Envoys Enjoy Bohol's sun, surf and sand

Envoys enjoy Bohol’s sun, surf and sand

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Category: Envoys & Expats

29 Mar 2014

Written by Suzette Jessica

In Photo: Ambassador Mayorga takes a dip in the waters of Bohol

IF you think ambassadors are all work and no play, then you are greatly mistaken. All the envoys assigned to the Philippines take time out to visit and enjoy themselves in the country’s many tourism destinations.

Italian ambassador Massimo Roscigno, Chilean ambassador Roberto Mayorga, Johnny Litton, The Bellevue Resort's Ryan Chan and Tony Rufino

One such place is Bohol, the jewel of an island in Central Visayas. The Bellevue Resort Bohol, a five-star resort at the southern tip of Panglao Island, played host recently to a number of ambassadors who took time out from their busy schedules for a short break.

Italian ambassador Massimo Roscigno (right) with wife Agnes and daughter Ursula

The Bellevue Hotels and Resorts Chairman Johnny Chan, Managing Director Patrick Chan, Marketing and Communications Corporate Director Ryan Chan and The Bellevue Resort Managing Director Dustin Chan, with Johnny Litton as event organizer, arranged a worthwhile retreat exclusively for these high-profile guests. The Bellevue Resort Bohol is a tropical oasis that offers impeccable service, ultimate comfort and first-rate amenities.

Chilean Ambassador Roberto Mayorga and wife Paulina with The Bellevue Resort's Ryan Chan

The Bellevue Resort

Roselle Rebano, Tamila Chan with son Alejando

The diplomats were treated to an evening of revelry at the resort, enjoying delicious signature dishes made famous by Céna, one of the resort’s topnotch restaurants specializing in Western-inspired and Filipino fusion cuisine, and perfectly complemented by overflowing wines and premium champagnes, as well as the angelic voices of the talented Loboc Children’s Choir. Later in the evening, guests sang along with the Infinity Band, while affable Chilean Ambassador Roberto Mayorga gave an entertaining solo number with his astonishing renditions of Spanish songs. After all the singing, everybody then showed off their groovy dance moves as the band played hits from the 1970s to the 1990s.

The Loboc Children's Choir

Consul Fortune Ledesma (right) with Elizabeth and Bernard Chiris

German Charge d'Affaires Michael Hasper with daughter Navina

Ursula Roscigno, Natalia Vodopic and Ignacio Rippes Silva

The Bellevue Resort

During their stay at the resort, the guests were also toured around Bohol, visiting its old churches and landmarks, such as the Chocolate Hills. They also indulged in a host of water activities, including snorkeling in Bohol’s crystal blue waters, among others.

‘Market Australia’ highlights quality Australian products

‘Market Australia’ highlights quality Australian products

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Category: Envoys & Expats

15 Mar 2014

Written by Suzette Jessica

In Photo: Leading the ribbon-cutting ceremony for ‘Market Australia’ in Metro Supermarket, Alabang Town Center, are (from left) Metro Retail Stores Group Food Retail General Manager Christian Nervegno, Metro Retail Stores Group President and Chief Operating Officer Eduardo Ponce, Metro Retail Stores Group Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Engr. Frank Gaisano, Australian Ambassador Bill Tweddell and Australian Trade Commission Senior Trade Commissioner Anthony Weymouth. Photo by Lorna Llanes

In its bid to develop the taste and preference of discriminating Filipino consumers, the Australian Embassy partnered with Metro Retail Stores Group to launch “Market Australia,” a three-week food and beverage festival highlighting the quality, range and diversity of Australian products that are available in the Philippines.

Australian ambassador to the Philippines H.E. Bill Tweddell. Photo by Lorna Llanes

“We are happy to partner with Metro Retail Stores Group in showcasing Australian food and beverage to let Filipino consumers know that Australian products are ‘Clean, Green and Safe,’” said Australian Ambassador Bill Tweddell during the Market Australia launch on March 13 at the new Metro Supermarket in Alabang Town Center, Muntinlupa City.

Metro Retail Stores Group President and Chief Operating Officer Eduardo Ponce expressed appreciation for the partnership. “One of the core values of Metro Retail Stores Group is forging and strengthening alliances with its business partners,” he said. “We are, therefore, gratified to have forged this partnership with the Australian Embassy Manila, and we look forward to a continued relationship in promoting and exploring new product opportunities from Australia.”

Australian Trade Commission (Austrade) senior trade commissioner Anthony Weymouth. Photo by Lorna Llanes

Metro Retail Stores Group Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Frank Gaisano and Australian Trade Commission Senior Trade Commissioner Anthony Weymouth joined Tweddell and Ponce in welcoming guests to an afternoon of Australian wine, cheese, beef, lamb and fresh fruits.

Tweddell explained that Australian products are subject to high quality standards to be clean, green and safe.

“Australian food and beverages are ‘clean’ because, in Australia, we have a pristine growing environment for our livestock and produce. A clean environment ensures that only the freshest and best-quality products are produced; ‘Green’ because Australian companies utilize growing and production processes that are environmentally friendly and sustainable; and ‘Safe’ because Australia’s food-production processes have high levels of regulatory supervision and strict quality standards. We have food-safety management and traceability systems in place,” Tweddell said.

Market Australia runs from March 13 to April 6 in six Metro Supermarket branches, namely, Market! Market! in Taguig City, Alabang Town Center in Muntinlupa City, Marquee Mall in Pampanga, Ayala Center in Cebu, Lucky Chinatown Mall in Binondo and Super Metro at The District Northpoint in Talisay City, Negros Occidental.

For details, contact Austrade Manila at manila@austrade.gov.au.

‘Market Australia’ highlights quality Australian products