(JUN. 25) – A fiesta-themed Chancellor’s International Reception (CIR) welcomed UP Diliman’s (UPD) international community at the Ang Bahay ng Alumni on Jun. 18.

Following a successful “Seremonya ng Pagbubukas,” the opening of the Linggo ng Parangal 2019, at the University Theater the same day, the UPD foreign students were feted to an early dinner replete with Filipino dishes that are usually served in fiestas like inihaw na manok (roasted chicken), kare-kare, lumpiang sariwa (spring roll), inihaw na isda (roasted fish), seafood, Filipino pastries and desserts like puto bungbong, bibingka, sorbetes (ice cream) and halo-halo.  A treat for all the guests was the centerpiece of each table: pastillas wrapped in borlas from Bulacan.

The reception is in appreciation of the continued good relations with UPD’s international partners and a welcome gesture and salute to the university’s foreign students.

The well-attended CIR organized by the Office of International Linkages Diliman was made extra special with the presence of the National Artists Resil Mojares (Literature), Amelia Lapeña-Bonifacio (Theatre), Kidlat Tahimik (Cinema) and Raymundo “Ryan” Cipriano Cayabyab (Music). Lauro “Larry” Alcala (Visual Arts) was represented by his widow Guadalupe.

Kidlat Tahimik made an impromptu dance presentation together with some youth from Cordillera who he came with at the “Seremonya ng Pagbubukas.” — Mariamme D. Jadloc, images by Leonardo A. Reyes