PHILIPPINE CONSULATE GENERAL NEW YORK

P R E S S R E L E A S E

PR-MDL-095-15 30 September 2015-KPCorpuz

Cultural Diplomacy Highlighted in Secretary Del Rosario’s Reception for Philippine Gold Exhibit

“This exhibit is a Philippine triumph.” Secretary Albert Del Rosario delivers his remarks during the reception. (Photo by Jake Tolentino) 29 September 2015 – While in town for the UN General Assembly in New York, Philippine Secretary of Foreign Affairs Albert and Madame Gretchen Del Rosario took the opportunity to host a reception in honor of Philippine Gold: Treasures of Forgotten Kingdoms at the Asia Society last 28 September 2015. Former Australian Prime Minister and current President of Asia Society Policy Institute Kevin Rudd opened the program and highlighted the significant work that the organization does in promoting Asia in America with its programs and events catered to Asian culture and heritage.

In his message delivered by Consul General Mario De Leon, Ambassador Jose Luis Cuisia praised the Secretary for his excellent leadership in implementing a principled foreign policy as well as strengthening the Foreign Service by uplifting morale of the diplomats with continuous training and merit-based career-advancement process. The Ambassador also underscored the Secretary’s emphasis on Economic diplomacy, which brings importance to cultural diplomacy efforts of the Department – the Philippine Gold exhibit being one of these prime cultural highlights in one of the Philippines’ most important bilateral partners, the United States. Secretary Del Rosario then addressed the guests, and acknowledged Ayala Foundation, Central Bank and other Filipino contributors’ partnership with Asia Society which he hailed as an institution that promotes “greater knowledge of Asia across the fields of policy, business leadership, education and arts and culture.” He thanked the organizers for putting the Philippines in a brighter perspective in America and the world. Among the guests were former US Ambassador to the Philippine H. E. Richard Murphy, members of the diplomatic and consular corps, leaders of religious and ethnic advocacy groups, family and friends of the Del Rosarios, and visiting Philippine government officials who were also in New York for the UNGA. Philippine Gold: Treasures of Forgotten Kingdoms will run until 3 January 2016. For cultural events related to the exhibit, please visit http://asiasociety.org/new-york/events/upcoming. END

Diplomats, advocacy group leaders, government officials gather around the lobby for Secretary’s address.

Clockwise from top left: Former Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd hands Secretary Del Rosario the official “Philippine Gold: Treasures of Forgotten Kingdoms” companion coffee table book; A string trio led by renowned guitarist Michael Dadap serenades the crowd throughout the evening; Secretary Del Rosario congratulates exhibit co-curators Nina Capistrano-Baker and Adrianna Proser for a job well done; Consul General and Madame De Leon welcome Former US Ambassador to the Philippines Richard Murphy to the event. (Photos by Jake Tolentino, Dondee Santos and Vivian Talambiras-Cruz)

Left photo: Madame Gretchen Del Rosario greets Ambassador Jose Luis Cuisia; Secretary Del Rosario’s daughter Stephanie Inocentes entertains family friends Architect and Mrs Coscoluella and Mr Edwin Josue. (Photos by Dondee Santos)