“Shared values with friends, partners and allies”... “Iron clad support for the Alliance.” We love to hear these words coming from US Ambassador MaryKay Carlson because they underscore the enduring value of the Philippine-US relationship, our shared commitment and the mutual respect Americans and Filipinos enjoy.
Ambassador Carlson’s tenure has been marked by beauty and brains, but also brawn — she has worked hard to strengthen US-Philippine relations, all while holding the Filipino people in her heart alongside her own compatriots.
She greets everyone with a smile, without any veneer of pretense and with an aura of cordiality and sincerity. It’s a smile that Ambassador MaryKay has flashed in many a selfie, taking time to connect with photo-loving Filipinos despite having to deal with many issues at the same time. She is indefatigable. Not only does she work hard and focus on her commitments, she is a caring daughter, a loving wife and a doting mother. She enjoys singing, dancing and baking for all sorts of occasions, as well. She is blessed by her husband Aubrey Carlson, by her side, giving her full support in whatever she does.
Friends gathered at the home of chef Bambi Javelosa for what would be one of the most memorable and significant gatherings, a despedida lunch for Ambassador MaryKay and “Amigas Y Amigos,” considering that she is swamped with too many requests and engagements.
It was truly a wonderful treat as other members of the Diplomatic Corps were present to celebrate with “A and A.” Mentioning a few, Ambassador Andreas and Marina Pfaffernoschke of Germany, Ambassador Nicolas Bruhl with Denise of Switzerland, Ambassador Smiljana Knez and Dusan Ropret of Slovenia, Ambassador Nader Zaki and Nancy of Egypt, Ambassador Karel Hejc of Czech Republic, Ambassador Christian and Cathrine Lyster of Norway, Ambassador Marielle Gereadts of Netherlands, Ambassador Emma Hickey of Ireland, would indeed express how the bond of friendship has evolved and strengthened amid members of Amigas y Amigos over the years.
A and A will always have a special place for both Ambassador MaryKay and Aubrey in their hearts.
Friends will never say goodbye but see you soon or see you later. We appreciate you, Ambassador MaryKay, for all the good she has done for our country and Philippine-US relations and for the personal friendship extended to us. We wish you the best!