoon-Garcia with NTT Sky Managing Director Mr. Pornchai Pornsirigosol (Cebu Pacific authorized agent) , Thai Travel Agents Association President Mr.Suthipong Pheunphiphop., and Department of Tourism Market Director for Malaysia and Thailand Datin Melissa Ong
Ambassador Jocelyn Batoon-Garcia (2, L, left picture) with Philippine Airlines Manager Ms. Maria Teresa Garces (1,L, left picture), Department of Tourism Market Director for Malaysia and Thailand Datin Melissa Ong (3, left picture), GMA 7 (stringer) Mr. Percy Roxas (4th, left picture).
Ambassador Batoon-Garcia also said that “by decorating the Embassy with Parol and allowing passersby to witness the beauty of the Christmas lanterns when lighted up at night, we are actually demonstrating the artistry and creativity of the Filipino people.”
With our friends in media……..
Cable TV Operators Association
In Channel
Bangkok Post
ASEAN TV (L) and Thai Channel 3
NHK 3
Media in action
The Philippine Embassy in Bangkok first introduced the Parol lighting ceremony in December 2010 as part of its effort to raise awareness of Filipino culture in Thai society.
Our dear guests
Look, Its More Fun in the Philippines cocktail sticks
The performers of the night, the Equator Band
Complementing the colorful display of Parol are large billboards and placards emblazoned with the new Philippine tourism slogan: “Its More Fun in the Philippines.” They are prominently hung at the Embassy’s perimeter fence and garden, and strategically positioned at the Chancery’s second floor. The billboards and placards can be seen by commuters using Bangkok’s sky train, which passes right in front of the Embassy.
“We have just transformed the entire Chancery into one big promotional material for Philippine tourism and Filipino culture, directed at our Thai friends and foreign tourists alike,” said Ambassador Batoon-Garcia. END.
