Panama National Day @ Sofitel
Shown at the wine-toasting are Panamanian Ambassador Rolando Guevara Alvarado; DFA Representative Andrelita Austria and Cambodia Ambassador Tuot Panha. Photos by Lorna Llanes
MANILA, Philippines — Panamanian Ambassador Rolando Guevara Alvarado led the celebration of both the Independence Month and the Ship Registry Centennial at the Luzon and Visayas Ballroom of the Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila in Pasay City last Nov 16.
Over 500 guests filled the glitzy ballroom ranging from members of the diplomatic and consular corps, government officials, Panamanian residents in the country and, of course, business leaders of the shipping and maritime companies.
The Ambassador gave emphasis to the maritime sector as the strongest of the ties between Panama and the Philippines. He cited the top spot of the Panamanian Ship Registry, and the prestige of Filipino seafarers as the largest task force onboard Panamanian-flagged vessels.
Taking advantage of the occasion, the Ambassador announced of the AMP’s opening of a SEGUMAR office in Manila, and that since the Consulate General now directly prints the seaman’s books, they no longer need to go to other Panamanian consulates in Asia for their documentation processing.
For the night’s entertainment, guests were treated to a vividly spectacular presentation of folk and Latino dances from Escola de Samba de Manila and the Te Maeva gigantes performers. The guests were then serenaded by the singing group, The Muses, with their renditions of Broadway musical numbers.
