THE PHILIPPINE AMBASSADOR LAUNCHES GUIDEBOOK FOR WOMEN IN THE DIPLOMATIC CORPS IN BRUNEI DARUSSALAM  

18 September 2007—Philippine Ambassador to Brunei Darussalam Virginia H. Benavidez reported to the Department of Foreign Affairs that she launched the “COMPILATION OF PERSONAL NOTES AND USEFUL INFORMATION FOR WOMEN IN THE DIPLOMATIC CORPS IN BRUNEI DARUSSALAM”, a comprehensive guidebook for the different aspects of living in Brunei . Ms. Benavidez initiated the project with the cooperation of Philippine Embassy staff/spouses. It is divided into various segments: Part I - Personal Notes and Glimpses About Brunei Darussalam and Its People, Part II - An Insider’s Guide To Places of Interest for Women, Part III - List of Women’s Organizations and Charitable Institutions in Brunei Darussalam, Part IV - Emergency and Useful Numbers To Remember, and Part V - List of Holidays in Brunei Darussalam. Likewise, the handbook also contains the Ambassador’s cherished memories of Brunei Darussalam and its people, and her thoughts and experiences concerning her designation as the first Filipino woman Ambassador in Brunei Darussalam.  

The guidebook is a compilation of the notes Ambassador Benavidez has kept over the years concerning places, events, dress code and other matters related mostly to women.  “This basic information and updates have served as a useful guide on how to make my life easier and more enjoyable while serving my country and people in Brunei Darussalam.  Whether we have just arrived here or have been in the country for quite some time, learning more about our host country is always work in progress”.  

An array of distinguished guests graced the event which included Australian High Commissioner H.E. Dr. Ruth Adler, Chinese Ambassador H.E. Tong Xiaoling, Spouses of Heads of Mission, colleagues in the Diplomatic Corps and Philippine Embassy ladies led by Mrs. Cecilia Ascalon, wife of Second Secretary Jaime Ramon Ascalon. The launching ceremony was held at “Ang Bahay”, the Philippine Ambassador’s residence on 7 September 2007.  

The Ladies in the Diplomatic Corps expressed appreciation for the highly useful in-house information material of the Philippine Embassy based on notes, recollections and experiences of Ambassador Benavidez, and researches done by the Philippine Embassy staff/spouses, including other documentary sources.  Ambassador Benavidez invited the former to contribute in updating the publication by sharing with the other ladies’ various aspects of diplomatic life in Brunei Darussalam. END.

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