New Zealand Ambassador to the Philippines Reuben Levermore hosted a farewell dinner for the many friends — from business, media and other sectors — that he has acquired in the course of his two-year posting in the Philippines. The young diplomat is being assigned to Bangkok, which is considered to be a very critical post now for many, especially those from Western nations because Thailand is currently under martial rule. The new post will definitely be challenging to Ambassador Levermore and he hopes to get in touch with other diplomats like Ambassador Kristie Kenney, who also served here in the Philippines and then was assigned to Bangkok in 2010.
Levermore is a charming diplomat who has also become a familiar face to many Filipinos because he has been tireless in going around the countryside discussing new trends in agricultural production, talking with dairy farmers and advocating small- and medium-sized enterprises.
Certainly, it helps that he also writes a column for The Philippine STAR, aptly titled Kiwi Perspective, where he discusses not only the relations between the Philippines and New Zealand but other areas where the two countries can collaborate such as geothermal energy, farming and agriculture. His columns are always a welcome read for many who would like to know more about New Zealand and its attractions.
The amiable diplomat has been very upbeat about the potential of the Philippines as an attractive investment destination for Kiwi investors, citing the positive developments in our economy and noting that there are so many things that both countries can do to enhance trade relations. As a matter of fact, Levermore was successful in organizing the state visit of President Noynoy Aquino to New Zealand in October 2012 with the President accompanied by a trade delegation to drum up interest in the Philippines.
In any case, we bid Ambassador Reuben Levermore poroporoaki — a Kiwi farewell. On the other hand, perhaps make that ka kite an? (see you again)!
Photos by Ramon Joseph J. Ruiz