By Marinel Peroy
Unknown to many, South Africa and the Philippines have close ties and have been sharing warm and cooperative friendships in trade, diplomacy, and cultural exchange, fostering stronger bonds between their peoples.
On May 8, the South Africa Embassy in Manila hosted a reception celebrating 30 years of democracy with partnership and growth at Shangri La, The Fort, BGC.
Speaking before the guests from the diplomatic community, government officials, business and other distinguished guests, Her Excellency South African Ambassador Bartinah Ntombizodwa Radebe-Netshitenzhe explained that on April 27, 1994, the South Africans were “united to exercise their hard-fought democratic right” after facing oppression through colonialism and apartheid.
The lady envoy also shared that South Africans will vote for their National and Provincial leaders on May 29, 2024.
“South Africa as a multicultural, multifaceted and multiracial country, embraces the concept of Ubuntu as a way of defining who we are by how we relate to others — which means ‘I am because we are’,” said Amb. Bartinah.
She also underscored long-standing friendship with the Philippines through various cooperations from trade to culture, shared values, and mutual prosperity, sharing that almost 3,000 Filipinos are working in South Africa. Indeed, the application of Ubuntu through compassion, kindness, and interconnectedness with others impacts society.
This journey of independence and unity is timely as Africa Day will be on May 25.
“Since 1994, our country’s international relations have flourished, with Pretoria hosting a significant number of diplomatic missions and playing a pivotal role in global democracy,” the lady envoy added.
A glimpse of South Africa’s culture
Aside from the special delicacies featuring vetkoek to malva pudding, South Africa has a lot to offer. One of which is Amarula cream liqueur, manufactured by Southern Liqueur Company.
In an interview with THEPHILBIZNEWS, Business Unit Head Ale Vargas described Amarula as exotic, creamy, and award-winning.
“To describe Amarula, I would go for exotic because it comes from South Africa. Also, it uses the marula fruit – which is a fruit from the elephant tree. In terms of the liquid, it’s actually creamy. As per the brand, it’s award-winning as a cream liqueur,” explained Vargas.
He also highlighted the ingenuity of people and the value of being innovative in the products available in each country (such as South Africa’s very own Amarula fruit and our local Lambanog or ‘coconut wine’).
Out of curioisity, I tried the four (4) flavors that were offered for tasting and these are the original, vanilla spice, coffee, and raspberry, and my personal favorite would be Amarula’s Vanilla Spice. Its tastes has some semblance with sweet chai latte while giving that oozing kick for a satisfying drink. While, the “on the rocks” that was recommended for me ti try turned out to be a perfect lady’s drink, and it can also be a flavorful boost for a smoothie.
Vanilla Spice also garnered recognition as the World’s Best Cream Liqueur at the 2020 World Liqueur Awards, proving its credibility for a well-deserved accolade.
Furthermore, as each special drink is deeply rooted in African tradition and culture, the bonds of friendship between South Africa and the Philippines continually grow and the spirit of camaraderie flows freely like the liqueur that was served. It was truly an enriching experience for me that I will cherish and my amazement in the colorful celebration and vibrant culture of Africa still resonate with me.