The Department of Foreign Affairs announced today that a Portuguese Festival under the sponsorship of the Portuguese Embassy, highlighting different aspects of traditional and modern Portugal, will be held in Manila from 06 to 22 October 2003.

Following a very successful Portuguese Festival held in Manila last year, officials of the Portuguese Embassy organized the 2003 “Portuguese Week in Manila” in coordination with various Philippine establishments.

The Portuguese Week in Manila is a multifaceted project, which aims to show the best of Portugal and contribute to the strengthening of relations between the countries and peoples of Portugal and the Philippines.

One of the Week’s highlights is a book launching to be held on 21 October at the University of Santo Tomas, featuring a compilation of the first references to the Philippines made by Portuguese historians in the 16th century.  This will be followed by the second joint seminar of Portuguese and Filipino historians.

On 15 October, the Portuguese Government will confer a decoration on Ambassador Bienvenido Tantoco, Sr. for his important role in the strengthening of Philippine-Portuguese economic relations.  In line with that, a section showcasing crystal and porcelain products of the group of Portuguese companies, Vista Alegre and Atlantis, will be inaugurated on 16 October at Rustan's Makati.

Other significant events of the Portuguese Week include:

· Bacalao Festival, offering the best of Portuguese cuisine to be held at the Hotel Intercontinental between 07-21 October, featuring a distinguished Portuguese Chef;

· Display of traditional costumes and performance of a Portuguese Folk Dance Group from Macao, to take place on 09 October during a dinner at the Hotel Intercontinental;

· Exhibition of Portuguese paintings by the prestigious painter Manuel Baldemor, to be opened on 10 October, at the Hotel Intercontinental; and

· Celebration of the 86th anniversary of the apparition of Our Lady of Fatima, including a church service on 11 October at Rustan's Makati.