Celebrating Philippine-Italian relations
“The art of a people is a true mirror of their minds.” — Jawaharlal Nehru
Ambassador Philippe J. Lhuillier, Philippine envoy to Rome for 10 years now, recently presented in one book the tales of Filipinos and Italians who, in their own special way, have helped establish goodwill between their respective motherlands. Bayang Magiliw, Finding Bel Paese (Beautiful Country) reveals the dynamic relations between Italy and the Philippines.
“It has been said that the strength of a nation lies in its people and this is clearly shown in the pages of this great book,” wrote Foreign Affairs Secretary Dr. Alberto G. Romulo in his foreword. Featured are well-respected Filipino and Italian personalities from diverse fields such as the highest ranking Filipino in the Vatican curia Jose Tomas Cardinal Sanchez, staunch advocate of Italian Saint Padre Pio de Pieralcina Rosemarie Arenas, UNESCO National Commission of the Philippines Secretary General and Montessori system of education founder Ambassador Preciosa Soliven, Margarita “Maimai” Cojuangco-Zini, daughter of Jose “Peping” Cojuangco, and former Tarlac Gov. Margarita “Tingting” de los Reyes Cojuangco. Proceeds from the book sales will go to the PJ Lhuillier Foundation which will set up a trust fund to be used for scholarships for siblings and children of Italy-based OFWs. Congratulations, Philippe!
Greetings
Happy birthday to our celebrators today, Gina Ledesma Lim, Rene Puno and Marcia Campos Fong.
Advance birthday greetings to RFM’s Jose Concepcion III and Baby Antonio, June 23; Marbee Shing Go, Placido Mapa, Arnold Belleza and Anna Palabyab-Rufino, June 24; Mandy Ledesma and Yvette Lopez, June 25; Mel Mathay, Edwin Feist and Beth Cristobal, June 26; lawyer James Litton, Jojo Gallego and Zeny Cabral, June 27.
Happy wedding anniversary to Dingdong and Lea (nee Gallardo) del Rosario, June 22.
So, how was your week?
(For comments or inquiries, please e-mail me at jjlitton@indanet.com)
