Philippines & UK renew bilateral ties

The Philippines recently had the privilege of hosting two high-level visits from the United Kingdom in celebration of the two countries’ auspicious friendly relations. Established in 1946, the two nations’ diplomatic ties is celebrating its platinum anniversary.

United Kingdom Trade Envoy to the Philippines Richard Graham met with the key Cabinet members of President Rodrigo Duterte to discuss prospects for trade and investment and assistance on Philippine infrastructure development.

Graham also had the opportunity to revitalize British private sector linkages through a joint membership meeting of the Philippine-British Business Council, represented by its chairman Jesus Tambunting; British Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines represented by its chairman Chris Nelson; and the Makati Business Club represented by then chairman and former Finance Secretary Ramon del Rosario Jr.

At the invitation of Senate President Aquilino Pimentel III, a high-level delegation from the British Group of the Parliamentary Union also arrived in the Philippines to meet with officials of the Philippine executive and legislative branches to discuss expansion of bilateral trade, exploration of emerging markets, and to assess the impact of Brexit. Also present at this meeting were captains of Philippine industries, Ambassador Jesus Tambunting, Ramon del Rosario, newly-appointed Philippine Ambassador to the Court of St. James Antonio Manuel Lagdameo, and guest speakers USAID Trade Project chief of party Dr. Cielito Habito and National Competitiveness Council co-chairman for the private sector Guillermo Luz.

Here’s to more years of partnership between our two great nations!

(Seated, from left) Hunan Provincial Women’s Federation vice chair Lu Hua, Masbate Rep. Elisa Kho, AGBIAG party-list Rep. Michelle Antonio, Sen. Villar, Jullie Yap Daza, Batangas Rep. Lianda Bolilia, Karen Bolilia and Jocelyn Fortuno; (standing, from left) Davao City Rep. Alberto Ungab, Parañaque City Rep. Gus Tambunting, Agusan del Norte Rep. Erlpe Amante, Misamis Occidental Rep. Henry Oaminal, Camarines Sur Rep. Salvio Fortuno and Baguio City Rep. Mark Go.

Working together for poverty alleviation

Sen. Cynthia Villar, vice chair of the Senate Committee in Agriculture and Food, together with several Lower House legislators led by Baguio City Rep. Mark Go, visited China to learn more about the country’s initiatives to alleviate poverty and increase food production, particularly rice.

The group had meetings with Chinese government officials, attended lectures and visited institutions that focus on improving rice quality and production.

Congratulations to Sen. Villar, Rep. Go and colleagues for this successful and significant endeavor!

A delightful celebration

Advance Paper Corp. chief operating officer Connie Haw recently celebrated her birthday surrounded by friends and family at Canton Road restaurant in Shangri-La at the Fort, Taguig City.

The kind celebrator entertained her well-wishers at the restaurant’s elegantly decorated private room.

Guests also enjoyed the wonderful giveaways, which were lovingly chosen by  Connie herself. But more than the delightful little details, it was the company of those who love her dearly that deeply touched her grateful heart.

Happy birthday, Connie! And we wish you even happier years ahead!

Romulo Café owner Rowena Romulo.

Filipino cuisine dominates Kensington

Filipino-owned Romulo Café was recently named “Most Loved Restaurant in Kensington” at the third annual Time Out Love London Awards held at The Bloomsbury Ballroom in London, England.

Owned and operated by former senior banker Rowena Romulo with co-director Chris Joseph, Romulo Café is famous in London for its fine heirloom cuisine and chic ambience that are distinctly and proudly Filipino.