4 December 2003 - The Department of Foreign Affairs, the Senate and the Honorary Consulate of Bulgaria celebrated the 30th anniversary of the establishment of RP-Bulgarian diplomatic relations with a piano concert at the DFA Auditorium and an exhibit at the DFA lobby on 28 November 2003.

Honorary Consul for Bulgaria Rene L. Ledesma invited the famous piano virtuoso Georgi Trendafiloff who rendered a spell-binding, hour-long piano concerto featuring the compositions of Frederic Chopin, Franz Liszt, F. Busoni and Claude Debussy.  Cocktails, consisting of Bulgarian specialties, wine and Mediterranean cuisine, were served at the auditorium lobby prior to the programme proper.

An exhibit featuring Bulgarian culture and tourism in Bulgaria was set up in the DFA lobby. Also featured was an information commercial highlighting the society and culture of Bulgaria and the ensuing political stability and economic growth that made Bulgaria a candidate for European Union membership in 2004.

Undersecretary Rafael Seguis delivered the welcome remarks in behalf of Foreign Affairs Secretary Blas F. Ople. In his remarks, the Secretary mentioned the shared appreciation for music by Filipinos and Bulgarians, and said that it was fitting to commemorate RP-Bulgaria diplomatic relations with a musical interlude.

Secretary Ople also stated that “music has uplifting qualities” and that “ we would do well to reflect upon the message conveyed by the music” referring to the message of harmony. He also said that “shared values such as friendship, respect and understanding, the common striving to transcend our humanity, the joy of living, the celebration of life in all its glorious sameness and diversity” are universal values shared by humankind.

Senate President Pro Tempore Juan M. Flavier delivered his message extolling the shared values of the people of the Philippines and Bulgaria. Mr. RJ Ledesma, Special Assistant to the Honorary Consul was the designated Master of Ceremonies for the evening.

Some of the invited guests that attended the piano concert included Senator Loi Ejercito, industrialist Mr. Ramon Ilusorio, former DFA Spokesman Mr. D.Y. Caparas, Ms. Imelda Cojuangco, Ms. Baby Arenas and musician Ms. Myrna Lopez. – END