5 May 2006 – Philippine Ambassador to Tel Aviv Antonio C. Modena reported to the Department of Foreign Affairs that Israeli businessmen, tourist operators and media trooped to the launching of Shalom Filipinim, the Philippine Embassy's 2006 Trade, Tourism and Cultural promotion campaign, which was held on 26 April 2006 at the Embassy's new Chancery.

Ambassador Modena said at least two hundred guests graced the cocktail reception tendered by the Embassy at the rooftop garden of its newly acquired premises in Tel Aviv. The event also served as the inauguration of the three storey Chancery. Shalom Filipinim, which means “Hello Philippines” in Hebrew, kicked off the activities planned by the Embassy for 2006 to promote Philippine trade and tourism in Israel.

Two major Israeli television networks covered the reception and featured the physical arrangements that drew praises from the attendees. Decorated with Philippine lanterns, furniture, products and posters, the Embassy's rooftop was transformed into a typical Filipino garden filled with candles and torches. Guests also raved about the sumptuous Philippine delicacies such as turon, lumpia, puto, kutsinta, empanada, and beef longganisa. '

The Ambassador informed the guests and the media that the reception was the Embassy's way of thanking those who helped in registering significant growth in Philippines-Israel trade and tourism exchanges in 2005. He vowed that the Embassy will continue to work towards future cooperation in terms of culture and education.

Mr. Chester A. Omaga Diaz, Attaché for Trade, Economic, Tourism and Cultural Affairs of the Embassy, provided a summary of the seven thousand one hundred and one reasons why the Philippines is an ideal destination for tourists and businessmen. He also promised that with its planned activities for 2006, the Philippine Embassy and the Filipino Community in Israel will be seven thousand and one hundred times more aggressive in promoting the Philippines.

Eyes were glued on the screen as the Embassy presented "Philippines: More than the Usual". The three-minute audio visual presentation provided by the Department of Tourism drew "ohs" and "ahs" and "wows' among the crowd. The short movie featured different Philippine tourism spots/fiestas and products.

The guests were also mesmerized by the Sinulog-inspired dance performed by the Filipino Community in Tel Aviv while the dancers from Jerusalem left the crowd in awe with their Wasiwas. The Filipino Community, through the Federation of Filipino Communities in Israel (FFCI) has always provided support for all the Embassy's activities.

Following the video presentation, Ambassador Modena stressed that the Philippines “is the alternative destination for Israeli tourists and businessmen.” He also mentioned that the Philippines takes pride in the fact Philippines opened its doors to 35,000 Jewish refugees during the Holocaust.  He also took the opportunity to encourage the guests to support his campaign towards the recognition of the Philippines' role, particularly that of President Manuel L. Quezon, during the holocaust. (Please refer to the accompanying photo release on this subject matter.)   END