The US Embassy in Manila recently hosted a reception for the 240th Year of Independence of the United States of America together with the celebration of the Philippine-American Friendship Day last July 6, 2016 at the Fairmont Makati. This annual event gathers the nation’s biggest political names and personalities to jointly commemorate the country’s close history and friendship with our former colonizer and most powerful Western ally.
The event was held at the ballroom of Fairmont Makati, one of the classiest and most well-respected hotels in the city where I have had the pleasure of staying. This is the last Fourth of July celebration that U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines Philip S. Goldberg will be hosting as he will be stepping down from his office at the end of the year after this three-year term finishes. I will be sad to see him go, especially as I have gotten to know a little bit about him during our conversations last time at The Great American Barbecue held last year at the Ambassador’s residence in Forbes Park, so this will also be his chance to make his parting speech to the Filipino guests and VIPs.
The entire Fairmont Makati ballroom was decked in colors of the American flag and they had greeters welcoming the hundreds of guests that came for this special occasion. I actually came alone to the event and was hoping to see some friends or familiar faces in the crowd, but it seems like I was only one of the few bloggers here and ended up meeting a couple of my late father’s old friends. I was probably also the youngest guest there but I felt right at home.
It’s not often that I get to attend an event with so many high-ranking officials and foreign dignitaries, but I was really enjoying the atmosphere. Aside from the diplomatic and consular corps, civil society, business, media and government officials, US soldiers and military personel were also in attendance and they all looked so galant and dapper! Just like those you see in the movies!
A quartet serenaded the guests while waiting for the official program to start. The crowd was beginning to get larger, so I took the opportunity to get a few photos of some of the distinguished guests.
Former president and current Mayor Joseph Estrada (right) came in smiling and he remains a charming figure wherever he goes.
Senator Sonny Trillanes is even more dashing than he looks on television and he was really friendly and accomodating. He thought that I was from one of the newspapers or television stations and even seemed to be ready to give an interview.
I also got the chance to take a photo with former president Fidel V. Ramos together with his signature "thumbs up" pose. Mr. FVR was a close friend of my late father who often accompanied him on his international trips as his columnist. Other important guests included Foreign Affairs Secretary Perfecto Yasay, Budget Secretary Ben Diokno and other Cabinet officials of the Duterte administration.
An American celebration would not be complete without American food so we were treated to a variety of appetizers, dishes and desserts that we are all so familiar with.
The Super Sloppy Joe Sandwiches were one of the favorites that evening. Burgers, hotdogs, macaroni and cheese and many other classic American items were available for everyone.
My favorite item was definitely the mouth-watering hickory-smoked Baby Back Ribs which were so tender and flavorful.
They also served US Roast Beef and Steak which was also part of The Great American Barbecue event last year. Being a food blogger, I seemed to have spent more time at the food stations than socializing, but that’s me, The Hungry Kat.
Just imagine all these booths at your disposal, Burger King, Dairy Queen, Taco Bell and many more. I couldn’t decide which ones to get because I did not have time to eat everything even if I wanted to.
The Bistro Group also had their lineup of restaurants featured including Texas Roadhouse with their award-winning Fall-Off-The-Bone Ribs. Buffalo Wild Wings also served their different-flavored chicken wings while Moe’s, the newest member of the Bistro Group chain, gave a taste of their Mexican burritos.
Desserts and doughnuts were overflowing, especially from Krispy Kreme with their American Flag Donut. Cakes and other sweets were also on hand so there were plenty of choices.
Imagine having unlimited servings of Baskin Robbins for yourself! If I only had more time I would have stationed myself near this booth! But the main program was about to start to I had to finish quickly.
US Ambassador Philip Goldberg took the stage for one of his final speeches as Ambassador to the Philippines. He seemed to take the cue from President Duterte and delivered his speech in just three minutes. His parting words were that “Old diplomats never die, they don’t even fade away. They just return.”
The Philippines and the United States will always have a close friendship between the two because of our shared history and ideals. Philip Goldberg will definitely be missed, but whoever takes his place next will surely continue with the public service and close bilateral ties that make the USA our favorite foreign partner.
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