15 June 2012 -Philippine Ambassador to Lebanon Leah M. Basinang-Ruiz hosted a National Day Reception in the evening of June 12 to celebrate the 114th Anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence.
The reception was held at the Salle des Ambassadeurs of the Coral Beach Hotel and Resort in Jnah Avenue, Beirut and was attended by members of the diplomatic and consular corps, Lebanese government officials, representatives from private sector groups and non-government organizations, and members of the Filipino community in Lebanon.
President Michel Sleiman, Speaker of the National Assembly Nabih Berih and President of the Council of Ministers Najib Mikati, were represented by Deputy Hagop Bakradounian, Member of Parliament, who conveyed the felicitations and best wishes of the government and people of Lebanon.
In her speech, Ambassador Ruiz highlighted the commitment of President Benigno S. Aquino III to institutionalize transparency, accountability and good governance as the true and sensible pathway to sustainable development, equitable progress and stability. She also cited the positive results from reforms, such as steady economic growth, progress in fiscal consolidation, a strong external position and macroeconomic stability.
Ambassador Ruiz also noted that the friendly ties between the Philippines and Lebanon, which already spanned more than 65 years, got a further boost with the signing last 1 February 2012 of the Philippines-Lebanon Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Labor Cooperation and its accompanying Protocol on Regulating the Recruitment and Employment of Household Service Workers.
After the official toast and the cutting of the ceremonial cake, Ambassador Ruiz invited Deputy Bakradounian to view the display of the Paradise Mango Rhum Liqueur and to sample the liqueur served "On the Rocks". She then presented him with a bottle of the Mango Rum Liqueur.
The Ambassadors of Australia, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Republic of Korea, Saudi Arabia, China, Japan, Pakistan, Argentina, Colombia, Spain, Poland, Netherlands, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Iran, Nigeria, Turkey, among others, and the Lebanese guests congratulated the Ambassador, in particular her remarks on the Philippines and on bilateral relations.
As a special feature, Filipino singer Joaquin Garcia entertained the guests, starting with his rendition of the timeless Filipino ballad Ikaw. Mr. Garcia has won international awards, including two gold medals in the 2007 World Championship of Performing Arts in California.
After the reception, the Apostolic Nuncio, H.E. Msgr. Gabriele Caccia, Dean of the Diplomatic Corps, met with the Embassy personnel and members of the Filipino community and cordially invited them to attend the mass that will be celebrated by His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI who will visit Lebanon on 14-16 September 2012. END