The Argentine embassy recently celebrated Argentina’s 209th National Day and Malbec World Day at Makati Shangri-La.
In his welcome remarks, Argentina Ambassador José Néstor Ureta affirmed the strong relationship between Argentina and the Philippines. He cited various events that had been held to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the two countries’ bilateral relations.
Among these were the photo exhibit at the Lyceum of the Philippines, the religious painting exhibit in Davao, the Argentine Film Festival in collaboration with the Film Development Council of the Philippines, the Argentine and Brazilian Football Cup in cooperation with the University of Asia and the Pacific, as well as tango shows and tango marathons.
Tourism
Regarding bilateral trade, Ureta mentioned: “There is plenty of room to increase and diversify trade flows.” He thanked the Philippines for its support in the signing of Argentina’s accession in the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia in Singapore.
A promising aspect is tourism. The Philippines is the largest source of tourists in Argentina, and the flow of Argentine tourists to the Philippines is increasing. In this regard, the Argentine embassy has implemented the Electronic Travel Authorization which allows Filipinos who wish to travel as tourists to Argentina to process their visa applications online.
As an added treat, 11 of the most prominent wine importers in the Philippines gave guests a taste of Argentina’s best wines. These were accompanied by carving stations featuring Argentina’s world-renowned beef, compliments of the Argentine Beef Promotion Institute.
To further spice up the evening, videos highlighted the best of what Argentina is all about, plus a delightful tango show.
Many of the guests were composed of hotel owners, food and beverage heads, restaurant owners, chefs, wine aficionados and connoisseurs, members of the diplomatic and consular corps, government officials and members of the media. —CONTRIBUTED
