Last November 15, Belgian Ambassador to the Philippines Gregoire Vardakis and his lovely wife Martine hosted esteemed colleagues and other guests at their beautiful home in Forbes Park to celebrate Belgian King’s Day. Since the country of Belgium was founded in 1831, six kings have reigned, from Leopold I to the current King, His Majesty, Albert II. This predominantly Catholic country has been observing this royal holiday as the feast day of St. Leopold since 1866.

Dutch Amb. Robert Vornis and Dr. Leovino Garcia

Herve Pourcines and Hubert d’Aboville

Belgian Amb. Gregoire Vardakis and wife Martine are flanked by (from left) Veronica Jimenez, a guest, Reza Baqir, Jose de Venecia Jr., ADB pres. Haruhko Kuroda, UN Resident Coordinator Nileema Noble and Eduardo Ermita

The Ambassador stressed how he wanted to continue the good relationship between the Philippines and his home country. Ties between the two countries can be traced back all the way to 1891 when Belgian engineers supervised the construction of San Sebastian Church in Manila. The first Light Rail Transit in the 1970’s may not have been completed without Belgium funding and installation. Back in 1907, in an effort to spread Catholicism, Belgian and Dutch missionaries from the congregation of the Immaculate Heart of Mary established St. Louis University in Baguio City.

Canadian Amb. Peter Sutherland chatting with Dieter Reichert

South African Amb. Peter Vermeulen, Chilean Amb. Jorge Montero and Argentinian Amb. Mario Schuff

German Emb.’s Rolf Saligman and Elizabeth and Rudolf Lietz

Amidst the revelry as guests coming from both the public and private sector enjoyed the delicious buffet and drinks, Ambassador Vardakis reiterated that it is with much enthusiasm that he hopes that relations between Belgium and the Philippines continue to flourish.

Mme. Arti Pine and Mrs. and Mr. Baqir

Belgian Amb. Gregoire Vardakis, Eduardo Ermita and Michel Mattart

AIM’s Francis Estrada, New Zealand Amb. David Pine and Canadian Amb. Peter Sutherland

Mme. Jolynne Sutherland, French Amb. Gerard Chesnel with wife Ning and Mme. Jill Beckingham

Rod Cornejo, a guest, Raul Goco, Nelly Sindayen and Sen. Aquilino Pimentel

Andre Masy, Daniel Masui, Raphel Rodaer and Pamela Banzon-Poplimont

Mexico Emb.’s Jose Campos, Qatari Amb. Abdullah Ahmed-Mutawaa, Saudi Arabian Amb. Mohammed Wali and Kuwaiti Amb. Bader Nasser Al-Houti

Back to Top

Palau Ambassador: Ramon Rechebei

The Technical Diplomat

A mbassador Ramon Rechebei is a veteran of international assign­ments and an expert in regional and international negotiations including the establishment of diplomatic relations between Palau and the Philippines. Palau is part of the Micronesian Island chain and is located just seven degrees north of the Equator in the western Pacific ocean. This gives Palau some of the most tropical weather conditions on earth. Pa­lau is just a two-hour flight from Manila and is known as a diver’s paradise because of its colorful coral reefs and a variety of sea life that remains remarkably untainted by human interaction.

Ambassador Ramon Rechebei of Palau at the Embassy of Palau on Roxas Blvd in Pasay City. Behind him are portraits of Palau President Tommy Remengesau Jr. (left) and Vice President Elias Camsek Chin

Just as his alliances with international trade and technical assistance progressed, he has worked as director of the Bureau of International Trade and Technical Assis­tance under Palau’s Ministry of State, he has negotiated multilateral fisheries treaty negotiations between the US government and the South Pacific Fisheries Agency member countries, and now he comes to serve as ambassador to his country in the Philippines.

He considers himself a “technical per­son” more than a diplomat. But this ma­rine biologist by profession adapts to his new role like a pro as a fish to water. When asked where he considered home “the world is my home”, came the quick reply of the jet-setting diplomat. One of the biggest players in the prep­aration of the establishment of diplomatic relations with the Philippines, he is cer­tainly polished by his experience in nego­tiations. It is hard not to pay attention to that and in spite of all this, he maintains a low-key disposition.

The posting as his country’s ambassa­ dor to the Philippines, is something that he is now very familiar with but it was cer­tainly farthest from his mind many years ago and Rechebei hopes that trade and commerce would eventually flourish be­tween the two countries. “It’s not that difficult because I am quite familiar with Palau’s interests. So when I came in I knew,” Rechebei said.

He’s the second ambassador to have served Palau succeeding his predecessor, Ambassador Anita Suta. He appreciates what the former ambassador has done; laying out the groundwork for him and is now taking over where she left off.

Harmonious Diplomatic Ties
Optimistic of the good diplomatic rela­tions with the Philippines, Rechebei said the existing Medical Referral Program is working well with the Philippines. In Palau, the more acute illnesses that re­quire more than tertiary care are referred overseas or off-island for treatment. For a country of only 20,000 people, putting up huge medical facilities is not practical.

Palau has a small medical infrastruc­ture base and most Palauans (the country’s natives) go overseas for medical treatment. Currently, 90 percent of medical referrals go to the Philippines and the rest to Hono­lulu, Hawaii.

He is also keen on improving tourism in Palau hoping to learn from the Philip­pines’ good marketing and promotional efforts. He also wants to strengthen la­bor relations as Palau hosts about 5,000 Filipino workers making them the largest workforce on the island.

Marine Biologist
His five-page curriculum vitae reveals a colorful and successful stint in his career as marine biologist, fisheries expert, inter­national trade negotiator and a diplomat, having represented Palau in annual meet­ings of international and regional organi­zations such as the United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).

One of his more notable contributions was that he was a key member of the Palau delegation to the Multilateral High Level Conference (MHLC) which negotiated and concluded a fisheries convention on conservation and management of highly migratory fish stocks in the western and central Pacific.

Rechebei proved to be extremely deft about the ways and means that trade and commerce should flourish between the two countries. With his broad experience in commerce and trade relations and eco­nomic development, it is apparent that the wait for these ties will not take long. He is also confident that Palau Presi­dent Tommy Remengesau Jr. would be able to visit the Philippines and meet Pres­ident Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.

But while most of his time is devoted to work, he keeps abreast of what’s going on back home and the rest of the world through the Internet. When time allows it, the ambassador is seen on the golf course, a hobby that he learned during his 10-year stay in Saipan. Rechebei also loves tennis and baseball. And when he gets a chance for a brief va­cation, he also catches up with his friends and relatives in Palau through their favor­ite pastime, fishing.

Always Learning
Rechebei said he is someone who wants to do something worthwhile, and an individual who never stops learning. He gives credit to his wife, Elizabeth Diaz, who is an educator, with a Ph.D in Educa­tion, and administrator. “Since she’s an educator, she makes sure that I do everything right,” he says with a smile. Apart from this constant reminder, he also lives by his guiding principle: “to put a lot of effort in my work.”

It is the same principle that allowed him to lead a colorful career in govern­ment that has spanned 30 years. It seems though that retirement is still too far from his mind as he basks in this new chal­lenge.

Back to Top

Small talk is an important tool required to fit in regardless of where you go. In the U.S. the easiest topic to break the ice is sports. When its basketball, baseball, or foot­ball season it seems everyone and their mother has an opinion they are willing to share.

The Philippines is no different. However, more of­ten than not, it is their showbiz personalities that are being discussed by the man or woman on the street. I learned this early on because one of the biggest influ­ences in my formation was my yaya, or caretaker, who was there for me every step of my childhood. I owe my entire value system to this person – my Yaya Ustang. I love and miss her very much. On her death bed in 2001, we swapped stories about the biggest influence in her life. Ironically, this was someone she had never met but idolized since childhood. This is the Grand Dame of Philippine Showbusiness, aka Nora Aunor.

Maria Leonora Villamayor, who later took the stage name Nora Aunor, used to sell water along the railroad for a living. She was the average Filipina with her petite built and sun-kissed complexion. But the moment she opened her mouth to sing, her voice was anything but average. Like a nightingale, she mesmer­ized listeners all the way to the prestigious “Tawag ng Tanghalan” national singing contest in 1967. In our present time, this would be like American Idol. It was here where she received the moniker “Superstar”.

During the height of Noramania in the 70’s she dominated the airwaves, radiowaves, big screen, small screen, broad sheets, tabloids, and all other possible printable merchandise like t-shirts, bags, posters, even candy wrappers and teks (card game for kids).

But more than her popularity and awards, the most overwhelming aspect of Nora Aunor’s fame lies in the intensity of her fans who proudly called themselves Noranians. During her reign, the scope of people’s dedication would go as far as putting the Superstar’s picture alongside miniature saints on their altars at home. During awards night, fans would pray fifteen decades of the rosary and recite a litany until their idol’s name was called on stage. Some even claim that when they were sick, caressing the Superstar’s photo/image or whatever paraphernalia they have would heal their illness. In sum, she was revered!

The archrivals of the Noranians were the Vilma­nians who idolized Vilma Santos (now Mayor of Lipa City and wife of Senator Ralph Recto). These two so­rorities were engaged in constant catfights. By the way, Vilma and Nora look nothing like each other. “Mayor V” as Vilma Santos is now called has a milky-white complexion while Nora is proudly dark-skinned.

Recently, Nora has not had the best of times. She is now living abroad in the remnants of a controversy that she got into a few years ago. Many critics have not been so kind with the issue. Some even say she has totally lost her shine and is now a “has been.” But die-hard Noranians would not accept this - certainly not the Federation of Nora Aunor Followers, Inc., the largest and most established fans club of the Superstar since 1980, or GANAP (Grand Alliance for Nora Au­nor, Philippines, founded in1990), or ICON (Interna­tional Circle of Online Noranians, started in 2000 and incorporated under the state of Texas). To the loyal­ists, Nora Aunor is the one and only Superstar.

My Yaya Ustang used to tell me that the one time she saw Nora in person she wanted to ask for her au­tograph but she was too much in awe that she couldn’t speak or move. That was Nora’s impact on the mass­es.

Nora represents the poor girl on the street that sang, danced and acted her way into the limelight. That is why so many people looked up to her, because by idol­izing her they believed that they too could somehow overcome their poverty.

Today, other young male and female celebrities are now in the public eye. For the average Pinoy these icons are the ones who they think care for them. Most of the regular folk believe that anyone on TV deserves to be listened to. In the Philippines, showbiz personali­ties are a powerful block that, for better or for worse cannot be ignored.

Back to Top

News Bits
EZ Maps launches
Manila Street guide

Finding your way through the complex, and sometimes chaotic, street network of Metro Manila is a daunting task. To make life easier in navigating the big city, leading mapmaker United Tourist Promotions (UTP), recently launched off the press the new EZ Metro Manila Street Guide (MSG), the definitive street map of the metropolis.

MSG is packed with 179 pages of full-color, up-to-date and easy-to-read street maps which include 5,650 buildings and landmarks, more than 17,000 streets, as well as government offices, embassies, MRT and LRT stations, bus terminals and airline offices, hotels, restaurants, malls and business establishments. Each listing is alphabetically indexed for quick and easy reference.

The EZ Metro Manila Street Guide is an ideal and handy guide for travelers, tourists, expats, diplomats, students, motorists, messengers, professionals and practically everyone who wants to master the metropolis…“like the back of his hand” says EZ Map president Charlie Kemplin. According to him, UTP spent two years producing the MSG by actually driving through the streets of Metro Manila’s 14 cities and three municipalities using GPS data to ensure that information is accurate, up-to-date and user-friendly.

The guide is available for only Php399 at National Bookstore outlets, gas service stations, airports, seaports, hotel gift shops, and tourist establishments nationwide.. For more information call (02) 551-0196, e-mail utp@ezmaps.info or log on to www.ezmaps.info.

Samie Lim is PCCI’s Newly
Elected President
Former Department of Trade and Industry Undersecretary Samie Lim was elected president of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI). Known in business circles as the “Father of Franchising in the Philippines”, Lim is the founding president and chairman emeritus of the Philippine Franchise Association. He is also the immediate past chairman of the Asia-Pacific Franchise Confederation and the vice-chairman for Asia of the World Franchise Council.

Currently, he sits as president of Automatic Center and chairman of both Colins International Trading Corp. and Fiber City, Inc. He was made the Chairman Emeritus of the Philippine Retailers Association by his peers as recognition of his business expertise and accomplishments. Consequently, he served as past chairman of the Federation of Asian Retailers Associations. In 1999, he served as Undersecretary of the Department of Trade & Industry and general manager of the National Development Company, the government’s premier investment arm. Under his leadership, he has pioneered the organization’s centerpiece projects related to agriculture and fisheries development and ICT.

A cum laude graduate of the Ateneo de Manila University, he completed the Top Management Program and the Strategic Management Program of the Asian Institute of Management as well as Masters in Business Economics of the University of Asia and the Pacific. He also received special business training from the Sophia University in Tokyo and at the Institute of International Studies and training in Fujinomia, Japan.

Clark Airport Terminal Expansion

By the end of 2007, travelers can expect to see a bigger and better Diosdado Macapagal International Airport (DMIA) as plans are underway to expand its airport terminal to accommodate at least one million passengers.

The initial investment for the terminal expansion, not including air bridges, will reportedly cost around Php160-million, according to Victor Jose Luciano, president of Clark International Airport (CIAC). Luciano said the expansion is part of the developments at the DMIA. He also noted that the DMIA has acquired one ramp bus and there are several more ramp buses to be delivered from Germany by next year.

Already, several airlines are planning to increase their flights to and from DMIA. Tair Airways of Saudi Arabia is set to fly to Clark this month to accommodate the 1.4 million overseas workers from the Middle East. Viva Macau is waiting for its permit from the Civil Aeronautics Board to fly to DMIA four times a week. By next month, Thai Air Asia of Malaysia will have daily flights from Clark to Bangkok.

To complement the increasing number of flights in the area, CIAC will also put up a catering service at DMIA. “The DMIA needs at least more than 1,500 meals per day for air carriers using DMIA,” Luciano said.

Health Bit
Mandala Spa & Villas garners awards
Mandala Spa & Villas Boracay recently received the Baccarat AsiaSpa Awards for Destination Spa of the Year and Spa Treatment of the Year, and the SpaAsia Crystal Award for Best Rejuvenation Program and nominated Best Wellness Retreat. It was also voted as Best Spa by The Philippine Tatler Magazine and Outstanding Honeymoon Destination at the Experience Philippines Awards in recognition of Mandala Spa & Villas as one of Asia’s most romantic destinations.
Mandala Spa & Villas Boracay offers Spa Journeys, Wellness Holidays, Cleanse and Detox Retreats, Romantic Getaways, Yoga Workshops, Executive Retreats and Day Spa Services. Check its website at www.mandalaspa.com or call (+63 36) 288-5858 for inquiries.

Lifestyle Bit
Book on How to Avoid Wedding Disasters

Have a magical wedding without hitches by reading from expert planner Rita Neri’s The Essential Wedding Workbook for the Filipina. Be well-informed before you plunge into the elaborate preparations for the wedding mass and reception. Rita Neri shares valuable advice about how to select the venues, how to plan the wedding party, and how to prepare for invitations, bridal attire and coiffure, even some tips on how to behave with future in-laws.

The new edition also includes several articles Neri’s advice column that tackles other small but important details which are often overlooked but can cause wedding day disasters. There is also a planner which is meant to guide the couple in their wedding preparations. A directory has also been included to assist the couple in selecting reliable suppliers.

Neri explains the importance of the book in her Introduction: “As much as a wedding fascinates us, planning and preparing for one can become an endurance test. It will definitely test one’s patience and at times one’s sanity.” Aside from being a “how-to” guide book where all the elements needed to plan a wedding are enumerated and simplified, [the book] also provides you with enough information to form an overview of what preparing for a wedding entails.

For inquiries, call Joyce Bersales, marketing coordinator of Anvil Publishing Inc. at (02) 747-1622 or check its website: www.anvilpublishing.com

Back to Top