Last October 22, 2022, the French Chamber of Commerce and Industry in the Philippines successfully held its grandest event of the year, the 75th Gala Anniversary of France and the Philippines Diplomatic Relations at Raffles & Fairmont Makati.
In a stellar backdrop of fairy lights created by event designer, Teddy Manuel, 400 key members of the French and Filipino communities as well as dignitaries from various countries, came together to commemorate the fruitful relationship between both countries. Some of these luminaries were Secretary Jaime Bautista of the Department of Transportation, Undersecretary Carlos Sorreta of the Department of Foreign Affairs, and their excellencies, Amb. Michèle Boccoz, French Ambassador to the Philippines, Amb. Anke Reiffenstuel, German Ambassador to the Philippines, Amb. Ioannis Pediotis, Greek Ambassador to the Philippines, and Amb. Miguel Utray, Spain Ambassador to the Philippines, and special guests from France, Isabelle Huppert, and Lucas Bravo have graced the event with their presence.
The Gala highlighted the notable achievements of both nations through an awards ceremony, a charity art auction, and a fashion show that was made possible through the support of our Event Partner, Banco De Oro Unibank, Inc, and Pearl Sponsor, Jewelmer.
As such, the evening started by honoring companies that were able to successfully integrate sustainable practices in their respective industries. Through Le Trophée Bleu, a sustainability business award in partnership with Havas Ortega and Plastic Flamingo.
In the four (4) categories, Artelia Philippines is the reigned winner for the People category. NEO for the Planet category, Airbus Helicopters Philippines for the Partnership category, and lastly, E&V Tubig Pag Asa for the Sustainability Excellence for SMEs. Furthermore, five (5) Filipino alumni – Dr. Raymond Yrreverre Nuñez, MD, FPOA, Julius Andrew Nuñez, Ph.D., Jojie Lorén, Mark Edward Meily, and Daniela Laurel, Ph.D., MBA who pursued higher studies in France and displayed excellence in their chosen fields were given the honor as well.
Building on that, the announcement of the total earnings for the Chamber’s Charity Art Auction event was also held that night. In total, the Chamber and its partner foundation, the France-Philippines United Action (FPUA) were able to raise more than PHP 800,000 out of its target funding of PHP 35,000,000 to finance the building of 100 resilient homes for 100 families residing in Sogod, Southern Leyte which was affected by Super Typhoon Odette.
Guests also experienced and tasted the exquisite meals prepared by a three-star Michelin Chef, Alain Passard, and Chef Jessie Sincioco through a 6-course meal that highlights the fusion of French and Filipino flavors. This collaboration was made possible through the hard work and support of the Raffles and Fairmont team headed by Chef Bela Rieck.
And to wrap up the night, a Fashion show entitled Coast to Coast: Brittany Coastline meets Philippine Pearl Farm showcased both countries’ craftsmanship in the field of Fashion. It featured the works of 5 notable Filipino designers, Albert Andrada, Patty Ang, Maureen Disini, Mark Bumgarner, and Rajo Laurel. Each model and Ms. Universe Philippines 2022, Celeste Cortesi as one of the muses was adorned with pieces made by Jewelmer, a French-Filipino company known for its South Sea Pearls.
Source: https://metro.style/living/entertaining/cci-france-philippines-75-gala-celebration/34074
