Sense of openness highlight of new Norwegian Embassy office

• Envoys & Expats

by Suzette Jessica - March 14, 2015

In Photo: Del Rosario Law Centre’s co-managing partner lawyer Ruben del Rosario, Taguig City Mayor Lani Cayetano, Norwegian Ambassador Erik Førner and Nils Martin Gunneng.

IF you think offices are stuffy workplaces where business associates toil at work eight hours a day, this isn’t true of the new offices of the Royal Norwegian Embassy in the country.

Located at the DelRosarioLaw Centre at Bonifacio Global City, the Royal Norwegian Embassy lives up to the vision of openness that peoples of the world should take to heart.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Ambassador Erik Førner took note that the new office promotes a more open environment, which creates an effective communication among staff. The office also offers the finest facilities, modern and new technology, spacious meeting rooms and better Internet connection for a more efficient office operations and delivery of services.

“We are very proud of our new office, “ Førner said. “I think the most important thing we have achieved in the layout is the openness, where the barriers between diplomats and staff are reduced significantly.”

Førner, Deputy Director General Nils Martin Gunneng of the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and DelRosarioLaw Centre co-owner lawyer Ruben del Rosario took part in cutting the ribbon to mark the official opening of the new office on March 9.

Roselle Rebano and Swiss Ambassador Ivo Sieber

Gunneng said the transfer of the embassy to the Bonifacio Global City marks a new chapter in the longstanding and good bilateral relationship between the Philippines and Norway.

He also noted that the investment in a new embassy is another strong signal of Norway’s long-term commitment to the Philippines, as well as to the Asean community.

The first full-fledged embassy was established in 1967 in Dasmariñas Village. Since then, bilateral relations between the Philippines and Norway have continued to develop and strengthen with the maritime sector in full force and other areas of cooperation have grown. “Norway has a long term perspective in the Philippines. As other countries may come and go, we stay,” Førner said.

Guests present during the inauguration included Taguig City Mayor Lani Cayetano, members of the diplomatic corps, stakeholders of the Philippine and Norwegian business sectors, and representatives from government.

The embassy transferred to its new location on February 25. It is at the 12th floor, DelRosarioLaw Centre, 21st Drive corner 20th Drive, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City.

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Ultimate Swiss craftmanship now in Manila

Ultimate Swiss craftsmanship now in Manila

• Envoys & Expats

by Suzette Jessica - March 7, 2015                         Image Credits: Stephen Morelos

Leading the ceremonial ribbon-cutting along with Switzerland-based Charles Villoz, vice president of Longines and head of International Sales, and Longines Ambassador of Elegance Eddie Peng (fourth and fifth from left) are Longines Regional Sales Manager for Asia Pacific Claude Jaunin, President of Lucerne Group Ivan Yao, Swiss Ambassador Ivo Sieber, Mandaluyong Mayor Benjamin Abalos and Lucerne Group Managing Director Emerson Yao

 Mandaluyong Mayor Benjamin Abalos, Switzerland-based Longines Vice President and Head of International Sales Charles Villoz, Lucerne Group president Ivan Yao, Longines Ambassador of Elegence Eddie Peng, Swiss Ambassador Ivo Sieber and Lucerne Group managing director Emerson Yao as they proudly show off their Longines watches

When people talk of timepieces, those that are made in Switzerland are considered ne plus ultra.

Longines’ Ambassador of Elegance Eddie Peng (right), briefly talks on the Conquest Classic collection, a line dedicated to Longines watchmaking tradition and passion for equestrian sports, as Swiss Ambassador Ivo Sieber and Longines Vice President and Head of International Sales Charles Villoz look on

Among the brands that is a must for collectors of chronographs is Longines.

Switzerland-based Longines Vice President and Head of International Sales Charles Villoz

Since it first produced timekeeping devices in 1832, it has become known for its strong devotion to tradition, elegance and performance. It isn’t surprising that its watches are passed on within families, from generation to generation, proof of its excellent craftsmanship.

Lucerne’s Emerson and Ling Ling Yao and brand and corporate sales manager Mitch del Rosario with Longines’ Regional Sales Manager for Asia Pacific Claude Jaunin

Longines recently opened its first exclusive boutique in the country at the SM Megamall Fashion Hall. Management representatives from its headquarters in Switzerland attended this special event, which was hosted by the Lucerne group. Taiwan-based movie star, singer and performer Eddie Peng flew in for this special occasion as the Longines Ambassador of Elegance.

 Longines’ Regional Sales Manager for Asia Pacific Claude Jaunin, Lucerne’s Ling Ling Yao, Switzerland-based Longines Vice President and Head of International Sales Charles Villoz and event host Johnny Litton

Leading the ceremonial ribbon-cutting ceremony with Peng were Switzerland-based Charles Villoz, vice president of Longines and head of international sales; Longines Regional Sales Manager for Asia Pacific Claude Jaunin; Swiss Ambassador Ivo Sieber; Mandaluyong Mayor Benjamin Abalos; Lucerne Group President Ivan Yao; and Emerson Yao, managing director of the Lucerne Group.

Swiss Ambassador Ivo Sieber flanked by Switzerland-based Longines Vice President and Head of International Sales Charles Villoz and Longines’ Regional Sales Manager for Asia Pacific Claude Jaunin

Peng now joins top actors like Simon Baker and Kate Winslet as member of the Longines family.

 Taiwan-based movie star, singer and performer Eddie Peng, who flew in for the special occasion as Longines’ Ambassador of Elegance, briefly talks on the Conquest Classic collection, a line dedicated to Longines watchmaking tradition and passion for equestrian sports

The new Longines boutique will be a modern interpretation of the brand’s traditional values and about two centuries of craftsmanship. With each new boutique opening, Longines takes the opportunity to show different facets of its passion for elegance and constant innovation.

Suzette Jessica

Image Credits: Stephen Morelos

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Filipina CEOs honored for their achievements

• Envoys & Expats

by BusinessMirror - January 17, 2015

In Photo: Gracita Sieber makes the ceremonial move to launch Victoria, the women’s line of Victorinox. With her are Swiss Ambassador Ivo Sieber (left) and Washington Sycip

Filipina CEOs at the launch of the Victoria Collection (from left): Pat Cortez (DKSH); Maan Hontiveros (AirAsia Philippines); Ambassador Delia Albert (SGV); Marife Zamora (Convergys); and Rosario Cajucom-Bradbury (SGS)

IT isn’t surprising if women are now captains of industry and are at the forefront of enterprises.

Since women joined the workforce in the 1960s, they have slowly risen from the ranks and taken positions beside their male counterparts.

It is this fact that is being celebrated with the launch of Victorinox’s Victoria Collection, and exclusive range of luggage and bags designed just specifically for women.

In fact, the collection’s name, Victoria, honors the memory of the mother of Victorinox founder Karl Elsener, who in 1884 started the brand when he supplied the Swiss Army with a soldier’s knife that they could carry with them in the field. In true Swiss fashion, the Victoria Collection was held in an intimate gathering at the New World Hotel last November 12 that recognized the contributions of female CEOs in the country.



The event was held in association with the Philippine Swiss Business Council.

The event started with the ringing of a bell, a custom followed in Switzerland to mark the beginning of any important celebration. Afterward, Primer Group of Companies CEO Jimmy Thai welcomed guests to the celebration.

Primer Group of Companies CEO Jimmy Thai, (third from left, standing) together with Washington Sycip (seated) with Amb Delia Albert (standing, left), Primer Group's Jerry Sy and Rosario Cajucom-Bradbury

This was followed by speeches from Swiss Ambassador Ivo Sieber and Philippine Swiss Business Council Chairman Rosario Cajucom-Bradbury.

The formal launch of Victoria was led by Gracita Seiber, wife of Ambassador Seiber, who, with a ceremonial checkmate move on a lighted chessboard, signified the occasion. The move highlighted the strength of the queen on the chessboard. 

Mr and Mrs Francis Kong

The evening also honored of five Filipina CEOs, namely Cajucom Bradbury (SGS), Marife Zamora (Convergys), Maan Hontiveros (AirAsia Philippines), Pat Cortez (DKSH) and Ambassador Delia Albert (SGV). These Filipina achievers were selected based on their significant contributions to their respective fields of disciplines, and like Victoria, embody strength, character, versatility and excellence.

Primer Group's Evelyn Thai, Amb Delia Albert (SGV) and Maan Hontiveros (Air Asia Philippines)

Primer Group's Darwin Banez, Washington Sycip and Primer Group's Jerry Sy

When it comes to elegance, superior craftsmanship, and technological innovation, Victorinox remains the pride of Swiss heritage with its iconic products and innovative range of lifestyle essentials. With the launch of its first women’s line, Victorinox has now expanded its reach to the modern woman offering her a reliable companion for her versatile lifestyle. Thoughtfully designed by a woman and for a woman, the Victoria collection will take every woman from one moment of her busy day to the next. It is a little piece of luxury made just for her, because she deserves it.

Primer Group's Reginald De Vera, raffle winner Kim Bernardo Lokin showing off her Victorinox raffle prize, and Primer Group's Aileen Frugal

Suzette Jessica

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Swiss music over fondue and raclette

Swiss music over fondue and raclette

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Category: Envoys & Expats

31 May 2014

Written by Suzette Jessica

In Photo: SwissAmbassador Ivo Sieber (right) and Counselor and Deputy Head of Mission Raoul Imbach (all photos by Stephanie Tumampos)

WHEN we think of Switzerland, we think of watches, chocolates and its banking system. Rarely do we think of culture and the arts. This mindset is about to change with the creation of the Swiss Cultural Fund Philippines.

Swiss Ambassador Ivo Sieber said the fund was created “to foster cultural exchanges between Switzerland and the Philippines. It will give the people of the Philippines more opportunities to discover Swiss artists and get acquainted with Swiss culture, while Swiss artists will get to appreciate Philippine culture and, where possible, create synergies.”

The fund is sponsored by Swiss companies, which are active in the Philippines. Presently, sponsors to the fund include Nestlé, Bühler and Swatch.

Ambassador Sieber said there are 5,000 Swiss nationals in the Philippines, making it one of the largest Swiss communities in Asia. On the other hand, there are about 20,000 Filipinos in Switzerland.

He said the fund would give the citizens from both countries an opportunity to discover each other’s culture.

The Swiss Cultural Fund Philippines was officially launched during a VIP event at the Swiss Ambassador’s Residence on May 26. The launch coincided with a private concert by Swiss jazz artist Claude Diallo, who was in the country last week for a series of concerts.

On the other hand, the fund was introduced to media in a private get-together held at the residence of Swiss Embassy Deputy Head of Mission Raoul Imbach, who also happens to be a multitalented musician. Imbach, who is performing in a concert at the Rizal Park Open Air Auditorium today at 6 p.m., is known in the diplomatic circle here and abroad as the “Singing Diplomat.”

It was an intimate gathering that gave media a chance to chat with Ambassador Sieber and Counselor Imbach on all things Swiss. In fact, much of the talk that afternoon centered on Swiss food, particularly raclette, as the diplomats talked about this delicacy to the guests.

Ambassador Sieber says almost all homes in Switzerland has a raclette machine of some kind, since the dish of melted cheese, boiled baby potatoes, cocktail onions and gherkins is a must in all Swiss gatherings, along with that other staple, cheese fondue. And there were more culinary discoveries that afternoon, including roesti, pan-fried shredded potato pancakes.

Imbach wears a lot of hats; he is not only a diplomat and musician, he is also a restaurateur, having run a restaurant during his assignment in Bolivia. In the short time that he has been in the Philippines, he has picked up enough Filipino to integrate the language into his compositions. The audience at his Rizal Park show will surely be enthralled by his romantic compositions, the same way he has charmed his audience around the world.

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