MaryKay Carlson of USA
American Ambassador MaryKay Carlson enjoys bonding with young people during the Kadayawan festival in Davao.
“The people! In my 40 years as a diplomat serving in 10 different places, I have never encountered a more warm and hospitable people who invest in developing meaningful relationships with the foreign diplomats they host. Filipinos are uniquely gracious and hospitable — genuinely interested in making connections. It has been very rewarding on both a personal and professional level to be posted here.”
I first met Ambassador MaryKay Carlson at a Cultural Center of the Philippines show, and in a series of cultural events and embassy dinners thereafter. And quite memorable are her annual Halloween dinners where we see her artistry in creating a boo-tiful experience capturing this American tradition using the props she has saved from her previous posts, plus her culinary skills. On the menu always are her insights on Philippine-American history and culture and how they intertwine.
Kazuya Endo of Japan
Very kawaii: Japanese Ambassador Kazuya Endo in a langhap-sarap moment with the Jollibee mascot.
““What I love about the Philippines? The warm, friendly and approachable people.”
When Japanese Ambassador Kazuya Endo visited The Philippine STAR office, we enjoyed his warm, engaging presence and the views he shared on Philippine-Japanese relations. It is the same warmth we felt when he presented a Japanese band with a Filipino soloist in his residence, where he and his pretty wife Akiko gamely performed with the ensemble.
Marie Fontanel of France
Ambassador of France Marie Fontanel with her very French Hermès watch.
“The Filipinos’ generosity, hospitality, family values. People in the Philippines make me feel at home.”
With typical French chic and grace, French Ambassador Marie Fontanel welcomed guests into the French residence when she presided over the conferment on Senator Loren Legarda the title of Officier dans l’Ordre National de la Legion d’Honneur given by the French government. I have met her in many cultural events, but this is the memory that remains on my mind.
Hae Kyong Yu of Australia
Australian Ambassador Hae Kyong Yu proudly wears her Francis Libiran terno.
“The best thing about the Philippines is its people because they are always happy, friendly and very welcoming. I’m particularly very fond of all the Filipino friends I’ve made here in the Philippines during my past three years as the Australian Ambassador!”
I first met Ambassador Hae Kyong Yu during the inaugural flight of Philippine Air Lines to Perth in March 2023. And in subsequent encounters with her during cultural events, she always had that happy and warm disposition which Filipinos will miss, as she goes to a new post in a few weeks.
Megawati Manan of Brunei
Brunei Ambassador Megawati Manan (left) at the Motag Living Museum in Malay, Aklan where she was invited by Mayor Frolibar Bautista.
“The people! Always kind, giving and genuine. Making the Philippines feel like home all the time.”
Ambassador Megawati Manan is such a humble, lovable and down-to-earth diplomat of the oil-rich country of Brunei. I first met her lining up, like other guests, to watch the concert of Korean superstar Ahn Hyo-seop at the MOA. This is how she relaxes when not busy with her job at strengthening Brunei-Philippines relations.
Mohamed Alqataam of United Arab Emirates
UAE Ambassador Mohamed Alqataam with First Lady Liza Araneta.
“The best thing I love about the Philippines is the hospitality and sincere kindness I’ve experienced from the Filipino people. They treat me like family and the Philippines feels like my second home. This is one of my unforgettable assignments outside my home country, UAE.”
Would you like to meet a UAE national who understands and speaks Tagalog very well? That’s the Ambassador Mohamed Alqataam, the charming and handsome diplomat who can answer you in Tagalog which he learned to speak from his staff. He notes the hardworking and brilliant presence of Filipinos in his country. Aside from international relations and economics, he is also interested in music, as he frequently attends the Goldenberg Series of cultural events spearheaded by First Lady Liza Araneta Marcos.
Raduta DaNa Matache of Romania
Romanian Ambassador Raduta Dana Matache with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in Malacanang. Her gown is by Francis Libiran, whom she calls “a genius.”
“I love the Philippines and miss it when I am away, as it has become my second home. What I like most about the Philippines is the people. I relish the warm smiles of the Filipinos I meet every day, the orderly standing in line, the deference that everybody gives to the elderly, the general vibe of reciprocal respect.
”I admire your great designers, as I love Filipiniana. I am thrilled to taste Filipino chefs’ food, as it is easy to discover new delicacies every week.
“As diplomats, it is easy to do our job well in the Philippines, as access to the decision makers is good and responsive to our needs.
“The competence, moral compass and faith of the people are what ensure that the Philippines reaches its unique and vast potential.
“Long live the Philippines! Long live our partnership!”
When I met Romanian Ambassador Raduta Dana Matache she was all praises for Filipino artistry, especially in couture. “Francis Libiran is a genius,” she says of the designer who created her attire for the Vin d’Honneur in Malacanang on Independence Day.
Pledging allegiance to the Banana Republic
Banana Republic is not just a clothing brand. It is a concept rooted in literature, history and politics.
The term was coined by O. Henry, one of my favorite writers in high school because I fancied his short stories with surprise endings. In his 1904 book Cabbages and Kings, he spoke of a fictional country he called Anchuria, based on his experience in Honduras.
Banana Republic then became a description for Latin American countries (Honduras, Costa Rica and Guatemala) whose economies and politics were dominated by US-based banana exporters at the turn of the century.
The fashion brand Banana Republic was founded in 1978 by Mel and Patricia Ziegler, a reporter-illustrator team working for the San Francisco Chronicle. Inspired by safaris, they created a travel-related clothing line. In 1983, Gap purchased the brand which is now known for its modern and timeless style. Banana Republic has such a legion of followers, all it needs now is a president.
If O. Henry could see this now. A surprise ending inspired by his novel.
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In the Philippines, Banana Republic is available at Rustan’s and its new store at Central Square Mall in Bonifacio High Street, under the Stores Specialists Inc. Group.
Look what we found at Cerveseria
I am a big fan of Gazpacho, the refreshingly cool dish popular in Spain and Portugal, especially during summer. I found its best version at Cerveseria restaurant in Forbestown, BGC, as created by chef Gilbert Pangilinan. Made of tomatoes, cucumber, egg and croutons, Gazpacho is my fave dish in Cerveseria, aside from their Hamachi with Clams.
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Follow the author on Instagram and Facebook @milletmartinezmananquil. Email her at milletman88@gmail.com and mmmananquil@philstarmedia.com.
