Tessa!
Dancing for and toasting the country I love
By Tessa Prieto-Valdes
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 02:45:00 06/22/2008
MANILA, Philippines - Iniibig Ko Ang Pilipinas! Those word didn't mean much to me when I was in grade school reciting the Panatang Makabayan, or Pledge of Allegiance. During my Assumption days, I was usually half asleep rattling off the pledge after a flag ceremony I had arrived barely in time for.
Fast forward to today, when I can say with full conviction that I love the Philippines! Somehow, with the passage of time, I have found a determination to make our country a better place in whatever small way I can. Yes, we have problems, but with optimism we can focus on constructive and productive solutions.
After having participated in our 110th Independence Day celebrations, I felt even more patriotic. For the first time, the Sea Princess was invited to the traditional Vin d'Honneur for the Diplomatic Corps at Malacanang Palace.
The highlight of the affair was a Rigodon de Honor featuring Cabinet officials, lawmakers, diplomats, business leaders and spouses. This ceremonial dance is a fantastic way to proudly display our Philippine customs and traditions.
For the revival of the Rigodon after an absence of 27 years, President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo handpicked the participants and even dropped in during rehearsals. My dance partner, Nestor Jardin of the Cultural Center of the Philippines, was fortunate to dance with PGMA herself since I was absent so many times. Thanks to Nes' expertise and my ability to ad-lib, we managed to complete the dance with aplomb.
Imeldific gown
I was torn over which terno to wear. Talented Cebu designer Ronald Enrico produced a beautiful pink terno for me, complete with Imeldific butterfly sleeves, a long train and heavy beading. For the evening, though, I opted to wear a classic yet romantic red terno by Dennis Lustico. Years ago, I wore that same gown for my first Rigodon for the Red Cross Ball.
With perfect timing, picture pretty Assunta de Rossi-Ledesma and I arrived at the Rizal Hall in the palace just before the dignitaries were introduced. All the Rigodon dancers were in place, so we hurriedly joined the group.
After the speech of the President calling for true union, economic and social justice and tangible progress, Papal Nuncio Joseph Edward Adams said a few words about sovereign nations working together. Then the entire group raised their glasses high to toast the Philippines. That was our cue to gather in the Social Hall for the Rigodon de Honor.
Surrounded by an ocean of ambassadors, business tycoons and diplomats, we were introduced in pairs to perform this elegant, traditional quadrille, or square dance, that has its roots in 17th-century France and was introduced into the country by our Spanish rulers in the 19th century.
US Ambassador to the Philippines Kristie Kenney looked radiant in her sky-blue terno and danced perfectly with her partner, Trade Secretary Peter Favila. Directly across us was the elegant pair of Rep. Martin Romualdez and Dawn Zulueta-Lagdameo. Our foursome seemed to be having the most fun as we tried desperately to dance seriously with the structured steps.
Judging from the resounding applause after the dance, the Rigodon de Honor was definitely entertaining and a great revival of a traditional Independence Day event. Plus, it was a chance to showcase so many beautiful designer ternos.
Stylish restaurateur Gaita Fores beautifully arranged the seashell-designed decor on the table settings and provided a delicious cocktail menu. The different ambassadors were definitely impressed with the food and the service. I had never before been surrounded by so many notable foreign diplomats.
Ciao Italia!
A few days before this, though, I also met a number of diplomats at the Ciao Italia! Festival at Rustan's. To kick off this month-long supermarket promotion, the Italian Embassy's Trade Promotion Section, together with Rustan Commercial Corporation, Rustan's Supermarket and Stores Specialists, held a cocktail party and fashion show showcasing everything Italian - from food to fashion and culture.
Luxurious Italian brands showed displays that left the audience breathless. Bvlgari and Roberto Coin were shown alongside clothes from the Spring Summer Collection of Salvatore Ferragamo. The luxury lines of Fendi and Sigerson tempted Pinays with their latest shoes and bags.
Among the guests were Italian Ambassador Rubens Anna Fedele, with his wife Cosetta, Italian Trade Commissioner Massimiliano Sponzilli, SSI's EVP Anton Huang, and Rustan's head Bienvenido Tantoco, Jr.
Ciao Italia! includes several activities throughout this month. On June 26, there is a workshop called “Entertaining Italian Style” for the adults and “bambino” activities at the Rustan's Children's Division at the 3rd Level.
For the foodies, Rustan's Supermarkets will have Italian chefs exhibiting their culinary expertise as they prepare sumptuous dishes. Do drop by today so you can experience the true taste of Italian cuisine and freshen your palettes with flavorful wine as well.
Ambassador Fedele told me about the recent celebration of the 46th Anniversary and 2nd General Membership Gathering of the Philippine-Italian Association (PIA). It was extra-special because the affair was held on board the historical Costa Allegra, the Italian luxury cruise ship.
In cooperation with Costa Cruises Pacific Asia Operations and Travel People Ltd., the officers and members of PIA enjoyed a day cruise with Fedele, who is also the honorary chairman of the association. Also on board was PIA president Nedy Tantoco, so the cruise was a wonderful way of fostering Philippine-Italian relations.
I'm sure we'll be hearing much more from this association in the future, as they launch numerous projects in education, culture and the arts.
It's often said that the Italians are the Filipinos of Europe. We both love the Pope, we both have big families, we both thrive on food, we both drive like mad, and, best of all, we both love the Philippines!
E-mail the author at seaprincess@inquirer.com.ph.
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