Ambassador Dizon-De Vega with WiB members and Undersecretary Lorraine T. Badoy pose for a commemorative photo of the first WiB event for Fall 2019 (photos by PH Embassy, Carolyn Ramoran Hamilton-Malasig)
Philippine Ambassador to Germany brought a taste of the Philippines to members of the Wilkommen in Berlin (WiB) during an Filipino Afternoon Tea Reception at the official residence on 25 September 2019.
The WiB is the largest international club composed of members from the diplomatic corps, business, academe, media, and other sectors. It is the only international club which is affiliated with the German Federal Foreign Office which ensures its wide reach in the international community in Berlin.
The Filipino Tea Reception kicked off the WiB’s Fall 2019 calendar and saw members enjoying afternoon tea with a Philippine twist. Instead of scones and cream, guests were treated to Chicken Adobo Canapes, Cassava Cake, Kutsinta, Puto (Steamed Rice Cake), and empanadas. Also on offer were Philippine organic teas like Lemon Ginger, Tanglad, Banaba, Pandan, Coco Melange, and Blue Flower from fair trade company Tsaa Laya and organic coffee grown in Mt. Apo, Davao and Benguet. Guests were also given tokens of Philippine chocolate-covered dried mangoes.
Ambassador Dizon-De Vega presented a glimpse of the Philippines during the reception focusing on the history, tourism sites, weaving traditions, and the cuisine of the country. A special guest, Ms. Miranda Konstantinidou, owner of Konplott Jewelry which has 35 stores throughout Germany spoke about her Cebu-based design center and workshop. She shared her positive experiences working with Filipinos in Cebu and praised their creativity, discipline, and skill.
Chef Bulawan Callanta of AYAN Restaurant in Berlin and Lighting Designer Troy Gonzalez who also dabbles in cooking shared what makes Filipino cuisine special.
The WiB members expressed delight at being introduced to Philippine culture and cuisine and were particularly taken by the unique flavors in both the beverages and the dishes they sampled. WiB member Jane Williams-Boock, a German-American law professor, praised the Philippines for being a country doing its best to be more ecologically sensitive and for the warmth and positivity of its people. END
L-R Sampler display of featured dishes for the Filipino Tea with Philippine Tea from Tsaa Laya and Benguet Organic Coffee plus Recipe access via mobile QR codes; Miranda Konstantinidou of KonPlott Jewelry talks about her experiences doing business in the Philippines
International guests sample Philippine tea treats
Chef Bulawan Callanta and Mr. Troy Gonzalez with Ambassador Dizon-De Vega talk about Filipino food while WiB members listen intently
