University Club of Washington DC holds Philippine Embassy Night

It is indeed more fun in the Philippines for members of the prestigious University Club of Washington DC after being regaled with Filipino food, songs and dances during an exclusive event supported by the Philippine Embassy.

A press release issued today by the Philippine Embassy said that more than 120 members of the University Club attended the sold out event held on Friday, 7 September 2012. Ambassador Jose Cuisia, Jr. and Mrs. Maria Victoria Cuisia graciously welcomed the guests at the Philippine Embassy Night, which was hosted by the Club’s International Committee and was themed “It’s More Fun in the Philippines.”

“I strongly encourage all of you to visit and revisit our country where you will experience that, indeed, it’s more fun in the Philippines!” Ambassador Cuisia told University Club members, including former United States Ambassador to the Philippines John D. Negroponte, Co-Chair of the newly organized US-Philippines Society.

“We are honored that Ambassador and Mrs. Cuisia joined us for this signature event showcasing the culture and cuisine of the Philippines,” said Margaret A. Ferry, Chair of the Club’s International Committee. “Along with Club President Tony Englert, I want to thank the embassy for putting together such a wonderful program.”

The Philippine Embassy said those attending gave very good reviews to the Filipino culinary specialties like rellenong bangus and chicken adobo prepared by Filipino-American master chef Evelyn Bonoan and cultural performances by Broadway star Joan Almedilla and the Filipino Club of Georgetown University.

“A delightful, nostalgic evening of ‘more fun in the Philippines!’ through music, dance, animated young people, and fabulous Filipino cuisine. A warm, so friendly, so Filipino atmosphere provided by Ambassador Cuisia, Mrs. Cuisia, and his Embassy staff for old friends and so many new ones—tourism diplomacy at its best!” was how Ambassador Johh Maisto, President of the US-Philippines Society, described the gathering.

Alexander Feldman, President of the US-ASEAN Business Council said: “Ambassador Cuisia and his Philippine Embassy team did a masterful job of showcasing ‘Why it is more fun to be in the Philippines’ from the wonderful and talented people who populate the over 7,000 Philippine islands to beautiful beaches and tourist destinations to the culinary culture and dance of the country and made a strong case for why the Philippines is one of the fastest growing markets in the world under the strong leadership of President Aquino.”

“Your country’s hospitality was evident throughout the evening as was the kindness of your entire delegation,” said  University Club member Mark Botsford, Managing Partner of Botsford Global. “ The Ambassador was extremely kind and gracious and the music, cuisine and gifts served were traditional and made the guests feel like they really had an evening in the Philippines.”

Guests received special gift bags from the Philippine Embassy, including mango juice, dried mangoes and pili nuts. Among those attending as guests of Ambassador Cuisia were Albert Santoli, President of the Asia-America Initiative (AAI); Alan Schlaifer, President of the Wharton School Club of Washington, DC; Jean-Francois Orsini, Chairman of the Wharton School Club of DC; Andrew Koval, Chief Executive Officer of MedPharm; and Prof. William Wise, Associate Director of Southeast Asia Studies at the Johns Hopkins University.

The University Club of Washington, DC is one of the premiere private city clubs in the country. It was founded in 1904 and had as its first president William Howard Taft, who served as Governor General of the Philippines and later as the 27th President of the United States. The University Club has hosted some 30 Embassy Nights since 2005 featuring the culture and cuisine of countries around the globe. Ambassador Cuisia and more than 60 other current Ambassadors to the United States are members of The University Club.

Sourced: asianjournal