France celebrates National Day
Outgoing French Ambassador to the Philippines Gilles Garachon led the Bastille Day celebration during a reception at the French Embassy residence in Makati City.
Ambassador Garachon reminded guests of the values liberté, égalité and fraternité (liberty, equality and fraternity) shared by both France and the Philippines. He stressed the importance of these values as he recalled the solidarity shared by the world during the terror attack that took place in Paris early this year.
Ambassador Garachon also recognized Fortune Ledesma, who has been named Chevalier (Knight), in the Ordre National du Mérite (French National Order of Merit) for the efforts she has done as the honorary consul general of Monaco to the Philippines.
In his speech, the French Ambassador noted Ledesma’s exceptional way of “making all the ambassadors and their spouses sing, catwalk, model and for some of us, dance. Can you imagine that? It’s only an exceptional lady who can do this thing!”
At the affair, Ambassador Garachon also bid farewell as he ends his post as the Ambassador of France to the Philippines and Micronesia this year. He thanked Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario, Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima and Papal Nuncio Monsignor Guiseppe Pinto, among others, for the wonderful support extended to him and his office.
Congratulations, Fortune; and may our paths cross again, Mr. Ambassador!
GREETINGS
Happy birthday to our celebrators today, Lui Rufino, Chit Montenegro, Peter Coyiuto, Kevin Huang, Barbara Gonzalez and Enrique “Pocholo” Romualdez.
Advance birthday greetings to banker Roman Azanza, Criselda Lontok, Sharon Tan, Jennifer Alonte and Butch Bonsol, Aug. 10; Bea Zobel Jr., Dr. Lyra Ruth Clemente-Chua, Cory Quirino, John Gokongwei Jr., former Press Secretary Rod Reyes, Jay Litton and Ramon Shing, Aug. 11; George Lopez, Tito Tesoro, Aga Muhlach and Ramon Zaragosa, Aug. 12; ABS-CBN big boss Gabby Lopez, Baby Araneta and Marilou Soriano, Aug. 13; Joe Zubiri, Beaver Lopez, Beng Dee, Las Piñas City Rep. Mark Villar, designers Noli Hans and Auggie Cordero, Aug. 14; Asunta Bilbao, Pinky de Leon and Cristina del Carmen, Aug. 15.
Happy wedding anniversaries to Vincent and Cedie Vargas, Aug. 9; Ronnie and Mari Caballero, Aug. 15. May you have many, many more momentous years together.
So, how was your week?
(For comments or inquiries, please e-mail me at jjlitton@indanet.com.)
