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Minister Vieira in honor of the 22 22 the of honor in Vieira Minister

generous support support generous

lunch reception hosted by Foreign Foreign by hosted reception lunch

the Brazilian Government for its its for Government Brazilian the

The ceremony was followed by a a by followed was ceremony The Ambassador Burgos expressed his his expressed Burgos Ambassador

deep gratitude and appreciation to to appreciation and gratitude deep

In presenting his credentials, credentials, his presenting In

amelioration program. program. amelioration Ambassador Burgos also expressed expressed also Burgos Ambassador

the world’s most successful social social successful most world’s the

V. Convalecer. Convalecer. V.

, touted as as touted , Família Bolsa Brazil’s President Benigno S. Aquino III. III. Aquino S. Benigno President and Consul General Ariz Severino Severino Ariz General Consul and

Program) which was patterned after after patterned was which Program) warmest greetings from Philippine Philippine from greetings warmest spouse, as well as First Secretary Secretary First as well as spouse,

Pilipino Pamilyang Pantawid ( 4Ps President the best wishes and and wishes best the President Burgos, Ambassador Burgos’ Burgos’ Ambassador Burgos,

implementation of the Philippines’ Philippines’ the of implementation opportunity to convey to the the to convey to opportunity composed of Dr. Blesilda Mansilla Mansilla Blesilda Dr. of composed

assistance to the crafting and and crafting the to assistance his credentials. He took the the took He credentials. his The Ambassador’s retinue was was retinue Ambassador’s The

very pleased that Brazil was of great great of was Brazil that pleased very accommodation in the acceptance of of acceptance the in accommodation

Affairs and Agriculture. Agriculture. and Affairs Rousseff mentioned that she was was she that mentioned Rousseff to the President for her warm warm her for President the to

Presidential Adviser on Foreign Foreign on Adviser Presidential In her brief remarks, President President remarks, brief her In deepest gratitude and appreciation appreciation and gratitude deepest

and Honorable Marco Aurelio, Aurelio, Marco Honorable and

Vieira, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Affairs, Foreign of Minister Vieira,

Ceremony were Ambassador Mauro Mauro Ambassador were Ceremony

Presentation of Credentials Credentials of Presentation

Assisting the President during the the during President the Assisting

Planalto in Brasilia, Brazil. Brazil. Brasilia, in Planalto

November 2015 at the Palácio do do Palácio the at 2015 November

Dilma Vana Rousseff on 04 04 on Rousseff Vana Dilma

Republic of Brazil to President President to Brazil of Republic

of the Philippines to the Federative Federative the to Philippines the of

Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Plenipotentiary and Extraordinary

Credentials as Ambassador Ambassador as Credentials

World Indigenous Games in Brazil in Games Indigenous World

Jose D.R. Burgos presented his his presented Burgos D.R. Jose

PHL tribes participate in Inaugural Inaugural in participate tribes PHL

Philippine Ambassador to Brazil Brazil to Ambassador Philippine

to the Federative Republic of Brazil Brazil of Republic Federative the to

Ambassador Ambassador Presents His Credentials Credentials His Presents Jose D.R. Burgos Burgos D.R. Jose

Issue No. 1 – December 2015 December – 1 No. Issue

Editorial Board History of PH -Brazil Relations

Ambassador Jose D.R. Burgos Official diplomatic Consul General Ariz S. V. Convalecer relations between the Advisers Philippines and Brazil were Vice Consul Eric P. Valenzuela deemed to have been Editor-in-Chief established upon the recognition of Philippine Ms. Helen D. Tan Independence in July 1946. Managing Editor During the inaugural ceremony on 04 July 1946, Mr. Lowalde M. Comille the Brazilian Government Ms. Ethel Jane M. Palispis sent Hon. Carlos Silverio Martins Ramos as Special Representative of Contributors President Eurico Gaspar Dutra. This marked the official recognition by Mr. Guillermo C. Reyes Brazil of the Philippines as a sovereign state. Mr. Jose Antonio M. Bea Photography The Philippine Embassy in Washington D.C. initially exercised jurisdiction over Brazil, which was later transferred to the Philippine Mr. Joey A. Espolong Embassy in Argentina upon the opening of the Philippine representation Ms. Rosamari F. Candido in Buenos Aires. Lay-out, Printing and Circulations On 16 September 1965, Ambassador Carlos S. Tan opened the first Ms. Leila O. Carreiro Philippine Embassy in Rio de Janeiro, the former capital of Brazil and Mr. Fabio Henrique M. Prado where most embassies were located during that time. To encourage Assistants embassies to relocate from Rio de Janeiro to the new administrative capital of Brasilia, the Brazilian Government offered to donate land for DID YOU KNOW? free to the diplomatic missions. On 01 September 1973, the mission transferred to Brasilia on a piece of The Philippines and Brazil were property located at the corner of the Northern Embassies Sector ( Setor under the same ruler for 60 years de Embaixadas Norte ) with a land area of 2.5 hectares. King Philip II, after whom the The Heads of Post of the Embassy since it opened in 1965 up to the present Philippines was named, was the son of are as follows: Emperor Charles V of the Holy Roman Empire and Isabella of Portugal. In 1556, Ambassador Carlos S. Tan 1965* Philip II became King of Spain when Charles V relinquished Spain and its Ambassador Octavio L. Maloles 1970* territories to him. CDA, a.i. Consuelo A. Arranz 1973*

Following the death of King Henry of Ambassador Emilio D. Bejasa 1978* Portugal in 1580 and as one of the closest Ambassador Sergio A. Barrera 05 Aug 1980 – Aug 1986 dynastic claimants to the throne, King Ambassador Lauro L. Baja, Jr. 05 Sep 1986 – 27 Aug 1993 Philip II claimed Portugal by force. Ambassador Jose Macário Laurel IV 09 Sep 1993 – 17 Mar 1996 From 1580 to 1640, King Philip II and Ambassador Francisco L. Benedicto 31 Jul 1996 – 25 Nov 1998 the two Spanish kings, both named Philip, who succeeded him ruled Spain (and the Ambassador Oscar G. Valenzuela 20 Mar 1999 – 21 Mar 2005 Philippines) and the Portuguese Empire Ambassador Teresita V.G. Barsana 08 Oct 2005 – 22 Dec 2009 (including Brazil) one after the other during Ambassador Eva G. Betita 13 Apr 2010 – 04 Oct 2014 the period known as the Philippine Dynasty, the name of the Royal House of Ambassador Jose D.R. Burgos 20 Mar 2015 - Present Habsburg during the dynastic union of Portugal and Spain. *Embassy records have no available data on the exact tenure or term of office for these Heads of Post. Sources: Encyclopedia.com and

WorldHeritage.org 2 ana and Suriname Consular Missions and Mobile Voter Registrations

Georgetown, Guyana Paramaribo, Suriname Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Vice Consul Valenzuela also met A consular team, this time with Inspector Judith Babel of composed of Philippine the Immigration Department of Ambassador Jose D. R. Burgos, Suriname to discuss immigration- Dra. Blesilda M. Burgos, Consul related concerns of the Filipino General Ariz Severino V. workers. Convalecer, Mr. Joey A. Espolong, Mr. Jose Antonio M. Bea and Ms. Leila Oliveira Carreiro, rendered With some of the OFWs in Guyana consular services and conducted overseas voter (OV) registration Third Secretary and Vice Consul from 25 to 26 September for the Eric Valenzuela and Consular / Filipino Community in Rio de ATN Assistant and VRM Operator Janeiro. Joey Espolong visited Guyana and Suriname for consular missions and overseas voter registration on 9-13 October 2015. Vice Consul Valenzuela meets with Inspector Judith Babel (2nd from right).

Suriname is home to about 800 OFWs working in hospitals, hotels, fishing companies and commercial establishments, among others.

The consular outreach was held at Vice Consul Valenzuela (4 th from left) meets the Salão Cozumel of the with the Filipino workers and officials of Acapulco Copacabana Hotel, Texila American University. located just off the iconic A total of 77 passport applicants Acapulco beach. and 124 Overseas Voters from Guyana and Suriname availed of A total of 20 passports were the services provided by the renewed, and 19 new overseas mobile team during the weekend voters registered. In addition, 2 mission. The Embassy Team also affidavits of lost passports were accepted applications for civil executed, one report of marriage Consular team poses with the applicants. registration, notarization and and one report of birth were citizenship reacquisition. received by the consular team.

Vice Consul Valenzuela meets with some of the OFWs in Suriname. With the applicants and registrants in Rio de Janeiro 3 Consular Missions and Mobile Voter Registrations

While in São Paulo, Ambassador São Paulo, Brazil Burgos, together with Vice Consul Valenzuela and Ms. Candido, visited the Filipina detainees at the Penitenciária Feminina da Capital and met with the Penitentiary Director Ivete Barão A. Halásc.

Ambassador Burgos met with the Filipinos in Florianopolis who are A Consular Outreach Team from mostly from Members Church of the Philippine Embassy in Brasilia God International (MCGI), an also visited São Paulo, Brazil for a international religious group consular mission and overseas originating in the Philippines. voter registration on 24-26 October MCGI has a growing presence in 2015 in Hotel Ville. At the Women’s Penitentiary Latin America due to its missionaries throughout the continent and an internet program being aired in Portuguese and Florianópolis, Brazil Spanish.

Like São Paulo, it was the second time in two years that the Philippine Embassy in Brasilia, led Ambassador Jose D.R. Burgos addresses the by Ambassador Jose D.R. Burgos, Filipinos in São Paulo. visited Florianopolis on 24-26 July The team was composed of 2015 to conduct a consular mission Ambassador Jose D.R. Burgos, and mobile overseas voter Vice Consul Eric P. Valenzuela, registration in the capital of the MCGI, with about 70 chapters in Consular/ATN Assistant and VRM State of Santa Catarina, Brazil. Brazil and thousands of Filipino Operator Joey A. Espolong and and Brazilian members, has also There were 25 passport applicants Ms. Rosamari F. Candido, started some business ventures in and 19 overseas voter registrants Assistant and Interpreter. Florianopolis such as the opening during the said weekend mission. early this year of two (2) The Embassy team also accepted It was the second time in two years restaurants including “Salut” that applications for civil registration. that the Philippine Embassy serves Filipino dishes. conducted a consular mission in São Paulo. A total of 37 passport applicants and 64 Overseas Voters, including 55 new registrants, availed of the services provided by the mobile team during the weekend mission.

The Embassy Team also received applications for notarization, citizenship reacquisition and civil registration. The Filipino Community in Florianopolis 4

Ambassador Burgos Presents His Credentials as Non -Resident Ambassador to the Republic of Suriname

Ambassador Jose D.R. Burgos best wishes from H. presented on 23 November 2015 his E. President Benigno credentials to H.E. Desiré Delano S. Aquino III. Bouterse, President of the Republic of Suriname as Non-Resident The Ambassador, who Philippine Ambassador to Suriname. was given military Assisting the President during the honors during the Presentation of Credentials were ceremony, was H.E Ambassador Niermala accompanied by his Badrising, Minister of Foreign spouse Dra. Blesilda Affairs, and H.E. Ambassador Rose- M. Burgos, Third Anne Franklin, Director of Protocol Secretary and Vice and Ceremonies, Cabinet of the Consul Eric P. President. Valenzuela and Mr. Jose Antonio Ambassador Burgos thanked M. Bea, Embassy Assistant. President Bouterse and the In presenting his credentials, Government of Suriname for taking Ambassador Burgos expressed his During the closed door talk with care of the hundreds of Filipino sincere appreciation and deepest Ambassador Burgos, President workers in Suriname. He concurred gratitude for the President’s Bouterse praised the long-standing with the President that there is much accommodation in the acceptance of relations between Suriname and the room for improvement in the the Ambassador’s credentials and Philippines and noted the significant bilateral relations with many conveyed the warmest greetings and contribution of the Filipino nurses potential areas for closer cooperation and doctors, in particular, to the such as in fisheries and aquaculture. medical sector of Suriname. Ambassador Burgos also met with President Bouterse added that the Minister of Foreign Affairs his administration intends to Ambassador Niermala Badrising and improve the country’s relations the Ministers of Labor, Home with the ASEAN, including the Affairs and Trade and Industry, the Philippines, in finding for new President of the Chamber of approaches in governance Commerce and Industry and with and in looking for “friends the Filipino community in Suriname. from the East.”

5 The PhilippineBrazil - EmbassyPhilippines in BrasiliaBusiness launched Cooperation the Brazil-Philippines Forum Business

Despite the challenges, economic or otherwise, that Brazil is currently facing, it is still the largest Latin American economy and the second largest in the The Philippine Embassy in Brasilia Western launched the Brazil-Philippines Hemisphere. Business Cooperation Forum on 22 October 2015 at the Official Brazil has an enormous amount of Pansit , Halo-halo and Mango Residence of the Philippine resources and capacity to grow. On Rum Liqueur, a short presentation Ambassador to Brazil. the other hand, the Philippines is on the Philippines was shown to one of the fastest growing highlight how the country remade economies in Asia. Thus, the itself into “Asia’s emerging tiger.” Philippines is naturally the gateway of Brazil to Asia while Brazil is the gateway for Filipino businessmen to Latin America.

The Forum serves as a venue of like-minded individuals exploring The distinguished guests during various opportunities for the said milestone event included business cooperation and Congressman Nelson Marquezelli, collaboration for the Ambassador Rodrigo do Amaral mutual benefit of the Souza, Ambassador-Designate of Philippines and Brazil. Brazil to the Philippines, Philippine Honorary Consul It is expected that the General in Manaus Francisco Forum would lead to business Rodrigues da Silva Filho, Director missions from Brazil to the DID YOU K NOW? Eduardo Abijaodi of the Brazilian Philippines and vice versa and it Brazil is approximately 28 times National Confederation of starts with businessmen and bigger than the Philippines. Industries (CNI), officials from the individuals from the two countries Ministry of External Relations and getting to know each other better. With a land area of 300,000 other government agencies and km 2, the Philippines is about the businessmen. In response, CNI Director Abijaodi size of Rio Grande do Sul, one lauded the Embassy’s of the 27 Brazilian states (26 initiative and agreed states plus the Federal District). that cooperation in business starts with knowing more about the other country and its economic environment.

Before the guests were treated to Filipino cuisine such as Adobo , Morcon, 6 Phl Delegation Visits Brazil to Study the Zero Hunger Strategy

Philippine officials visited Brazil on Bolsa Família is one of 04-12 July 2015 to study the Fome the models of the Zero (Zero Hunger) Strategy which Philippines’ conditional largely reduced malnutrition and cash transfer program poverty in Brazil by supporting known as Pantawid local farmers and locally sourced Pamilyang Pilipino consumption. The Philippine Program or 4Ps. delegation was led by Rep. Ibarra Gutierrez III (Akbayan), Vice- In 2013, a similar Study Chairperson of the House Visit to Brazil was PH Delegation calls on the Philippine Ambassador. Committee on Human Rights and conducted by DSWD author of House Bill No. 3795 or Secretary Corazon Juliano Soliman As a result of the Study Visit in "An Act Providing a Framework for and DAR Secretary Virgilio de los July, Rep. Robredo filed in August the Right to Adequate Food." Reyes, resulting to the launching of 2015 House Bill No. 6062, the the Partnership National Food Security Bill of Against Hunger and 2015, in a bid to streamline food Poverty (PAHP), procurement and distribution which was modeled systems in the Philippines while after Brazil’s Food providing structured demand for Acquisition small-scale food producers. Program, more popularly known by its Portuguese acronym PAA. Visit to a family farm beneficiary of the government's Food Acquisition Program Both the PAA and Bolsa Also in the delegation were Rep. Família are part of the Zero Maria Leonor Gerona-Robredo, Hunger Strategy. Meeting with Social Welfare Officials DAR Undersecretary Rosalina Bistoyong, DSWD Assistant Launched in December Secretary Camilo Gudmalin and 2013 in partnership with Ms. Fely Domingo-Parcon, FAO and UN-WFP and Legislative Committee Secretary. with technical assistance Ms. Aurea Miclat-Teves of FIAN from the Brazilian and Mr. Ireneo Cerilla of Government, PAHP PAKISAMA represented the civil refers to the government society. purchase of products from smallholder Brazil is widely regarded as a model farmers and Visit to a public school feeding program in Brasilia in social protection programs. Bolsa cooperatives for use in Família (Family Grant) lifted 36 feeding programs in million Brazilians from poverty schools and day care since 2003 for which Brazil won the centers, among others. “Award for Outstanding Achievement in Social Security” PAHP was first from the International Social implemented in the Security Association (ISSA) in Bicol Region and would Switzerland in October 2013. In soon cover the 2014, FAO reported that the number Zamboanga Peninsula of undernourished Brazilians fell by and Eastern Visayas more than 80% in 10 years thereby Regions. removing Brazil from the World Meeting with the Brazilian National Council on Food and Hunger Map. Nutritional Security (CONSEA) 7 Filipino Professor Receives ‘Emeritus Biosafety Committee Visits Brazil Brazilian Companies Eye Researcher’ Award The Philippine Embassy in Brasilia bagasse (other than sugar and ethanol) Philippine Market

headed by Ambassador Jose D.R. in power generation and the valuable establishing an office in the Philippines Burgos was host to the Philippine substance, patchouli, which is Eurofarma which will be operational in six Delegation of the Department of extracted from sugarcane used in the months. By 2016, they expect to Science and Technology (DOST) manufacture of cosmetics. acquire or partner with an existing Biosafety Committee members for a These experiences gave the DOST Philippine pharmaceutical company. Study Visit in Brasilia and São Paulo delegates with a lot of inputs for the from 25 July to 02 August 2015. Headquartered in São Paulo, Philippines’ development Eurofarma operates in 14 countries in of its sugarcane and other South and Central America and had net agricultural crops with sales of US$ 1 billion in 2013. high-yield, disease- Eurofarma's main strategic goal for resistant varieties and 2015 is to expand beyond Latin advanced technologies in America and operate in Africa and livestock and poultry- Eurofarma Laboratories S/A, one of Asia. raising. the biggest pharmaceutical companies in Brazil, visited the Philippines on 24- The visit enhanced the Filipino professor Dr. Delia B. authored more than 250 scientific 28 August 2015 to assess the viability information on the Condor Rodriguez-Amaya was one of eight publications. She has given more than of investing and operating in the Philippines’ search for a individuals who were conferred with 230 invited lectures in conferences and Philippines, which includes looking for more viable energy mix the title of Emeritus Researcher by the universities in more than 30 countries. The study visit in Brasilia comprised a possible local partner or buying a using bio-energy and ethanol. It also Brazilian National Council for of visits to the Comissão Técnica small-size Philippine pharmaceutical In recognition of her teaching strengthened the international image of Scientific and Technological Nacional de Biosseguranca (CTNBio), company and expand their business expertise, she was appointed to various Brazil in helping out developing Advancement (CNPq) of the Ministry the National Center for Genetic operations. advisory committees of the Brazilian countries like the Philippines by of Science and Technology during the Resources and Biotechnology, Ministries of Health and of generously sharing its knowledge and awarding ceremonies held in Rio de EMBRAPA, and field tour of Du Pont Dr. Walker Lahmann, Eurofarma's Environment. successful experiences, not only in Janeiro, Brazil in May 2015. She was Pioneer’s seed production plant in the Executive Director and head of the agriculture and bio-energy generation Mr. Paulo Amorim, Chief Executive the only female and non-Brazilian State of Goiás (near the capital business mission to the Philippines, Dr. Amaya has received numerous but also in the government’s fight Officer of Condor Non-Lethal recipient of the award for 2015. Brasilia). met with officials of the Board of awards, including the 100 Most against hunger and extreme poverty. Investments and the Department of Technologies visited the Philippines on Since 2005, the title has been conferred Influential Filipino Women in the The delegation also visited São Paulo, Health and visited hospitals and drug 03-04 September 2015 to meet with by CNPq to Brazilian and foreign World for 2014 and the 2005 Andre the country’s industrial capital, for an stores. Ms. Maria Quindimil, Regional officials from the Philippine National researchers who are based in Brazil for Tosello Award, the highest award of orientation and lecture on hybrid Director of MERCOSUR-ASEAN Police (PNP) and the Bureau of Jail at least 10 years and who have the Brazilian Society of Food Science sugarcane at the Centro Tecnologia Chamber of Commerce and the Management and Penology (BJMP) for provided outstanding contributions to and Technology. Canavieira (CTC) in Campinas, São Department of Foreign Affairs – Office the possible entry of non-lethal the country, particularly in scientific Paulo followed by a plant tour of weapons in the Philippines. In 2012, Dr. Amaya was a recipient of of American Affairs assisted Dr. and technological research. Amyris’ Bioenergy Plant in Brotas, the Pamana ng Pilipino Award of the Lahmann in the meetings. Dr. Amaya is the President of the also in São Paulo. Condor is a 100% Brazilian company Presidential Awards for Filipino that develops and manufactures non- International Academy of Food The delegation, composed of Dr. Individuals and Organizations lethal weapons and ammunition such Science and Technology (the first Flerida A. Carino, Dr. Leonardo A. Overseas from the Commission on as rubber bullets, tear gas, pepper woman to hold this position); Gonzales, and Ms. Julieta Fe L. Filipino Overseas conferred by H.E. spray and electric gun, among others. Scientific Adviser of the International Estacio, gained firsthand knowledge President Benigno S. Aquino III. Established in 1985, Condor exports its Foundation for Science (based in and experience in the products to over 45 countries and Sweden); and a Member of various latest technologies in supplies the United Nations Editorial Boards of international agriculture especially peacekeeping operations. journals on food science and in rice, sugarcane, technology. other cash crops, During the launching of the Brazil- Philippines Business Cooperation From 1977 to 2010, Dr. Amaya was livestock, cattle, hogs, Forum on 22 October 2015 at the Professor at the Faculty of Food and poultry. The visits Philippine Embassy in Brasilia, Dr. Engineering, University of Campinas, also gave information Lahmann informed Ambassador Jose Brazil. She was a research fellow of and inspiration on the D.R. Burgos that following his visit to the CNPq, in the highest category, for valuable sugarcane the Philippines in August, the company twenty years 1990-2010) and has resource such as 8 has now started the process of 9 117th Anniversary of the Proclamation of the Philippine Independence

The celebration featured a cultural show which included Filipino songs by Mr. Danilo Arantes, a Brazilian, and Ms. Junafe Rama, a Filipina, both members of the religious group “Kingdom of Jesus Christ, The Name Above Every Name.”

Philippine Ambassador to Brazil, Philippine Honorary Consuls Jose D.R. Burgos, led the officers General Mr. Francisco Rodrigues and staff of the Philippine Embassy da Silva Filho (Manaus), Dr. in Brasilia, members of the Filipino Romulo Melo Mene (Rio de community and special guests in Janeiro), Mr. Sergio Kano (Recife) commemorating the 117th and Dr. Celso Martins Pimentel Ladies from the Filipino campaign as the Anniversary of the Proclamation of (Vitoria) joined Ambassador community performed the Philippine candidate for Philippine Independence on 11 and Burgos and the Embassy officials in "Salakot" dance while Master the post of Secretary 14 June 2015 in Brasilia, Brazil. receiving the guests. Herbert Inocalla and his Brazilian students from the Academia General of the Following this year's" Tagumpay Maharlika (Maharlika Gym) did a International Maritime sa Pagbabagong Nasimulan, demonstration of Filipino martial Organization. Abot-Kamay na ng Bayan arts combined with "Tinikling." (Triumphs through Reforms, Within the Nation’s Reach)," Ambassador Burgos spoke about the accomplishments of the helping the poor, fight hunger present "Daang Matuwid" or and disease, and send more About 300 guests, including Right Path administration of H.E. children to school, among others. members of the diplomatic corps, President Benigno S. Aquino III officials from the Ministry of The Guest of Honor was which made the Philippines one External Relations and other Ambassador Jose Alfredo Graça of the fastest growing economies government officials, attended the Lima, Undersecretary-General for in Asia and brought many dinner reception on 11 June 2015 at Political Affairs II of the Ministry significant developments to the On Sunday, 14 June 2015, a flag- the Clube da Aeronáutica in of External Relations of Brazil. Filipino Nation especially in raising ceremony was held at the Brasilia. Undersecretary Graça Lima in his speech highlighted the cordial Philippine Embassy followed by a relations between Brazil and the sports festival among Filipinos in Philippines over the years and Brasilia and their families. reiterated Brazil's desire to become More than 50 participants competed an ASEAN Dialogue Partner. in badminton, "Pinoy Henyo," sack After the program and following race, volleyball, tug-of-war and the tradition of previous National relay race. Medals and the Day celebrations, the guests were championship trophy were awarded served with various Filipino to the deserving winners by delicacies that included halo-halo Ambassador Jose D.R. Burgos on buko shell, which became an and Maritime Industry Authority instant hit among the guests. (MARINA) Administrator Maximo Q. Mejia, Jr. who was in Brazil to

10 11 The Inaugural Philippine World Indigenous Embassy Games in in Brazil Brasilia

Athletes from Philippine tribes showed their mettle and made new friends with other tribes from all over the world as they participated in the inaugural World Games for Indigenous Peoples which ran from 20 October to 01 November 2015 in Palmas, State of Tocantins, Brazil.

The event, also billed as the “Indigenous Olympics,” was formally opened on 23 October 2015 by the Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff. Philippine Ambassador to Brazil Jose D.R. Burgos, Third Secretary and Vice Consul Eric P. Valenzuela and Embassy Interpreter and Assistant Rosa Maria F. Candido were on the semifinals and finals of their member, Igorot Mark Sumalag, hand to lend support to the respective events. made it to the top 20 among 80 Philippine athletes. runners in the 8k run. Mr. Jason C. Balabal of the Igorot Tribe and Mr. Jun Ablong of the The games attracted 2,000 Led by Col. (Ret.) Antonio D.L. th Tamayo, Jr., Second Vice Aeta Tribe both placed 6 in the participants from 20 countries President of the Philippine finals of spear throwing and including more than 20 tribes from Olympic Committee (POC) and archery, respectively. Mr. Elvis Brazil alone. Chairman of POC’s Sports for All Julius also competed in the finals Committee and the Indigenous of spear throwing while Mr. The next edition of the World Tribal Games, the Philippine Team Dumlao Naval reached the Games for Indigenous Peoples will saw four of its athletes compete in semifinals in archery. A fifth be in 2017 in Canada.

12 Brazilian Students from Rondônia Experience Filipino Culture

Philippine Ambassador to Brazil Jose D.R. Burgos also hosted a farewell dinner for the students and teachers at the Official Residence on 03 May where they were served with pinakbet , beef tapa , adobong manok and brazo de mercedes , among others. After the dinner, they enjoyed a videoke session to cap the night.

Brazilian students from “Classe UN-type setting. Do’s and Don’ts A” School in Porto Velho, State in Brazil of Rondônia were given a taste During their first visit to the of Filipino culture during Philippine Embassy on 28 several visits to the Philippine April, the students were served Embassy in Brasilia. The with a sampling of Filipino merienda such as pansit bihon , students represented the • DON’T make the “OK” signal. Philippines in SINUS 2015 held cassava cake and fried lumpia . This can be considered rude or vulgar in Brazil. Thumbs up from 01 to 03 May in Brasilia. would do. • DO greet someone with a little more contact. In Brazil, people greet each other with a handshake or a hug. Women greet another man or woman with a handshake, hug, or a kiss on the cheek. In São Paulo, people give one kiss on the cheek; in Rio, they do two kisses; and in Belo Horizonte The United Nations Simulation (Minas Gerais), they kiss three times. for Secondary Schools (SINUS) • DON’T cheer for Argentina, is a project of the University of especially during soccer games. Brasilia (UnB) which aims to More importantly: DON’T prepare and train students from (EVER!!!!) say Maradona is all over Brazil in multilateral better than Pelé. • DO be polite to women in forums and conferences in a Brazil, even if they’re dressed differently than what you’re used to — a small bikini is not an invitation to act aggressively. • Upon receiving a gift, DO open it right in front of the giver. • DON’T get drunk. Brazilians are not often drunk and do not respect others that indulge in far too much alcohol. • DO try feijoada (black beans + beef + pork = Uma delícia!). • DO go with the flow and be happy! Try new foods, meet new people, go to parties, and Rondônia students perform the Tinikling dance during the closing ceremony of the SINUS 2015 at visit beautiful places! the University of Brasilia. 13 PHL Embassy Visits the Amazonas State for 50th Folkloric Festival

Philippine Ambassador to Brazil Jose D.R. Burgos visited Parintins in Amazonas State to join the members of the Diplomatic Corps in Brasília for the 50th Folkloric Festival last June 26 to 29, an annual festival of the city to commemorate the legend of a bull brought back to life in a three-night celebration filled with singing, dancing and a wide array of colorful gigantic props.

About 35,000 participants of the blue ( Caprichoso ) and red (Garantido ) groups competing for a big bonanza of prizes, along with their fans and throngs of tourists, VIPs and business executives, gathered for the big at the St. Damian Monastery at cultural performances held at the Jorge Teixeira, Manaus. The huge Bumbodromo Stadium. Philippine Ambassador was Members of the Diplomatic joined by his wife, Dra. Blesilda Corps from Brasília, including Mansilla Burgos and Philippine the Ambassadors of Switzerland, Embassy personnel, Mr. Jose Chile, Ecuador, UK, Austria, Antonio M. Bea and Ms. Rosa Slovenia, Syria and the Maria F. Candido. Philippines, joined in watching the festivities.

The event was an opportunity to foster acquaintances and friendship with the citizens of Parintins, the city in the heart of the Amazon, and appreciate one of Brazil's biggest festivals and it is said to be second to the Rio Carnival in terms of size.

On the way back to Brasília, Ambassador Burgos also took the opportunity to pay a visit to four Filipino Nuns (Capuchin Sisters)

14 ASEAN Food & Cultural Festival 2015

mangoes, being sold at the handicrafts booth and to have a taste of the Philippine cuisine.

The PHL food booth had Pansit , Empanada , Tapsilog , Vegetable Lumpia , Chicken Adobo , Brazo de Mercedes and Halo-halo .

Meanwhile, the Philippine tourism booth showcased the must-see destinations in the The Philippine Embassy in the most widely-anticipated country. For the cultural Brasilia, led by Ambassador diplomatic events in Brasilia. presentation, the Embassy Jose D.R. Burgos, participated This year’s edition attracted personnel and members of the in the ASEAN Food and about 2,000 guests, the largest Filcom delighted the audience Cultural Festival, also known as turnout ever for the said event. with a rendition of the Singkil the ASEAN Bazaar, held on 12 dance while Filipino Master September 2015 at the Embassy The Philippine booths were Herbert Inocalla and his of Thailand in Brasilia, Brazil. among the most popular during the one-day bazaar with many students from the Academia With the objective of increasing guests lining up to look at the Maharlika did a demonstration awareness of ASEAN and its Philippine products, such as of the Filipino Martial Arts. Members-States among the buntal bags, pearls, sinamay Brazilian public, the ASEAN wine holders Bazaar has now become one of and dried

15 th 4 Philippine Gastronomic Festival in Porto Alegre

They also partook, had their first ever occasion to taste with enjoyment, of Philippine food at the said event. delectable desserts, such as turon The event provided the opportunity (which became the for the Embassy to promote number one Philippine culture and tourism in favorite among the this part of Brazil. Philippine guests), brazo de tourism and cultural promotion mercedes , buko materials – accompanied with dried pandan and the mangoes – were given away as Filipino version of souvenirs to the hotel guests and sans rival. During special patrons for the duration of the Festival, the the food Festival. Traditional Embassy also gave Philippine music was played a free tasting of throughout the event to evoke the The Philippine Embassy in Brasilia, mango rum to the great delight of Filipino festive mood. in collaboration with Sheraton Hotel the restaurant guests. Porto Alegre, successfully held for the fourth time the Philippine The Filipino menu was widely Gastronomic Festival at the hotel’s acclaimed by the Hotel's choice Porto Alegre Bistrô on 5 to 7 clientele, which included food November 2015. The three-day critics, journalists, tourists, event showcased Filipino cuisine businessmen, and local officials. prepared by Filipina Chef Remedios Guests, who graced the dinner Morales Prado (from Fiesta hosted by the Philippine Embassy, Philippines in Brasilia) and expressed enjoyment of the Sheraton’s renowned Executive Philippine cuisine – some of whom As part of Sheraton Hotel’s yearly Chef, Mauro Sousa. gastronomy event, the hotel selects and features a particular country’s The hotel guests had a taste of cuisine in its festival. The savory Filipino dishes, such as sweet Philippine cuisine holds the and sour fish, adobong manok, distinction of being featured for four ginataang hipon, lumpiang sariwa, consecutive years in the hotel’s ensaladang talong, embutido , tofu major yearly event. with pechay in oyster sauce, fish kinilaw and pansit .

Philippine Embassy in Brasília

Setor de Embaixadas Norte 801 Av. das Nações, Lote 1 Asa Norte, Brasília-DF, Brazil CEP: 70800-910

+55 61 3224 8694

Happy Holidays from the Officers and Staff of the [email protected] Philippine Embassy [email protected]

in Brasilia, Brazil http://philembassybrasilia.org 16