10
E X P AT N E W S P A P E R
EVENTS
OCTOBER 16-29, 2016
Switzerland turns 725 By VIA BAROMA
C
linking glasses, gastronomic delights and an ample supply of some of the smoothest wines filled the ballroom of Fairmont Hotel during last Aug. 3’s celebration of the 725th Anniversary of the Republic of Switzerland. For this year’s Swiss National Day – a commemoration of the day in 1291 when the Swiss Confederation as founded – guests were treated to one of the jewels of Swiss Military music – the Swiss Military Small Band, which came to Manila as part of its Asia Tour 2016. During the festive night, they also shared the stage with the Philippine Army Band. The celebration of the auspicious event also featured a solo photographic exhibit of
Philippine endemic birds, as captured by Lorenzo Barelli, Third Secretary at the Swiss Embassy in Manila. Ambassador Andrea Reichlin hosted guests from the Philippine government, diplomatic and consular corps, as well other friends of the Swiss Embassy in Manila, with the intention of sharing Switzerland’s unique culture. The Philippines and Switzerland have had good relations since 1957, one characterized by regular political dialogue, extensive trade and humanitarian operations. In 2012, the two countries celebrated the 150th anniversary of the establishment official bilateral relations.
Atty. Salvador Panelo, Swiss Ambassador Andrea Reichlin, Walter Bucher
David and Dr. Hazel Zuellig of Zuellig Pharmaceuticals
Jun Palafox, Amb. Delia Albert, Reiner Gloor, Pres. Fidel V. Ramos, Commissioner Frances Veronica Victorio of the Climate Change Commission, Margreta Gloor (partly hidden), Dr. Kenneth Hartigan-Go, DFA Assistant Secretary Maria Cleofe Natividad, Swiss Ambassador Andrea Reichlin)
Australian Ambassador Amanda Gorely and Consular Corps President Fortune Ledesma
Swiss Ambassador Andrea Reichlin was joined by Bruneian Ambassador Malai Halimah Yussof and DFA Undersecretary Enrique Manalo for a ceremonial toast
Nanette Miloda, Swiss Club President Michel Miloda, Jürg and Hilde Casserini, Bo and Hans Hauri
Lucerne Jewelers Managing Director Mr. Emerson and Ling Ling Yao, Ruthy and Bobet Vera
Mila Santos, Ambassador Delia Albert, Johnny Santos
Dutch Ambassador Marion Derckx and British Ambassador Asif Ahmad
Swiss Ambassador Andrea Reichlin delivers her remarks during the 725th Independence day of Switzerland at Fairmont Makati Hotel