Belgium’s National Day in Cebu

Michel Goffin, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Kingdom of Belgium, together with Honorary Consul of Belgium in Cebu Enrison Benedicto, hosted a cocktail reception at the Ballroom of Marco Polo Plaza to celebrate the National Day of Belgium.

Among the distinguished guests at the diplomatic reception were Agnes Magpale, Provincial Vice Governor Oh Young Hun; Second Secretary and Consul of the Republic of Korea in Cebu Cia Wen; Consul of China, Honorary Consuls Grand Benedicto of Romania Antonio Chiu of the Slovak Republic; Dr. Franz Seidenschwarz of Germany; and former Honorary Consuls Enrique Benedicto of Belgium and Jaime Picornell of Spain.

Vivina Chiu with Petronio Militante, Jaime Go, Alfredo Go and Vice Mayor Carlo Fortuna

Mindful of the formal diplomatic relations between Belgium and the Philippines dating back to July 4, 1946, Goffin in his brief remarks reiterated Belgium’s commitment to continue being a strong and reliable partner in international development cooperation and assistance. He likewise expressed his assurance of working closely with the government in addressing both challenges and opportunities in the future for both Filipinos residing in Belgium and Belgian nationals who have made the Philippines their home.

Vice Governor Agnes Magpale led the toast and paid tribute to both nations for their friendship, commitment, solidarity and shared mission.

Honorary Consul of Romania Grand Benedicto with Erwin Miranda and Jun Muntuerto

While enjoying delicious Belgian specialties and exchanging pleasantries with some of the invitees, we learned that just like the Philippines which boasts having  eight major languages and over 120 dialects, Belgium has distinctive regions that have different languages as well: Dutch-speaking Flanders to the north, French-speaking Wallonia to the south, and a German-speaking community to the east.