If music be the food of love, rock on

The job of diplomats is to promote the national interests of the country they represent. Through our new Diplomatic Academy in London we are polishing our skills and knowledge to deal with both old and new global political and economic challenges. A revived and bigger language training centre in the heart of our Foreign Office means that more of my colleagues are equipped with the ability to reach out to people beyond the immediate circuit of diplomatic contacts. This means that as you slip in and out of English, Filipino and Taglish, we are not always lost in translation. British diplomats draw on tradition, we observe formalities but now, we are also doing much more of our diplomacy in public.

A nation can use its natural attributes and character to engage with the rest of the world. Great Britain is not only a name. It is also our brand. From the nursery rhyme, London Bridge is Falling Down — greeted with inexplicable laughter by Pinoys — to black taxis and not forgetting the iconic Union flag, Oscar Wilde or the Oscar winner, Eddie Redmayne, Great Britain has a place in your hearts and minds. The wizardry of Harry Potter, the mystery of Sherlock Holmes and the smooth operator, James Bond may be fiction but they are true reflections of our creativity. This weekend, from Friday evening to the wee hours of Sunday, all of Bonifacio High Street, in Manila, will become Great Britain. Bigger and, hopefully better. More of what you liked last year, movies, fashion, and music – the Beatles, Jessie J, Arctic Monkeys, One Direction. New additions that you said you wanted in the Festival.

Competing with the Metro Manila skyline will be our own cities of the future. Great British know how it can make your living environment and quality of life better.

A country’s food also defines a part of its personality. Filipino food is enjoyed in convivial groups and is made for sharing. British food is warm and comforting. At the Great British Festival, bring your good cheer and enjoy a British Pub experience. Tea for two, some shortbread or treats off the shelves of British supermarkets perhaps are more to your taste. Come and try some cooking too. The young at heart can enjoy magic and ice cream.

Wear off some of your excesses in our sports area. Play with Wimbledon tennis balls that are made in the Philippines. The British football academy in Manila might be the proving ground of your Azkals ambitions. Step out in style with brands that look great in the nursery, library, gym, or on your special night out. For the Proms, the beach or that big job interview, you will look great in our clothes. Leave Mr Bean in your slipstream as you imagine driving away in a brand new Mini. Explore your inner adventurer as you go off road in a Land Rover. Aspire to a Jaguar or be quirky in your Morgan.

Feed your brain with British education here in the Philippines and then check out why 4 of the world’s top 6 universities are in Great Britain. Don’t just take our word for it, come and talk to the British alumni who will share their experiences. If you are committed to making a difference to the Philippines, compete for one of 30 Chevening Scholarships and secure a fully funded Masters degree. 

Over a 100 of my great embassy team will be out and about throughout the Festival. You can’t miss us. We are branded too! Talk to us. After last year’s event, we saw a 60 percent jump in the number of visitors from the Philippines to Britain. The airlines, travel agents and the UK Visa people will be happy to make your dream journey happen.

When Shakespeare penned “If music be the food of love” it was the voice of the lovelorn to play on. For the Great British Festival we say “Rock On”. Over 68000 of you have voted for your favourite Filipino contestant’s rendition of a British song. The winner of the Rockeoke competition will jet off to London. Before you trance away to our DJ, fill your passport stamped to enter the prize draw to fly to the UK or see One Direction in Manila. Ease yourself down at the Grand Finale with some classy British music, played by a talented local orchestra.

The Great British Festival is our way of bringing our country close to you. Bring your camera and take a piece of Britain home with you as you pose in front of Buckingham Palace, the Red Phone Booth or the Tardis.

The Great British Festival, 27 February to 1 March, You’re Invited.

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(Asif Ahmad is the British Ambassador)