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Created: 19 August 2015

Last Updated: 19 August 2015

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Created: 17 August 2015

Last Updated: 17 August 2015

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Created: 29 July 2015

Last Updated: 29 July 2015

Philippine Embassy in Prague Celebrates Independence Day with performances by the UP Concert Chorus and Violinist Chino Gutierrez

Prague—Philippine Ambassador Victoriano M. Lecaros reported to the Department that an estimated 300 dignitiaries from the diplomatic corps, Czech Republic's government ministries, and the Prague-based Filipino community attended the highly successful celebration of the 117th Anniversary of the Declaration of Philippine Independence held at the Narodni Dum na Vinohradech in Prague on June 10, 2015 and dubbed as the “Evening of Philippine Violin and Choral Music”.

Munich-based violin prodigy, Joaquin "Chino" Gutierrez, and the University of the Philippines Concert Chorus gave an astounding and exceptional performance to an appreciative crowd, who were generous in their shouts of bravo, thunderous applause and standing ovations. I can definitely say it was another "Proud to be Filipino" moment.

 Bursting with guests the neo-Renaissance Rais Hall could fit no more, and so latecomers had to settle for "standing room only" at the back.

Joaquin "Chino" Gutierrez, accompanied by Czech pianist, Jitka Frankova, filled Rais Hall (Raisuv Sal) with a breathtakingly beautiful violin sound, which teased and titillated the audience with its fortissimos, pianissimos, and precise and seemingly effortless runs.

According to Gina Jocson, a Filipino expatriate in Prague said that “I could tell that the audience warmly appreciated Sa Kabukiran, Mutya ng Pasig, Paruparong Bukid and Bayan Ko, even if the majority were probably hearing these Filipino pieces for the very first time”.   But certainly, it was Chino's brilliance in Polonaise Brillante No. 2 in A major (Wieniawski) and Tzigane (Ravel) that drew the shouts and a long standing ovation at the end of the program.

The UP Concert Chorus, dressed in costumes inspired by the ceremonial wardrobe of indigenous tribes in the south of the Philippines, closed the double-bill program with much-applauded (and much-photographed!) renditions of Kruhay, Ummah Sallih, Bagong Umaga, Hataw Na, One More Day and Skyfall. It seemed like the entire Narodni Dum shook with the enormity and wholeness of the group's vocals, not to mention the dance moves and percussion instruments (bamboo drum, plastic bins, Coke bottles, spoons and forks!!!). It was a fantastic way to showcase Filipino choral music.

After the concert, the guests were treated to Filipino dishes specially prepared by members of the Filipino community. END

Violinist Chino Gutierrez in his rendition of “Bayan Ko” accompanied by Czech pianist,  Jitka Frankova

The UP Concert Chorus struts their way in their Choro-acapella that wowed the audience.

Ambassador Victoriano M. Lecaros and Mrs. Melissa Lecaros (middle) with First Secretary & Consul Juan E. Dayang, Jr., Cultural Attaché Gracia Perenyi, Attaches Milette Flores-Olimpo Maximo Ortiz, and Doris 

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Created: 30 June 2015

Last Updated: 30 June 2015

SEMINAR/WORKSHOP ON TRADE AND INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES

IN THE  PHILIPPINES

            The Philippine Embassy in Prague participated in a seminar/workshop entitled “Territorial Workshop on the Philippines”  organized by the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) in cooperation with the Embassy of the Czech Republic in Manila and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Industry and Trade of the Czech Republic.  The business event was held on 24 June 2015 to promote Philippines-Czech bilateral trade, discuss current business conditions and investment opportunities in the Philippines, as well as to provide an opportunity for networking and for establishment of business contacts.

            The speakers included Philippine Ambassador to Czech Republic Victoriano M. Lecaros who spoke on the current economic situation and business opportunities in the Philippines and Czech Ambassador to the Philippines Jaroslav Olsa, Jr., who gave a briefing on Philippine-Czech bilateral relations.   Philippine Honorary Consul General in Brno, Bretislav Skacel made his own presentation and also assisted Ambassador Lecaros by replying to questions in the Czech language.  Other speakers included Mr. Jiri Stichauer, President of the Czech-Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Mr. Petr Rozek, transport adviser, consultant and lecturer of the ICC.  

All the speakers highlighted the opportunities and huge potential for Czech businesses in the Philippines due to its stable political and economic climate, large consumer base, increasing disposable income, and openness to foreign products. 

After the presentations, Ambassador Lecaros met with the businessmen present. END