By Monsi A. Serrano
Your Excellencies, Distinguished Guests, and Esteemed Media Colleagues, good evening!
It is truly an honor to welcome you all to this year’s Embassy Night —a special occasion that, for four consecutive years, has brought together distinguished diplomats, embassy officials, business leaders, and representatives from foreign chambers. Tonight, we celebrate the friendships and partnerships that continue to drive progress and collaboration between the Philippines and the global community.
For those joining us for the first time, Embassy Night has found its home here at Hotel Okura Manila for the past three years. Our gracious hosts—the executives and team behind this world-class Japanese hotel—have played a pivotal role in making this gathering an unforgettable experience. Their hospitality, attention to detail, and commitment to excellence ensure that tonight is not just an event but a cherished memory for all of us.
Since its inception, Embassy Night has served as a trusted platform for fostering dialogue and cooperation among diplomats and industry leaders. Four years ago, in our 13th year in the media industry, we envisioned this event as a bridge—connecting diplomats and captains of industry in the Philippines to collaborate and cultivate meaningful partnerships. We take great pride in seeing this vision flourish, strengthening international ties and fostering economic cooperation.
We deeply appreciate every ambassador and foreign mission represented here tonight for your steadfast commitment to strengthening economic relations and cross-cultural understanding. The Philippines is your home away from home, and ThePhilBizNews is honored to work alongside your embassies and chambers of commerce in advancing economic partnerships and deepening global connections.
First, the launch of our book, The Philippine Business and News: Lessons from the Pandemic—a testament to resilience and transformation. Second, our documentary, Ukrainian Schoolchildren in Times of War, a project three years in the making, with an official launch to be announced soon. Third, our annual Entrepreneurs’ Night, which debuted successfully last year despite the challenge of Super Typhoon Kristine, bringing together over 80 participants. And lastly, a special Coffee Table Book about Ukraine, where we invite collaboration from those who share our passion for storytelling and global solidarity.
I would also like to extend my heartfelt appreciation to my dear friends: Mr. Erik Lim, Chairman, President, and CEO of Top Line Business Development Corp.; and his sister, Atty. Mikee Lim, First Vice President and Chief Finance Officer of Top Line, and last but not the least, Mr. Eugene Lim, the Chairman of Top Line and doting Dad of Erik and Atty. Mikee. They have traveled all the way from Cebu to join us tonight, eager to connect and collaborate with diplomats and industry leaders. Top Line is set to make history as the first company in the Philippines to go public in 2025, offering a P900-million initial public offering (IPO) that will open investment opportunities for both Filipinos and foreign investors. As Erik wisely says, “There’s no perfect situation, only a perfect mindset.”
For us at ThePhilBizNews, we are excited about four major projects in 2025.
Since 2023, THEPHILBIZNEWS and Hotel Okura Manila have delighted Embassy Night attendees with limited edition mugs, each featuring unique artwork. In 2022, the mug displayed Rafael “Popoy” Cusi’s Flourishing Garden, and last year, Vicente Silva Manansala’s Barung-Barong, both reflecting the beauty of Filipino life.
This year, the limited edition mug honors Cusi’s Labuyo—a rare and intricate painting of the red junglefowl. Departing from his usual “Cusi” signature, he signed this piece with its full title. Known as a “Master Watercolor Artist,” Cusi has seldom painted subjects like the Labuyo due to its complexity and deep symbolic significance, particularly to the Mangyan tribes, who regard it as sacred. The Labuyo also symbolizes agility, power, and freedom. For Cusi, this painting serves as both an artistic statement and a call for wildlife conservation, as the Labuyo faces the threat of extinction.
Cusi, who grew up in the tropical forests and coastal areas of Mindoro, imbues his works with strong environmental themes. An advocate for nature preservation, he blends various mediums in his art, from watercolor to acrylic and charcoal. By refraining from commercializing his works, Cusi ensures that his art remains rare and deeply cherished within his close circle.
We extend our gratitude to Master Popoy Cusi for sharing his timeless talent at Embassy Night, where his extraordinary Labuyo painting will be a treasured token of appreciation for our esteemed guests.
Tonight, I promised not to take too much of your time with a long speech. Instead, I wish to give the spotlight to our esteemed ambassadors, who will share their experiences, ongoing initiatives, and future collaborations with the Philippines and its people.
Thank you for being here with us at Hotel Okura Manila. Your presence makes Embassy Night an invaluable celebration of our shared vision, and we at ThePhilBizNews are truly grateful for your trust and partnership in this journey.
Maraming salamat po sa inyong pagmamahal sa ating bansa at sa sambayanang Pilipino. We are truly blessed by your friendship. Mabuhay kayong lahat, and may God bless you all!
Editor’s Note: This is the full speech delivered by Monsi A. Serrano during the 4th THEPHILBIZNEWS Embassy Night held at Hotel Okura Manila last April 3. List of the Ambassadors who graced the 4th Embassy Night.
Brazil – H.E. Gilberto Fonseca Guimarães de Moura
Czech Republic – H.E. Karel Hejč
Denmark – H.E. Franz-Michael Skjold Mellbin
European Union – H.E. Massimo Santoro
Finland – H.E. Saija Nurminen
Holy See – H.E. Charles Brown, Apostolic Nuncio (Dean of Diplomatic Corps)
Ireland – H.E. Emma Hickey
Israel – H.E. Ilan Fluss
Japan – H.E. ENDO Kazuya
Malaysia – HE Dato’ Abdul Malik Melvin Castelino
Morocco – His Excellency Ambassador Mohammed Rida EL FASSI
The Netherlands – H.E. Marielle Geraedts
New Zealand – H.E. Dr Catherine McIntosh
Romania – H.E. Răduţa Dana Matache
Sweden – H.E. Anna Ferry
Switzerland- H.E. Dr. Nicolas Brühl
Taiwan – Ambassador Wallace Chow (Representative, TECO)
Ukraine – H.E. Yuliia Fediv
United Kingdom – H.M.A. Laure Beaufils
