22 August 2005 – The Philippine Embassy in Tel Aviv reported to the Department of Foreign Affairs that the Philippine participation  at the 30th Annual International Arts and Crafts Fair, the biggest art and handicraft marketing fair in Israel which will run from 17 to 29 August 2005, is considered to be a big boost to the Embassy’s cultural diplomacy program.

Ambassador Modena thanked Jerusalem Mayor Uri Lupoliansky for the opportunity given to the Philippines to promote Philippine culture, trade and tourism, the main thrust of the Embassy's program of activities. He also said that more cooperative efforts with Jerusalem and with other cities in Israel are already being organized. The arts and crafts exhibit is the fifth cultural, trade and tourism activity of the Philippine Embassy this year.

Ambassador Antonio C. Modena reported that the ribbon cutting ceremony was well-covered by Israeli TV.   He said that of the 350 booths in the Fair, Jerusalem Mayor Uri Lupoliansky only agreed to participate in the opening ceremonies of  the Philippine booth.  The Filipino community also presented folk dance numbers on 20 August 2005 while Filipino painter Immanuel Garibay conducted a public painting demonstration.

The Mayor congratulated the Filipino community for its continuous support for the Embassy’s efforts in bringing the "lively culture of the Philippines" to the Israeli public.

At least 20,000 people visited the Philippine booth, which was set up by TAOOS. an Israeli company which imports Philippine decorative product. TAOOS paid for the booths, including the booth that exhibited the works of Filipino painter Immanuel Garibay.  The Philippine booths sold and received orders estimated to be worth NIS 16,000 (PhP 160,000). It is located in the international section and is grouped together with the booths of Jordan, Nepal, Peru, El Salvador and South Africa. END