Manila on ice

In Makati, far from the Alpine cold, the opening of the Milano-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics was observed with a small dinner and a toast.

At the Italian Residence, Ambassador Davide Giglio gathered business leaders and cultural partners for an intimate reception marking the Games’ launch with nary snow machines or skaters, but a brief set of wine-drunk remarks in a tropical evening.

The moment carried added resonance for the Philippines.

Alpine skiers Francis Ceccarelli and Tallulah Proulx raised the Philippine flag during simultaneous opening rites in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo: Ceccarelli at Livigno Snow Park in Italy’s Valtellina region, Proulx at Piazza Angelo Dibona in the heart of Cortina.

For a country without winter, the image of its flag against Italian snow underscored a growing athletic and diplomatic footprint.

Italy and the Philippines mark 77 years of diplomatic relations this year, with ties spanning maritime trade, shipbuilding, design and a Filipino community numbering in the tens of thousands across Italy.

In Makati, the Olympics became shorthand for that partnership.