A toast to Fil-Am friendship in Baguio

Despite the distance, going to Baguio is always worth the trip.  No longer  just the summer capital of the Philippines, it is a popular destination all year round and even the rainy season did not  dampen the enthusiasm of our group from undertaking the long drive.  The added bonus was attending a belated celebration of the Philippine-American Friendship Day at the American Ambassador’s residence located  inside the pine tree-studded mountains of John Hay. Historically, the venue was where the formal surrender of General Tomoyuki Yamashita and the Japanese Imperial Armed Forces in 1945, signaling the end of World War II, took place.  

During the reception, Ambassador Philip Goldberg spoke of the warm friendship between the  two countries who have fought side by side during the war with valiant Philippine guerillas persisting despite the hardship of a long battle and lack of firepower. Since this was to be Goldberg’s last official Independence Day celebration, many of the guests clamored to have selfies with the accommodating diplomat.

With several friends opening their homes to us — one of the dinners we’ve attended had a fun ballroom dancing session after to shed off accumulated pounds — it seemed like we had never left Manila. It was  enjoyable seeing how each residence differed from the other with interiors ranging from an English country cottage to a modern chalet and  an eclectic-style with strong Ifugao touches. 

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