Over 500 guests attended a cocktail reception hosted by Swedish Ambassador Harald Fries at the Grand Hyatt Manila Ballroom, to mark Sweden’s National Day.
The Embassy of Sweden coined the term “Swedishness” as the theme for the evening, to describe the unique and sometimes even peculiar aspects of Sweden’s modern society and way of life.
“Swedishness” means creativity, innovation and sustainability.
Swedish companies are known to have world-class know-how and technology for sustainable and smart solutions, in sectors such as infrastructure, energy, telecommunications, industrial machinery and transportation. It is also home to world renowned brands such as Volvo, H&M, Ikea, Spotify, Skype and games such as Candy Crush and Minecraft.
Those who attended the event enjoyed Swedish delicacies such as gravad lax, salmon cured in sugar, salt and dill; traditional meatballs served with creamed potatoes; raggmunk, a fried potato patty; and skagen toast, a tasty mélange of seafood served on toast points.
EuroPinoy band played modern renditions of traditional songs, with Swedish musician Jeanette Kamphius on the violin, followed by a DJ who enticed the guests onto the dance floor with Swedish pop music from Abba. —CONTRIBUTED
Heidi Salman, Sen. Antonio Trillanes, Togo consul Evie Costa