By THEPHILBIZNEWS STAFF

It should have been the 4th Beer Night in four years to celebrate the Embassy of the Czech Republic’s National Day since it was first introduced to the Philippines in 2019 by the creative team of the Czech Embassy. However, because of the pandemic, it was forced to suspend the unique and fun celebration for two years until controlled gatherings are allowed.

The Second Czech Beer Night fizzes up Czech Embassy’s biggest event of the year in commemoration of one of the most significant events in the history of the Czech Republic: Czech Statehood Day.

Held in Blue Leaf in Taguig last September 23, 2022, for those who attended, the Czech Diplomatic Reception said it remains unique, fun and dubbed as unparalleled and the most fun diplomatic reception after its return.

Spearheaded by the Embassy of the Czech Republic, more than 300 guests joined the second installation of the Czech Beer Night. Guests from the diplomatic community, public and private sectors, and other partners of the Embassy were served with the world’s best beers and liquors such as from Pilsner Urquell, Velkopopovický Kozel, Rudolf Jelínek, and Whisky Trebitsch.

In her speech, the Ambassador also shared the Czech Presidency of the Council of the European Union, which commenced in July this year, as well as Russia’s unprovoked invasion of Ukraine, which affects not only Europe but also the whole world.  “I would like to use this occasion and express our gratitude to the Philippines for its stand in this war on a fair and rightful side with us. We are grateful for your support,” the Ambassador added.

Several government officials were present during the biggest event organized by the Embassy. In his message before the ceremonial toast, DFA Undersecretary Jesus Domingo recalled the history shared between the Czech Republic and the Philippines, such as the friendship of Filipino national hero Dr. Jose Rizal and Ferdinand Blumentritt, and strong devotion to the Infant Jesus of Prague that has since become a symbol of strong cultural ties between the two nations.

Beyond these historical and cultural bonds, Usec. Domingo also shared how both countries are “advocates and passionate defenders of democracy.”

Other senior officials of the Republic of the Philippines who graced the event were Senator Francis Tolentino, DFA Assistant Secretary Jaime Victor Ledda, and officers from the Philippine National Police.

Aside from overflowing drinks and traditional Czech dishes, the guests also enjoyed musical performances of Czech arias by one of the Philippines’ most renowned classical musicians, Ms. Mary Louise Alcantara, and later partied with a local band Chiquerella.

The only Czech beer festival in the Philippines was made possible through the Embassy of the Czech Republic, its major sponsor Home Credit Philippines, and other partners, namely Pilsner Urquell, Velkopopovický Kozel, Rudolf Jelínek, Whisky Trebitsch, VFS Global, and Brotzeit Philippines. 

This year’s Czech Beer Night coincided with the commemoration of St. Wenceslaus, who is one of the celebrated saints in the country. St. Wenceslaus has been renowned as the defender of the sovereignty of the Czech state and the protector of the nation since his martyrdom in 935. Interestingly, he is also considered the patron saint of beers—owing to his protection of hop growers and brewers.

To this day, the Czechs continue to honor his contribution to the country’s statehood and the beer manufacturing industry. In the same vein, the Embassy deemed it fitting that the Czech Statehood Day celebration in parallel with the commemoration of St. Wenceslaus is marked by a festivity highlighting one of the country’s treasures. Hence, the birth of the Czech Beer Night.

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