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FIRST FILIPINO CULTURAL NIGHT HELD IN BOTSWANA

Ambassador Constancio R. Vingno, Jr.  as a Guest Speaker of the event. (Left middle photo) Ms. Delores Adul gives her Welcome Remarks. (Right middle photo) Mr. Joey Villanueva, President of the Filipino Association in Botswana. (Left photo below) Madame Yoko Ramos-Vingno and Ms. Delores Adul. (Right photo below) Ambassador Vingno and Madame Yoko with Mr. Joey Villanueva and other VIP guests

28 November 2013 - Philippine Ambassador to South Africa Constancio R. Vingno, Jr. and his wife, Madame Yoko Ramos-Vingno, attended the First Filipino Cultural Night held at the Gaborone International Convention Centre (GICC), Botswana on November 09.  
The Filipino Cultural Night was organized by the Filipino Association in Botswana (FAB) to promote closer friendship between Filipinos and the people of Botswana, as well as to promote greater understanding of Filipino culture. The three-hour event featured Filipino dances, songs and cuisine.  “Bahay Kubo” (Nipa Hut) booths were displayed during the event to showcase Philippine products and native displays. A replica of the Philippine Jeepney was also put on display at the GICC entrance. Mama Sita’s products and Sweet Heaven Jellies were given to guests as well as “More Fun in the Philippines” brochures and “How to Invest in the Philippines” booklets, courtesy of the Philippine Embassy.

In his speech, Ambassador Vingno commended the officers and members of the Filipino Association in Botswana   for the initiative and excellent work that produced a successful event. He said that “He strongly believes that promotion of your culture is one of the most effective ways in making your presence felt especially when in a  foreign land.” Your success in this will more likely lead to success in  other aspects of your relations with your adopted country, be they in the commercial field, political field or simply put, friendship gained from increased people-to-people interaction”.

A moment of silence was also observed as soon as news on the massive devastation caused by typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) started coming in from international news networks.  The President of FAB, Mr. Joey Villanueva, conveyed to the Ambassador that a substantial portion of proceeds of the cultural night will be donated to the typhoon victims.

Ms. Delores Adul, Chairperson of the Cultural Night Committee, expressed gratitude to Madame Yoko Ramos-Vingno for encouraging them to organize the Filipino Cultural Night and for her tireless effort in the event’s planning stage to ensure its success.

Over 580 guests from the government, diplomatic, business, Filipino and local communities attended the event.