For this year’s Festa della Republicca celebration, the Embassy of Italy wanted to highlight the commonalities between the cultures of Italy and the Philippines.

In his speech, Ambassador Giorgio Guglielmino mentioned that Italians and Filipinos are most alike in their passion for family, friends and life. This explains the two nations’ love of great food and high-spirited celebrations.

When asked to define what makes Italy, most people would mention more well-known elements of the European nation such as Michelangelo, pizza and pasta. Through the events
of Festa 2019, Ambassador Guglielmino said he wanted to show that there is far more to Italy than these.

Therefore, at the reception, the cuisine of northern Italy was showcased. Guests were served everything from risotto with Castelmagno cheese, to polenta with sausages and cotolette, a meat dish.

All of these dishes could be perfectly paired up with the most successful cocktail in the world: the Spritz cocktail.

Another prominent similarity is that both countries place an emphasis on arts. To honor this common thread, the
embassy mounted an arts and culture fair at the Ateneo Art Gallery.

This year’s Festa was not only a celebration of Italy, but of the Philippines, as well, according to the Ambassador.

It is hoped that as both countries share and enrich each other’s culture, their friendship will continue to grow. —CONTRIBUTED