21 February 2013—In what has become a yearly tradition, the Philippine Embassy in Kuala Lumpur hosted a briefing and luncheon for foreign Ambassadors accredited to the Philippines on February 21 at the Vista Community Hall.

"The Philippines is reaching new heights this year, buoyed by reforms undertaken by President Benigno S. Aquino III. We thank you for the partnerships and support your respective countries have extended to the Philippines during the past year and we look forward to us closely working together this year," Ambassador J. Eduardo Malaya said to the guests.

"Our relations with your respective countries and peoples are important to us, and the Embassy wishes to be helpful to you in enhancing our bilateral relations," Ambassador Malaya added.

Joining him during the luncheon were Minister and Consul General Medardo G. Macaraig and First Secretary and Consul Maria Antonina Mendoza-Oblena.

First Secretary and Consul Mendoza-Oblena gave the briefing to the ambassadors, which discussed Philippine developments in the political, economic and cultural sphere, breakthroughs in Philippines-Malaysia relations and Embassy activities on the pipeline for the year.

Popular Kuala Lumpur-based Filipino restaurant Merienda de Eva showcased Filipino gustatory delights as the guests partook on a lunch consisting of lumpiang sariwa (fresh spring rolls), tinolang manok (chicken soup with papaya, sautéed garlic and ginger), beef kare-kare (stew with peanut sauce and vegetables), rellenong bangus (stuffed milkfish), steamed rice and leche flan.

The event allowed the Embassy to have a deeper interaction with the non-resident Ambassadors accredited to the Philippines, and engaging them on issues of mutual concern. END