Letter to the Editor - Bastille Day celebration in Cebu

From the article "Cooking with Character" published August 5, the French National Day has been celebrated in Cebu in large pomp in presence of the French Ambassador and Madame Gérard Chesnel.

But strangely enough such important celebration has been organized without the participation of the French Community of Cebu to the exception of very few selected. Indeed, it is estimated that about 200 French citizens live in Cebu but only a selected 10 percent were in attendance.

 French citizens officially invited were informed later on, by email, that their invitation was cancelled. Not a very elegant manner and certainly not in line with the French's culture, etiquette and protocole. Is it really what this celebration in Cebu did proclaim -- Liberty, Egality, Fraternity?

Is that the proper label and protocol to organize and celebrate the French National Day ? Where is the friendship and respect? Is that the real meaning of "Les Amis de la France" (The friends of France)?

Jean Michaut

Cebu City