Tastes of the Philippines and a Musical Tribute for Philippine Independence Day
Washington, D.C. – World-renowned Filipina classical pianist Cecile Licad capped an evening at Washington’s Kennedy Center, June 17, 2019, commemorating the 121st anniversary of the proclamation of Philippine Independence. The concert followed a diplomatic reception featuring formal speeches by Ambassador Jose M. Romualdez and Under Secretary of State Brian Bulatao, along with a special appearance by reigning Miss Universe Catriona Gray. Attendees sampled a sumptuous Variety of “taste treats of the Philippines,” ranging from lechon to ube cakes.
Ambassador Jose Manuel Romualdez delivers Philippine Independence Day remarks, June 17, Kennedy Center, Washington D.C.
Under Secretary of State Brian Bulatao addresses members of diplomatic corps, private sector, government officials and Filipino Americans
In their remarks, both Ambassador Romualdez and Secretary Bulatao stressed the enduring people-to-people ties that continue to underpin relations between the Philippines and the United States, as well as shared economic, security, and strategic interests, and cooperation on meeting transnational challenges.
Ambassador Romualdez described the Philippines’ friendship with America as “better than ever” because of the “mutual respect that we have for each other, and the recognition that both the Philippines and the United States are sovereign nations…” He talked of the “special partnership” with the United States as “our most trusted ally” in preserving freedom and democracy.
US-Philippines Society Co-chair Ambassador John D. Negroponte welcomes audience to the “Cecile Licad in Concert,” Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts
Filipina Classical Pianist Cecile Licad performed compositions by Frederick Chopin and Filipino composer Francisco Beuncamino, Kennedy Center
In his opening remarks at the evening concert featuring works by Chopin and Buencamino, US-Philippines Society Co-chair Ambassador John D. Negroponte pointed out that Philippine arts and culture continue to garner recognition around the globe, adding that there is no finer interpreter of musical art form than Cecile Licad, who is a recognized master of both the western classical genre and the uniquely appealing Filipino classical traditions.”
Ambassador Negroponte expressed appreciation to Society Co-chair Manuel V. Pangilinan and members of the MVP group of companies, including First Pacific, PLDT Global and PLDT-US, as principal sponsor for the evening’s reception and the concert, “truly special events, at an iconic venue, for a truly special occasion,” and enjoyed by all!
The US-Philippines Society was proud to partner with the Philippine Embassy to bring the best of Filipino culture to the nation’s capital Washington, D.C.
L-R: Ambassador Romualdez, US-Philippines Society director Lucie Du and Ambassador John F. Maisto
US-Philippines Society President Amb Maisto with family at the Cecile Licad in Concert
Special guests of Ambassador Romualdez attend the concert
US-Philippines Society member RADM Dan McKinnon and concert goers, Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Washington, D.C.
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