WASHINGTON SyCip gives a toast in each table to welcome guests in his home.

Besides boasting the biggest number of attendees in the history of the Asian Development Bank conventions (more than 5,000 delegates from 67 member countries), it was the universal love for good food and drinks that made “Manila 2012” all the more memorable.

“Manila 2012” was the Philippines’ hosting of the ADB’s 45th Annual Board of Governors Meeting barely two weeks ago.

In typical Filipino hospitality, nine prominent families hosted simultaneous dinners for the finance ministers and diplomats attending the ADB meet. Style combined with fine cuisine and hospitality to make these dinners memorable.

METROBANK Group chair Dr. George S.K. Ty (right) with Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima

Renowned restaurateurs Glenda Barretto and Margarita Fores were among the popular caterers for this mammoth undertaking. Favorites from Barretto’s Via Mare were served buffet-style in the homes of Ambassador and Mrs. Jesus Tambunting and Mr. and Mrs. Benjamin Philip Romualdez, while Fores’ eclectic menu was a hit among guests to Washington SyCip’s sit-down affair and George Ty’s al fresco gathering.

Old-fashioned cooking

Kai’s chef Gilbert Pangilinan’s dishes, which he prepared using organic ingredients and old-fashioned cooking methods, awaited delegates at Doris Magsaysay Ho’s home.

COLORED lighting and candle lights convey elegant intimacy.

Finance Secretary Cesar V. Purisima, who chaired the Executive Steering Committee that organized “Manila 2012,” thought of organizing dinners for the ADB guests. He got this idea from his own experience attending the meetings of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation.

THE UP Singing Ambassadors serenade guests at dinner. From left:Washington SyCip, Karen Mathiasen, director, Office of Multilateral Development Banks, Department of Treasury, US; Andreas Schieder, State Secretary of Federal Ministry of Finance, Austria; Kittiratt Na-Ranong, Deputy Prime Minister & Minister of Finance, Thailand; Education Secretary Armin Luistro, FSC

Purisima also conceived the Philippine Corporate and Investment (PCI) Pavilion at the SMX Convention Center, which showcased the strength, resilience and potential of the Philippines and its people—in seminars, socials and an exhibit centered on key growth drivers: tourism, PPP, IT-BPO, agribusiness.

Still, it was the chance to bond with new friends over some of the most sumptuous food and drinks that made this year’s ADB meeting an event the delegates will be talking about for a very long time.

Said Purisima, “Manila 2012 has put the Philippines back on the radar screen of the international community.”