Celebrating Switzerland with Swatch

The scenic views of powdery white Swiss Alps, a selection of fine cheeses, and the sound of a traditional wooden horn reverberating in the room — all could make you think you are, for one night, transported to the bucolic slopes of Switzerland. But the visions of this melodious escape were actually brought to life at the Swatch & Swatch Center last Monday night, to celebrate Swiss National Day, and to honor Swiss Ambassador Ivo Sieber for his passionate dedication and service, as he concludes his term as the diplomatic representative of Switzerland to the Philippines.  

“Tonight, the Swatch Center truly feels like a home away from home,” said the eminent ambassador in his welcoming remarks, laying down his gratitude to Swatch Philippines president Virgie Ramos for envisioning the elegant reception and making it come to life. TV host of Travel Time Manu Sandejas led the program by giving recognition to Ambassador Sieber. Also present for the event was the Department of Foreign Affairs Acting Secretary Rafael Seguis, who noted in his speech that the occasion celebrated “the spirit of brotherhood among nations, and their enduring relationship.” 

The interiors of the three-floor building recreated Ambassador Sieber’s hometown. Early in the night, the space overflowed with diplomatic, business and lifestyle luminaries, who all enjoyed idyll conversation while indulging in wine, savory canapés and a sumptuous raclette station found on the rooftop of the building. The event hailed Switzerland’s rich culture, highlighting its many contributions to innovation and design, like the invention of the Swiss Army knife, Velcro, and even the font Helvetica.

As guests moved freely from one floor to another, the second level was brought to life by harmonious sounds performed by renowned Swiss musicians. The low garbling and hooting from a long wooden Alphorn (a traditional instrument used by Swiss shepherds) was played by Jo the Alphornist, who exhibited a marvelous and amusing performance. The alphorn, a large yet delicate horn, might have disappeared from history completely, if it hadn’t experienced a renaissance in the 19th century, thereafter becoming a national symbol. And following Jo’s traditional number, the dashing musician Luca Little took the stage and serenaded guests with his acoustic tunes, charming the audience with his dapper charisma. This veritable Internet sensation had garnered over 50,000 likes in 24 hours from Filipino fans before finally coming to the Philippines. A traditional Swiss ski booth was also set up on the second floor, and bean bags branded with the country’s red and white flag were sprawled out for guests to recline on while watching the show. 

Around the world 

The event also launched the street-beat styles of Swatch’s latest collection, featuring new timepieces that show off bold designs inspired by international hotspots.

New pieces like the modern Tech-Mode watches were revealed, brandishing a clean and classy textured look, and a creatively machined style; meanwhile, the Sport Mixer timepieces will turn heads with their loud color blocks and abstract pairings. Also launched were the Grüezi All! watches, with designs that scream so boldly of their local culture, you’ll have to stop yourself from yodeling out loud. Their designs are covered in everything Swiss: chocolate, cheese and chalets.

Create and Innovate

The event also announced grand additional prizes for the Create and Innovate Art Competition, co-presented by the Embassy of Switzerland in the Philippines and Swatch Philippines. 

The deadline for this contest is Aug. 31. Anyone who joins is encouraged to explore the theme “Create and Innovate: Essence of Switzerland” and present an artwork in any medium like painting, sculpture, photography, drawing, mixed media, print, as well as arts and crafts.

Prizes include trips to Switzerland via Etihad Airways, cash prizes, and commemorative Swatch watches. More information and details about the contest can be found at www.facebook.com/createandinnovateswissph.

Some Swiss trivia

• The Jose Rizal monument in Luneta was done by a Swiss sculptor, Richard Kissling.

• The Consulate of Switzerland which opened in Manila in 1832 was the first official Swiss Representation in Asia.

• There are only two square flags in the world and the Swiss flag is one of them (the other being the Vatican).

• The Swiss Guard celebrated its 509th anniversary of protecting the Pope and the Vatican.

• The Red Cross was founded by Swiss Henry Dunant. The Swiss flag has a white cross on a red flag. The Red Cross is a red cross on a white flag.

• Aluminum foil, cellophane, welcro and the zipper as we know today are all Swiss inventions.

• Muesli, fondue, the dehydrated soups (Maggi, Knorr) besides the chocolate and cheese brands are all Swiss creations.

• The majority of Swiss people speak a minimum of 3 languages (including German and French) and think it is completely normal.

• Albert Einstein, a Swiss citizen at the time, was working as a clerk in the capital of Switzerland, Bern, when he proved his Theory of Relativity.

• The first Bond Girl, Ursula Andress, was Swiss.

• The St. Bernard dog is a Swiss icon.

• The Swiss watch Swatch is the best-selling watch of all time.