Arroyo brings home DVD of dad’s ’62 visit to Spain

MADRID (via PLDT) — President Arroyo will bring home a sweet memento today from Spanish King Juan Carlos I: a DVD containing footage of her late father’s state visit to this country in 1962.

In her message during the luncheon hosted by King Carlos and Queen Sofia on Friday, the President said coming to Spain brought back many memories of the time she visited here with her late father, former President Diosdado Macapagal, and her mother Eva during their state visit.

"I thank you, Your Majesty, for your kind gesture of giving me (on Thursday) a DVD of that visit. I also have fond memories of the time when Your Majesties visited the Philippines as newlyweds during the presidency of my father," Mrs. Arroyo said.

The President also thanked the King and Queen for Spain’s support of her government during the "most difficult times," though she did not elaborate.

"With the strategic location of the Philippines vis-à-vis the big economies in Asia, we offer to collaborate with Spain in order that the Philippines can be its regional base from which to access the region," she said.

"We also hope that Spanish businesses will invest more in the Philippines, particularly in tourism, energy and infrastructure," the President said.

Aside from reminiscing, the President also got the chance to practice her Spanish here during her private talks and public engagements, to the delight of her Spanish hosts and hostesses at various events.

But the President said she made sure to translate her messages into English and Filipino whenever there were non-Spanish speaking guests present.

Press Secretary Ignacio Bunye said he could not immediately present a briefing of the President’s talks with the Spanish royal family as well as with Spanish Prime Minister Jose Luis Zapatero because the leaders spoke in their native language, which he does not understand perfectly. The Palace is awaiting translated transcripts of their talks.

He said the President focused on three themes for her visit — life, solidarity and prosperity.

"Life, because last June 24, the feast day of His Majesty King Juan Carlos I, I signed into law the abolition of the death penalty. I appreciate very much Spain’s initiative in the EU (European Union), for the ambassadors of the EU to issue a declaration praising our efforts on the abolition," the President said.

Solidarity, she said, was also a theme because of the profound influence of Spain on Filipinos, especially in religion and culture, that should evoke a sense of kinship between and among Spanish and Filipinos.

"At the present time, thousands of Filipinos have chosen to work in Spain. Their presence also contributes to a better understanding and greater awareness between our peoples," Mrs. Arroyo said.

The third theme was prosperity "because Your Majesty and I agree that the ties that bind the Philippines and Spain should translate to a wider cooperation in the field of trade," she said.