The National Day of France

CEBU, Philippines – The words "Liberté, Égalité, Fraternité" are associated with the celebration of Bastille Day or the "La Fête Nationale," which commemorates the storming of the Bastille, a prison considered as a symbol of the ruling monarchy. It marked the beginning of the French Republic on July 14, 1789.

In Cebu, the Honorary Consul of France and Mme. Michel Lhuillier and the Alliance Française de Cebu hosted a reception and dinner to celebrate the event and at the same time bid farewell to H. E. the Ambassador of France Gilles Garachon. He was appointed as Ambassador of the Republic of France to the Republic of the Philippines in 2012 and said, "French awareness of the Philippines has been increasing steadily because of aggressive cultural, political and academic exchanges between the two countries."

Looking back in history, did you know that 15 French nationals were among the crew of Ferdinand Magellan when he reached the Philippines in 1521?  One of them was Bernard Calmette, chaplain of San Antonio. France was the first country to establish a consul in Spanish Philippines in Manila in 1824. One hundred eighty eight years later, on October 21, 2012, French Prime Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault came to Cebu to inaugurate the Alliance Française de Cebu.

French culture has since flourished in Cebu because of the combined efforts of the Embassy of France and Michel Lhuillier, a Cebuano of French ancestry who financed this Filipino association of 'Francophile" men and women.

During the cocktail reception for Bastille Day 2015, some of the appetizers served were Crème Brûlée with Foie Gras, Club Sandwich with Serrano Ham & Pesto, Mini Foie Gras & Fig Burgers, Apple Tatin with Spicy Black Pudding and Grilled Scallops with Vanilla Cream Sauce.

The festivities began with the singing of the National Anthems of the Philippines (Lupang Hinirang) and France (La Marseillaise), followed by the welcome speeches of Honorary Consul of France Michel Lhuillier and Vice-Governor Agnes Magpale and the valedictory speech of Ambassador of France Gilles Garachon. His Excellency would surely miss all this intensification of French culture in the Philippines, particularly Cebu.

A buffet dinner followed, with the usual lovely delicious foods. The standard generosity of the Lhuilliers in hosting and entertaining, excusez-moi, was very noticeable, of course.  I sat and exchanged pleasantries with a select group of Cebu media who were fortunate to be included in the guest list. We had Ratatouille, Fish and Shrimp in Lobster Broth, Parmesan Risotto, Gratin Dauphinois, Beef Tenderloin Steak with Mushroom Gravy Sauce and the centerpiece on the table - Roasted Salmon topped with thinly sliced cucumber looking like fish scales and white bougainvillae flowers. The art of fish display was really notable and the fish was truly delicious.

Congratulations to the Alliance Française de Cebu under the tutelage of Mr. Louis Thevenin for a successful hosting of Bastille Day 2015. And bon voyage to H. E. The Ambassador of France Gilles Garachon.