RP in Chile/UN in Manila

The noon reception in Chilé marking the105th anniversary of RP independence had droves arriving at the Hyatt Hotel way before the celebration started–almost all ambassadors, ranking government officials, top business executives, academicians and elite society.

Welcoming them were Ambassador Ma. Consuelo Puyat-Reyes in a spectacular gold embroidered terno that drew raves, Minister-Counselor Eduardo Manuel, Jorge Aguas (both in striking barong) and Chilean Gerardo Rocha, honorary consul. The 250 or so guests tarried up to 3:30 p.m., Apostolic Nuncio Aldo Cavalli and Senate President-elect Hernan Larrain being the last to leave after congratulating the hostess for the messages of President GMA and DFA Secretary Ople.

Earlier, the Asian Pacific Institute of the UST in Chilé observed a cultural week, with its president Ambassador Puyat-Reyes playing hostess and–to everyone’s delight–modelling in a fashion show at which her terno received hearty applause, as did the rugby uniform of her escort, NZ Ambassador Richard Mann.

The RP independence celebration in Cuenca, Quito, a beautiful historic site, likewise got wide media coverage owing to Mrs. Puyat-Reyes’s stature and influence in Chile’s diplomatic circles.

In Manila, visiting Noeleen Heyzer, executive director of unifem (UN Development Fund for Women) lauded its Philippine Committee, headed by President Georgina "Beng" Puyat, for being the fourth largest contributor among the 17 national committees in developing countries. Heyzer, who came with Lucy Lazo, unifem Regional Director for East and SE Asia, urged the continued protection of the gains made in women empowerment and gender equality. The unifem local committee board members are Lulu Quezon, Carmen Africa, Linda Panlilio, Betsy Enriquez, Olga S. Martel (chair), advisers Letty R. Shahani and Linda Villanueva.

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Well-loved Lena Hakansson, wife of the equally loved Swedish Ambassador Ulf Hakansson, was the object of countless despedidas, the last being Olga Severino-Martel’s luncheon. Bidding Lena goodbye were Ambassador Lise Favre and ambassadors’ wives Aurora Sagaz and Valentina Nebogatova.

Chef Andreas Katzer’s superbly epicurean menu was served in the elegantly decorated dining room with Poully Fuisse and Chateaneuf du Pape. A pianist played classic music as Olga graciously gifted each guest with a hand-tooled silver gourd wrapped in gold-threaded sinamay. Valentina danced to balalaika music and, believe it or not, so did the shy, reserved Lena.