In the face of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine as a result of Russia’s aggression and expansionism, the Honorary Consulate of Ukraine Manila held a charity dinner dubbed as “Dine For Peace”. It takes on a poignant and purposeful role in its advocacy for solidarity and support and celebrating the country’s 32 years of independence.

Held on November 23 at the Makati Diamond Residences, the event transcended the boundaries of dining together as it also served as a symbol of cultural unity with all the guests. 

Dr. Beatrice Jane L. Ang, the Honorary Consul of the Consulate of Ukraine in Manila said that culinary festivities is a testament to their “collective commitment to raising awareness and funds for Ukraine during these challenging times.” Consul Ang also expressed her gratitude and appreciation to the auction sponsors as their artworks not only depicted a sentimental touch of their craft and also served in the pivotal role of raising funds for those who are in need. 

“As we celebrate the 32^nd Year of Independence of Ukraine this 2023, let us not forget the resilience and strength of the Ukrainian people in the face of adversity. The proceeds from tonight’s event, as well as the entire week’s activities, will contribute significantly to supporting charitable causes in Ukraine, providing aid where it is needed most,” Dr. Ang added. 

With superb culinary experience, compassion, and art, the event was also graced by the members of the diplomatic corps such as Ukrainian non-resident Ambassador Denys Mykhailiuk who came all the way from Malaysia to attend; Ambassador Luc Veron from the EU Delegation; Ambassador Juha Pyykkö of Finland; Ambassador Laure Beaufils of the United Kingdom; Ambassador David Bruce Hartman of Canada; Ambassador Karel Hejč of Czech Republic; and Ambassador Franz-Michael Skjold Mellbin of Denmark. There were also other distinguished guests from the different embassies, government officials, and leaders of various business groups. 

The night was enriched by Vincent Lahorra’s outstanding saxophone performance (with captivating tunes like La Vie En Rose) and Anastasia Burova’s lively voice, and added elegance to the event. Beyond the exquisite flavors, Dine for Peace seamlessly combines art and culture — through culinary diplomacy and artistic expression fostering understanding and unity among guests from different nations. 

Confluence of Philippine and Ukraine Culinary Mastery

With the impressive artworks and music during the event, guests were given an unforgettable gastronomic journey from the illustrious chefs from Ukraine and the Philippines.

No less than Ukrainian Cuisine Ambassador Chef Yurii Kovryzhenko, and our very own Chef Margarita Forés, Asia’s Best Female Chef in 2016 provided satisfaction to the guests’ Epicurean voyage. Their expertise and shared vision yielded the perfect blend of Ukrainian-Filipino cuisine, connecting cultures and harmonizing traditions through culinary delights. 

The charity dinner’s curated menu served as a cultural bridge, intertwining Ukrainian Pyrzhki and Filipino Blue Marlin “Malasugui” Kinilaw, Ukrainian Borsh and Crimean Tatar Sarma, and a Pasta course of Handmade Waterspinach Sanalones — which harmoniously blends Lapu-lapu, Bulacan River Prawn, Negros Blue Crab, Capiz Scallops, and local flavors. The latter was my personal favorite; as the seafood bits mixed together along the lingering coconut twist of flavor absolutely complimented the water spinach melting inside my mouth. 

Speaking to THEPHILBIZNEWS, Chef Margarita Forés said she always incorporates promoting the Philippine culture and heritage by making a shellfish dish because of its “stellar set of ingredients” inspired by our rich body of waters and diverse seafood products in our country. 

The celebrated Chef Forés believes that gastrodiplomacy serves as a strong weapon to solve situations in the world and bring everyone closer together. She also emphasized how gastro-diplomacy is seen with how Filipinos showcase our rich culture and heritage (be it in working on the cruise, as an OFW, and among others), wherever we are in the globe.

“The Filipino chef has a chance to really bring a lot of goodness to light and share the beauty of our culture and the warmth of our people. I think that through food sharing our cuisine, we can really make the world a better place — and I think this [Dine For Peace] event is just one example of that,” Forés said.

On the other hand, Forés expressed that she has learned a lot about Ukrainian culture and cuisine, and expressed heartfelt gratitude to Chef Yurii. “I think that through food, it would be a real blessing to bring a cause to light and at the same time, to do my bit for at least helping the situation in their country,” she said, as she also hopes to visit and cook significant dishes with him in Ukraine someday. 

Strokes of Generosity: Masterpieces for a Worthy Cause 

Dinner For Peace has not only been a culinary experience but also a heartfelt endeavor to contribute to the healing and rebuilding process in the country of Ukraine. Such proceeds will serve as a beacon of hope, offering tangible aid to those affected by the war.

Some of the auctioned artworks include: 

• Nadiya by Arthur Tselishchev  — In this oil painting which means “Hope”, artist Arthur captures the resilience and inner strength reflected in the subject’s eyes, a testament to her unwavering spirit despite her struggles. The creation of this masterpiece spanned several months, as shared, reflected a labor of dedication and passion.

“All proceeds from the sales will go to Ukraine for medical needs. I am so thankful to represent this piece at our charity auction, and on behalf of all Ukrainians, I will be very grateful to the new owner of my painting!”

• Ikebana: Hope, Courage, and Love by Harold Anopol  — Each creation in this flower arrangement is infused with a profound sense of purpose, honoring the spirit of resilience, and illuminating nature’s harmony with the parallel depiction of aesthetics in between. 

“In the midst of the conflict’s relentless chaos, HOPE persists as a flickering flame, lighting the path toward a peaceful tomorrow. COURAGE stands unwavering, embodied by the resilient souls who refuse to succumb to despair, bravely striving for a brighter future despite the darkness that surrounds them. LOVE, the enduring force that binds communities together, transcends the battlefield, fostering solidarity and empathy, serving as a beacon of humanity’s unwavering strength even in the most challenging times.” 

As guests come, their shared commitment to peace is manifested through both their presence and contributions, illustrating the power of collective action in times of adversity. This dinner gathering highlights the values of resilience, compassion, and a unified effort to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those impacted by the conflict in Ukraine.

Thus, the Dine For Peace has undoubtedly become a platform for a profound exchange of flavors, traditions, and artistic expression with the meticulously crafted menu blending Ukrainian and Filipino culinary treasures of shared camaraderie. Indeed, this event serves as a testament to the transformative power of food and art fostered throughout the night — where gastrodiplomacy takes the form of lingering compassion sprinkled with art in flavorful meals, and the advocacy towards peace is savored on every bite.

Hotel Okura Manila, which recently celebrated its first anniversary, successfully hosted The Philippine Business and News’ (ThePhilBizNews) second Embassy Night with the Captains of Philippine Industries last April 26.

The high-profile event was attended by more than 10 ambassadors and 20 embassies, including business leaders from different foreign chambers and multinational corporations, making it the biggest and most prestigious event held at the luxury hotel in the Philippines since opening on April 19, 2022.

Ambassadors and other honored guests praised Hotel Okura Manila for its staging of an Embassy Night grander than the first one last year, impressing all 200 guests at its main dining hall.

Guests enjoyed sumptuous food and overflowing wine courtesy of Hotel Okura Manila, its partners, Newport City Philippine Wine Merchants, Lydia’s Lechon, and other sponsors.

Jan Marshall, General Manager of Hotel Okura Manila, expressed pride and gratitude in hosting the Embassy Night in partnership with ThePhilBizNews.

“To honor this big event and its guests, we not only served a variety of authentic Japanese dishes from appetizer to the main course and curated desserts; we also prepared a special ‘Ambassador’s Cocktail’ exclusively served for the event,” Marshall said.

The special drink was highlighted during the ceremonial “Toast to the Diplomats and the Captains of Philippine Industries” that included at center stage, Hon. Juha Pyykkö, Ambassador of Finland; Hon. Jarosław Szczepankiewicz, Ambassador of Poland; Hon. Ilan Fluss, Ambassador of Israel; Hon. Jana Šedivá, Ambassador of Czech Republic; Hon. Anke Reiffenstuel, Ambassador of Germany; Hon. Michel Parys, Ambassador of Belgium; Dr. Beatrice Jane L. Ang, Honorary Consul of the Consulate of Ukraine in Manila; Mr. Antonio Gallo, Head of the Consular Chancery Embassy of Italy; Mr. Jan Marshall, General Manager of Hotel Okura Manila; and Mr. Monsi Alfonso Serrano, founder of THEPHILBIZNEWS.

Exemplifying the warmth of care and service at Hotel Okura Manila, guests were also treated to buffet dining and an open bar that offered various wines, whiskeys, juices and other drinks.

“I am very happy with our partnership with Hotel Okura Manila. Our guests from the diplomatic and business community who graced the event were all surprised not just with the place but also the food and drinks,” said Serrano, who is also the lead organizer of Embassy Night.

Top executives of prominent Japanese companies such as Honda Car Philippines, Toyota Mobility Solutions Philippines, Toyota Motor Philippines, Yakult Philippines, and Sunny Bing Trading, among other attended the event.

D. Edgard A. Cabangon, chairman of Isuzu GenCars, also lauded the event as an occasion for the different foreign chambers – like the American Chamber of Commerce, the British Chamber of Commerce, the European Chamber of Commerce, the Italian Chamber of Commerce, and THE Israel Chamber of Commerce, and Nordic Chamber of Commerce  – to be updated on developments happening the different industries in the country, through their prime movers.

From the food manufacturing sector, there were officers from CDO Foodsphere, Meatworld & Mrs. Garcia, Atkins Import and Export, San Miguel Brewery, San Miguel Corp., and Tinapayan to name a few, a host of importers and exporters, and representatives from the Information Technology, airlines, banking and media sectors, as well.

Adeline Capindig, Marketing Director of Hotel Okura Manila, said many of the guests were also given a tour of the hotel’s different facilities and unique rooms.

Hotel Okura Manila has three main restaurants, namely, Yamazato, Yawaragi, and The Pool Bar at the SORA Rooftop. Yamazato is Okura’s signature Japanese fine dining restaurant that serves only the freshest ingredients to ensure supreme taste and unmatched quality.

Yawaragi offers international gourmet dishes with Japanese specialties and Filipino favorites, while The Pool Bar at the SORA Rooftop offers a relaxing escape high above the bustling Metro Manila.

“We really want to showcase what we have to offer, and their very own experience says a lot about who we are and what makes us set apart from other hotels,” said Capindig. 

Watch the highlights of the event:

Hotel Okura Manila is located at the Newport World Resorts, 2 Portwood Street in Pasay City and belongs to a luxury hotel chain with a long-standing reputation for providing excellent service, impeccable hospitality, and a deep appreciation for art, culture, and tradition.

The Okura Hotel brand is known all over the world, with locations in Japan, the United States, Europe, and Asia, mainly for its Japanese-inspired design and aesthetic, which is reflected in the architecture, interior design, and amenities of each property.

The brand prides itself on its attention to detail, and this is evident in the quality of the furnishings, linens, and amenities provided in each room, setting it apart from other luxury hotel chains.

Ambassadors from around the world reiterated their support for media freedom in the Philippines, noting that it is the foundation of democracy.

At the Second Embassy Night of the THEPHILBIZNEWS Embassy Night in Hotel Okura Manila recently, Ambassador Jana Sediva of the Czech Republic said, “Media freedom is super important, and…I can say that you can rely on all embassies from European Union, that we will definitely do everything to support media, freedom of media, in this country.”

In her speech, Ambassador Sediva, whose term in the Philippines is ending soon, congratulated THEPHILBIZNEWS head Monsi Serrano for upholding truth and fighting disinformation.

“I would like to…express my special thanks to my dear friend, Monsi Serrano, and all his colleagues from THEPHILBIZNEWS because what they do for this country and also for us or diplomatic communities is super important…I would like to express my thanks to him, and [the] commitment of the Czech embassy to be on his side always,” Ambassador Sediva said.

On the other hand, Ambassador Anke Reiffenstuel of Germany echoed Ambassador Sediva’s sentiment and told her story as a new envoy in the country.

“I would like to thank Monsi Serrano for organizing tonight’s event and for his friendship…Very soon after my arrival in the Philippines, almost four years ago, Monsi attended a concert at my residence and right on the spot, we set up my very first interview in this country,” she said.

“Only a few weeks later, Monsi almost made me eat balut. But only almost, I haven’t eaten ever, and I think I won’t ever. But Monsi is much more than a personal friend. He is a professional and reliable journalist and media personality,” Ambassador Reiffenstuel shared.

Germany’s chief diplomat commended journalists in the Philippines for providing objective and reliable information in a professional manner, as they are the Filipino people’s primary source of information.

“This highly important role and function as a journalist is constantly being challenged. Fake news and disinformation are gaining ground worldwide, especially but not only in social media. And what we currently see the Russian narrative on its aggressive invasion on Ukraine is just one example for this. Together, we have to counter such developments,” Ambassador Reiffenstuel said.

Belgian Ambassador Michel Parys shared the embassy’s commitment to protect the journalists and defend freedom of the press in the country.

“Belgium remains committed to different human rights, including women’s rights, children rights, LGBTs rights, during the Universal Periodic Review in Geneva Universal Periodic Review of the Philippines. Belgium gives recommendation to protect the life of journalists to press freedom and to protect the life of human rights defenders and I was very glad that the Philippines accepted this recommendation,” Ambassador Parys said.

For her part, British Ambassador Laures Beaufils stressed the “fundamental importance of media in this country, as in every other country.”

“[Media] is a pillar of democracy and we celebrate that and we will continue to forever champion media freedom here in the Philippines. It is one of our priorities. And you can you have my commitment that this will remain the case,” Ambassador Beaufils said.

In the same event at Hotel Okura Manila, THEPHILBIZNEWS’s Monsi Alfonso Serrano emphasized the role of independent media outfits in promoting cross-border bonds in business, culture, education, and friendship around the world.

“Our media company may not be well-known, but we are proud to have a big vision and mission. We believe in the 4Ps—Purpose, Public Service, People above Profit,” Serrano said.

THEPHILBIZNEWS is finishing its documentary video on the war in Ukraine, and Serrano thanked the embassies of the Czech Republic and Poland for supporting him and his team on the project.

Watch the trailer:

Serrano also thanked the foreign embassies for their statements condemning the murder of broadcast journalist Percy Lapid.

“On media welfare, the embassies have been very supportive of us, valuing the freedom of the press. Case in point, [in] the murder of Percy Lapid, the embassies of Canada, France, US, United Kingdom, Netherlands, and even Ambassador Koshikawa [Kazuhiko of Japan] issued their statement condemning this brutal and cowardly act to scare journalists in the Philippines,” Serrano said.

THEPHILBIZNEWS head highlighted the company’s mission: “To be every Filipino’s preferred source of factual information wherever they are in the world remains. We commit to further promoting investments and people-to-people understanding,” he said.

May 4, was World Press Freedom Day.

The 2^nd Embassy Night held on April 2, 2023, at the Hotel Okura Manila, Newport City, Pasay City brought together ambassadors and diplomats from various countries to promote their embassy’s programs in the Philippines and their cooperation with the government, NGOs, civil society, and media all aimed at uplifting the lives of Filipinos.

During the program, the European Union (EU) expressed its strong support for media freedom in the Philippines and promised to do everything to support media. Czech Ambassador Jana Sediva also launched a book, “Guy and Friends in Czech-Shatila,” which covers the history between the Czech Republic and the Philippines.

Meanwhile, German Ambassador Anke Reiffenstuel mentioned how the critical role of media is constantly being challenged, and lamented that fake news and disinformation are gaining ground worldwide.

The ambassador called on everyone to counter such developments and acknowledged that ThePhilBizNews — which initiated the annual staging of the event originally dubbed as Embassy Night with the Diplomats and the Captains of Philippine Industries — is an important provider of relevant information, beyond business news.

Regarding bilateral trade, Reiffenstuel also noted that Germany is the Philippines’ largest trade partner among European Union member states. “Economic recovery and growth are the priorities of the Marcos administration, and Germany has a lot to offer in this regard. Renewable energy and waste management are areas where German companies have great expertise.”

She expressed satisfaction over the active and successful participation of German companies like Siemens, Bosch, or Lufthansa in economic activity in the Philippines.

For his part, Belgian Ambassador Michel Parys shared upcoming events and programs from the embassy, including the Belgian Ambassador’s Cup, a charity golf tournament on May 28, and the Belgian Trade Mission on June 5.

On top of that, the ambassador is eyeing the implementation of the Belgian Development Cooperation, a five-year program with a 15-million-euro budget given to beneficiaries. At present, the program has Belgian NGOs and 52 Filipino partners.

Apart from diplomatic cooperation, Parys said the Belgian Embassy employs academic diplomacy or academic cooperation through partnerships forged between Belgian and Philippine universities. “There are successful programs in this academic cooperation like the program for animal aquaculture and aqua feeds,” he said.

Event participants from the Embassy of India chimed in on the strong cultural ties with the Philippines and cited how yoga has promoted wellness and healthy living among Filipinos. The embassy plans to expand the number of Indian students in the Philippines and increase the exchange of students and faculty members between universities of the two countries.

Dr. Beatrice Jane Ang, Honorary Consul of Ukraine in the Philippines expressed gratitide to the international community in the Philippines and the Filipino people for the support initiatives to ensure that children who experience war do not fall behind because every child must have the right to access education and have a healthy childhood. 

Ang also thanked Ambassador Jarosław Szczepankiewicz of the Embassy of Poland for his efforts to go around the country to educate the Filipino youth about the Ukraine situation, citing these efforts as “crucial to ensuring lasting peace.”

Meanwhile, Israeli Ambassador Ilan Fluss gave a heartfelt message of gratitude as he addressed ThePhilBizNews’ Embassy Night last April 26 on the occasion of Israel’s 75^th Independence Day celebration.

Fluss said he takes pride in representing Israel in the Philippines and delights in promoting partnerships and cooperation in the areas of agriculture, water management, and cybersecurity.

Recently, the embassy opened a visa application center in Cebu to improve visa services for Filipinos wanting to visit Israel. “I’m very proud of opening the office in the city (of Cebu) and we have a special program and a special place in our hearts for the Philippines,” said Fluss

Likewise, the Embassy of South Korea is actively promoting cultural exchanges, Korean language education, and tourism in the country. They are also working to increase bilateral trade and investment and to encourage Korean companies to invest in the Philippines.

Meanwhile, United Kingdom’s Ambassador to the Philippines, Laures Beaufils, and UK Prime Minister’s trade envoy to the Philippines and ASEAN Ambassador Richard Graham also graced ThePhilBizNews Embassy Night to highlight the UK’s growing interest in increasing trade with the Philippines.

Beaufils underscored the growing trade and investment opportunities between the UK and the Philippines, particularly in disaster preparedness, renewable energy, and cyber and maritime security. She also mentioned London Tech Week and recent investments by Diageo and Inchcape PLC.

The ambassadors emphasized their ambition for increased trade and engagement with the new administration to respond to their priorities.

Sharing their respective embassy’s programs in the Philippines is a component of Embassy Night which ThePhilBizNews intends to be a tradition of the annual affair which was held this year in partnership with Hotel Okura Manila.

Monsi Alfonso Serrano, publisher of ThePhilBizNews which organizes the annual event, said the envoys’ messages are relevant to the Philippines and global business and peace as they highlight the importance of media freedom, economic growth, and cultural exchanges.

“The involvement of various foreign chambers and the captains of industries in the Philippines in the Embassy Night indicates the potential for expanding business and investment relations between the Philippines and other countries,” said Serrano.

“If there are any takeaways from tonight’s event, it’s the need for cooperation and partnerships between countries to address global challenges such as fake news, climate change, and cybersecurity threats,” he added.

Overall, the Embassy Night serves as a platform for promoting mutual understanding, cooperation, and partnerships among countries, which is essential for global peace and prosperity.

More than 10 ambassadors, representatives of 30 embassies and various foreign chambers in the country joined prime movers of big companies at the Embassy Night.

Hotel Okura Manila General Manager Jan Marshall said that with the attendance of about 200 guests, it was the grandest event for VIPs the hotel has ever hosted since opening at ResortsWorld in April last year.

Jerome Ong, CEO of CDO Foodspehere lauded the event as an occasion for the different foreign chambers – like the American Chamber of Commerce, British Chamber of Commerce, European Chamber of Commerce, the Italian Chamber of Commerce, Israel Chamber of Commerce and the Nordic Chamber of Commerce– to be updated on developments happening in the different industries in the country.

Adeline Capindig, Marketing Director of Hotel Okura Manila, said many of the guests were also given a tour of the hotel’s luxury facilities and unique rooms.

“We really want to showcase what we have to offer, and their very own experience says a lot about who we are and what makes us set apart from other hotels,” said Capindig.

Watch the video highlights of the 2nd Embassy Night: