27 June 2023- PH Ambassador to Switzerland Bernard Faustino M. Dy hosted a diplomatic reception in commemoration of the 125th Anniversary of Philippine Independence and Nationhood. The Ambassador had earlier in the day presented his credentials to the President of the Swiss Condefederation, H. E. Alain Berset.
More than a hundred guests from the diplomatic corps, Swiss government, business community, the academe, and other friends of the Embassy attended the reception.
Guests were entertained by the group, The Philippine Classic Duo, composed of Ms. Armela Fortuna Widmer, a Filipino soprano based in France, and Ms. Charisse Dumlao, a Filipino pianist based in Switzerland. The duo performed a repertoire of Filipino folksongs and kundimans.
Guests were also treated to a sampling of Philippine food prepared by Filipino chefs courtesy of pop-up restaurant Kasiyahan at the Sky Terrace, Hotel Schweizerhof Bern and Spa. The pop-up is a concept of the new executive chef, Mr. Manuel Bänziger, who worked in Asia for many years, including in Manila, before coming to the Bürgenstock Collection Hotel in Bern. Joining his team are Filipino chefs Alyssa Mae Concepcion and Anthony Joseph Amarillo.
White and red wine from the cellars of Weingärtli, co-owned by Erlita Terte, a Filipino nurse turned winemaker, were also served during the event.
