Say it with flowers, in happy colors. That was how Malacañang welcomed Chile President Michelle Bachelet to the state luncheon last Monday.
Flowers, from gerberas to roses, were in simple clusters in the Ceremonial Hall, or as garlands on the stairway.
The same cheery arrangements were repeated on the tables, low enough not to obstruct the view. (Related story: Cheery state luncheon for Chile woman leader)
Filipino cuisine was given a twist—for appetizer, quezong puti and local fruits timbale served with Parma-ham-wrapped melon; seafood a la Bicol Express; cashew-crusted lapu-lapu fillet with escabeche sauce, and a Filipino dessert sampler of purple yam biko roulade coated with coconut, mango-cashew chocolate gateaux, and macapuno-pandan mousse.