A star-spangled celebration

This year’s U.S. Independence Day marks the 249th anniversary celebrated by the “Land of the Free and Home of the Brave.”
I joined the U.S. Embassy in the Philippines in a star-spangled celebration in Shangri-La The Fort. It was well-attended by friends, diplomats, business leaders and beyond.
But even with all guests in glam, the good ol’ Fourth of July favorites and American classics were present: pizza, donuts and hotdogs that remind us of family cookouts and Hotdog Eating Contests. They even recreated the feel of fireworks with the ceiling decor using balloons. How creative!
Truly a red, white and blue-themed event from the venue to the details. Much like the spirit of togetherness during the Fourth of July, we fortified the bonds of our countries celebrating Philippine-American Friendship, too.
It was an all-American experience here at home. Thank you to the US Embassy for celebrating with us. Proud to be #FriendsPartnersAllies with the U.S. Looking forward to the 250th year next year — I’ll be ready to sparkle like the sky on the Fourth of July. God bless America! Cheers!Consul Amelia Ablaza, Chit Lijauco and Millet Mananquil.

The columnist and USA Ambassador, Mary Carlson.

HE Amb. Megawati Manan, HE Argentina Amb Ricardo Luis Bocalandro, HE. Mexico Amb. Daniel Hernandez Joseph., HE Amb. Nader Zaki, Miguel Realmonte.

H.E.Amb. Mohammed Rida EL Fassi (Morocco).H.E. Amb. Miguel Utray Delgado (Spain)Pieter Ten Bosch, H.E. Netherlands Amb. Marielle Garaedts.














