Mixed with culture and ethnicity, food is a powerful ingredient in human and foreign relations. Through a country’s cuisine, food could serve as a tool of soft power and communication.
The Philippine Embassy to Belgium and Luxembourg is organizing a culinary tour titled “Kulinarya: A Guide to Filipino Food”, A Culinary Tour with Chef Myrna Segismundo, who is known for her passion for traditional Filipino cooking. This culinary tour aims to contribute to the myriad of efforts to introduce Filipino food traditions in the international market and to mainstream Philippine flavours in world cities of diverse gastronomic landscape.
The culinary tour will feature the following three events:
1. Photo Exhibit
Venue: Press Club Brussels Europe (Rue Froissart 95, 1040 Brussels)
Wednesday, 7 June 2017 (Official Opening Ceremony
Time: 18h – 20h, Some of the featured merienda (Filipino snacks) will be served at the opening ceremony.
Duration of the exhibit: from 6 to 9 June 2017
The exhibit includes more than 60 photographs taken by Neal Oshima and the culinary team behind the Kulinarya: A Guidebook to Philippine Cuisine, which highlight the core principles of Filipino cooking from the huge diversity of regional and individual practices.
Kulinarya: A Guidebook to Philippine Cuisine, Expanded Second Edition, is the continuation of a movement to inspire homemakers, cooks, students, purveyors, retailers, and restaurants of all types to bring Filipino cuisine to the highest level of excellence in preparation and presentation for the world to appreciate.
This expanded second edition, with a more carefully-thought-out selection of recipes from classical and regional dishes, now with brilliant new photographs and, most of all, notes and tips from some of the best-kept culinary secrets. It is a must have for the experienced or new cook, a lover of Filipino food, or even someone who has never tried it before. Visitors will get the chance to meet the writer and editor of the guidebook, Michaela Fenix, and three of the most noted Filipino chefs today – Chef Myrna, Chef Jill Sandique and Chef Raul Ramos.
Kulinarya: A Guidebook to Philippine Cuisine, Expanded Second Edition, will be available for purchase at the exhibit and includes most of the photographs on display.
2. Talk and Cooking Demo (with food sampling)
Venue: Sofitel Brussels Le Louise (Avenue de la Toison d’Or 40, 1050 Brussels)
Date and Time: 8 June (Thursday), 15h30-17h3015h30-15h45: Talk by Michaela Fenix and Chef Myrna
15h45-16h30: Cooking demonstration by Chef Myrna
Question and answer Food sampling 16h30-17h30: Meet and greet
3. Philippine Dinner
A ticketed sit-down full course dinner prepared by Filipino Chefs Myrna, Jill & Raul and served with Philippine drinks/liquors
Venue: Sofitel Brussels Le Louise (Avenue de la Toison d’Or 40, 1050 Brussels)
Date and time: 9 June (Friday), 19h00Final Menu:
Pampagan
C o c k t a i l s
Adobo Pate
Chicken Inasal
Philippine Liquors and Spirits
Handa M e n u
Kinilaw Seasonal Seafood
Coco Vinegar, Calamansi,
Fermented Infusions
Sopa de molo
Savoury Meat and Vegetable Purses
Fragrant Broth
Ginataang Isda I
Fish Fillet Coconut Cream with Crabfat Baby Greens
Sorbetes Sherbet Bistek
Tagalog Roast Prime Ribeye of Beef
Soya Glaze Caramelised Onions
Lumpia Roll Rice
P ostres D e s s e r t T a b l e
Turrones de Manila
Queso de Bola Cheesecake
Torta de Tablea con Muscovado
Canonigo with Natilla and Mango
Caramel Bars
Kape/Salabat Philippine Liqueurs
Information: Embassy of the Philippines to Belgium and Luxembourg: https://www.facebook.com/philippineembassy.brussels
Prince Constantijn bestows World Press Photo 2016 to winner Burhan Özbilici. Picture by ANP – Remko de Waal
Saturday, 22 April 2017, Muziekgebouw aan t’IJ, Amsterdam: Turkish AP photographer Burhan Özbilici won the main prize for his photograph of the assassination of the late Russian Ambassador to the Turkish Republic, Andrey Karlov, which took place as he was holding a speech to open an exhibition on 19 December 2016 in Ankara. Ambassador Karlov was shot.
His Royal Highness Prince Constantijn of the Netherlands bestowed upon Özbilici the award. He was accompanied by his spouse, HRH Princess Laurentien of the Netherlands.
Annually World Press Photo awards professional photographers for the best pictures taken in visual journalism. For this year’s 60th edition of the contest, 80,408 entries were submitted by 5,034 photographers from 126 countries. The shots can yearly be viewed at De Nieuwe Kerk Amsterdam before the exhibition goes global to 100 cities in 40 countries.
For further information:https://www.worldpressphoto.org/collection/photo/2017
On the picture H.E. I Gusti Agung Wesaka Puja, Ambassador of Indonesia to the Kingdom of the Netherlands.By Roy Lie A Tjam.
On 11 May 2017, H.E. I Gusti Agung Wesaka Puja, Ambassador of Indonesia in the Netherlands launched an Indonesia made Guitar in the Netherlands. The launching took place at the prestigious edifice of the Embassy of Indonesia in The Hague.
The guitars are jointly produced by the Dutch company Homestead Neheem International and PT. Genta Trikarya in Bandung, the city of music.
Robin van de Poll from Homestead told the audience about the collaboration which started in 2012. He had read about the high-quality guitars produced in Bandung in a magazine for guitar enthusiasts so he decided to visit the company.
For additional Roy Strik’s pictures, please open the following link: https://www.flickr.com/photos/121611753@N07/albums/72157683936546476
At first, he was not thinking about a business venture, however afterward the team decided to collaborate in the production of a high-quality brand guitar for the European market.
Ambassador Puja in his remarks commended the collaboration between Homestead and PT Genta Trikarya. It’s a fine business example involving businesses from the two countries. He added that the high-quality guitars might further inform the Dutch public about one of Indonesia’s high-end finished products, such as guitars from Bandung. “I am confident that this collaboration will also enhance people-to-people relations through musical instruments as I believe that music is a universal language”, said Ambassador Puja.
Talking about music being a universal language, reference was made to the phenomena known in the Netherlands as Indo Rock. Youngsters from the so-called Indo community developed a peculiar style of music(Indo rock) Some exponents of the indo rock epoch(1960s – 1990) were: Tielman Brothers along with their sister Jane, The Blue Diamonds and several others. De-facto, Indonesian musical influence in the Netherlands stretched over many decades.
A representative for the Indonesian company, PT. Genta Trikarya, Mr. Awan Nasution, told the audience through video call, that the team in Bandung is proud of the fact that they have produced guitars for the musicians in the Netherlands. Homestead Guitars products are produced in Bandung based on fine Indonesian timbers such Javanese Rosewood, Javanese Mahogany dan Makassar Ebony. The products will be marketed not only in the Netherlands, but also to wider European Union market.
The climax of the event was when Ambassador Puja presented the first guitar to the legendary Dutch guitarist, George Kooymans. Mr. Kooijmans has been a member of the band, Golden Earring, renowned in the 1960s and 70s Furthermore, guitars were presented to other well known.
Dutch musicians: Mr. Henny Vriente, known from the Band Doe Maar in the 1980s and also to musician Mr. Boudewijn de Groot, A concise number of media representatives witnessed the event.
The recipients of the guitars(trio) created a new band called “Vreemde Kostgangers” They tried out the guitars and played some of their songs. “Mooi” they extolled. The guitars had been specially build to meet the demands of the trio
Homestead Neheem International, is ready to serve the Dutch- and European market with a piece of sterling Indonesian artistry.
Peter van der Vliet, Director and Sustainable Development Goals Ambassador, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, announces The Netherlands’ voluntary contribution of €200,000 for the individual and collective reparations awards in the Katanga case.Trust Fund for Victims decides to provide $1 million for the reparations awarded to victims in the Katanga case, welcomes earmarked donations of €200,000 from the NetherlandsOn the second day of its 16th Meeting, occurring from 16 to 18 May 2017, the Board of Directors of the Trust Fund for Victims (“the Trust Fund” or “TFV”) at the International Criminal Court (“ICC”) decided to provide $1,000,000 USD to pay for the individual and collective awards for reparations ordered by Trial Chamber II in the case of The Prosecutor v. Germain Katanga.This means that the full amount of the costs of the reparations awards ordered by the Trial Chamber on 24 March 2017 will be initially provided by the Trust Fund. For additional Kim Vermaat’s pictures, please open the following link: https://www.flickr.com/photos/121611753@N07/albums/72157680917141254Judge Silvia Fernandez de Gurmendi, President of the International Criminal Court with the Ambassador of Sweden, H.E. Mr. Per Holmström. Sweden is the largest financial contributor country to the Trust Fond for Victims.“The Rome Statute’s innovative inclusion of the potential to award reparations to victims following a criminal conviction underscores the victim-centred approach of the entire Rome Statute system. As established by the Court, ‘reparations oblige those responsible for serious crimes to repair the harm they caused to the victims’. Reparations therefore are a critical part of the reparative justice afforded to victims under the Rome Statute. “In light of Mr Katanga’s indigence and while recalling that he nonetheless remains liable for the reparations ordered against him, it is our sincerest hope that the Trust Fund’s complement of $1,000,000 USD to the payment of the awards for reparations will ensure that the victims in the Katanga case receive the real tangible benefits of these awards and that they are received in a timely manner.”,Statement from the Trust Fund’s Board of Directors.The Trust Fund will now present to the ICC judges – by 27 June 2017 – a plan for implementing the individual and collective reparations in this case, describing the projects it intends to then develop.The Trust Fund’s resources come mainly from voluntary contributions from States Parties, foundations, and individuals. In order to ensure that it has adequate resources for its assistance mandate activities and to complement the payment of awards for reparations that may be ordered in currently ongoing or future cases, the Trust Fund also solicits and encourages donations specific to ordered awards for reparations, which permit it to avoid depleting its reparations funds reserve.Mr Motoo Noguchi, Chairman of the Trust Fund for Victims Board of Directors and Dr Mayelinne De Lara, Diplomat Magazine Publisher.On May 17, 2017, the government of The Netherlands, a State Party to the ICC and long-time supporter of the Trust Fund, announced that it will make a voluntary contribution of €200,000. This donation is earmarked for the full payment of the individual awards for reparations ($74,250) and to go towards the collective reparations awards (the remaining $925,750) in the Katanga case.Dr. Mayelinne De Lara and Judge Silvia Fernandez de Gurmendi.“The compensation may provide relief to the victims in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. They have suffered so much already and we cannot have them wait any longer” Said Mr Bert Koenders, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands.“The Netherlands earmarked donation to the Katanga case victims help ensure that the reparations awarded to these victim survivors do not remain simply words on a legal document, but instead result in the victim survivors of Mr Katanga’s crimes receiving tangible and meaningful reparations to remedy the harms they have suffered and begin their journey on a path of recovery, healing, and creating a better future for them, their families and their communities. We are grateful to The Netherlands for this important donation and encourage other State Parties to join in making the Rome Statute’s promise of reparations to victims a reality by making a voluntary contribution to the Trust Fund.” Mr Motoo Noguchi, Chairman of the Trust Fund for Victims Board of Directors
On the picture Mr. Piotr Kobza, chargé d’affaires a.i. Embassy of Poland.Constitution Day in Poland marks the declaration of the Constitution of May 3 1791(‘Swieto Trzeciego Maja)The Polish constitution was the first democratic constitution in Europe and second in the world only to the United States Constitution.
The Constitution of May 3, 1791, is considered one of the most important achievements in the history of Poland.
Defense Attaché – com. Andrzej Konkol, Mr. Piotr Kobza, chargé d’affaires a.i. with his spouse – Mrs. Renata Chołuj welcome the guests.
On the occasion of the 2017 National Constitution Day celebration, the Chargé d’affaires a.i. of the Republic of Poland in the Netherlands, Mr. Piotr Kobza has organized a reception on the bright sunny spring afternoon of Thursday 11 th May 2017.
Mr. Piotr Kobza, chargé d’affaires a.i.
Apart from the Polish wine and cuisine, the many guests were entertained by piano music composed by the once Polish ambassador to the Netherlands(1790 – 1791) Mr. Michał Kleofas Ogiński. The pianist was Joanna Pietrzyk.
Among the guests were three former Dutch Minsters: J-P Balkenende(PM) Piet hein Donner current vice President Raad van State and former Minister of Justice, Mr. Jan Laurence Brinckhorst former Minister of Agriculture.
The tone at the reception at the Polish Embassy was cheerful.
Photography by the Embassy of Poland in The Hague.
President Juncker receives proposal for nomination of a Commissioner candidate Bulgaria
President Jean-Claude Juncker received this morning the proposal by Bulgarian Prime Minister Boyko Borissov for nominating Mrs Mariya Gabriel as the candidate to replace former Member of the Commission Kristalina Georgieva. President Jean-Claude Juncker will receive Mariya Gabriel for an interview to determine the candidate’s ability to serve as a European Commissioner, particularly in light of Article 17(3) of the Treaty on European Union (TEU), which states that: “The members of the Commission shall be chosen on the ground of their general competence and European commitment from persons whose independence is beyond doubt.” President Juncker will also decide on the allocation of a portfolio.
The appointment of a new Commissioner of Bulgarian nationality requires common accord between the President of the Commission and the Council after the consultation of the European Parliament (Article 246, subparagraph 2 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union). In addition, the Interinstitutional Framework Agreement on relations between the European Parliament and the European Commission requires the President of the Commission to “seriously consider” the results of the consultation of the European Parliament – which will have an exchange of views with the candidate – before giving his accord to the decision of the Council to appoint the new Commissioner (para 6 of the Framework Agreement).
Following the decision of former Vice-President Kristalina Georgieva to resign from the European Commission, Commissioner Günther H. Oettinger became on 1 January 2017 the Commissioner responsible for Budget and Human Resources, while President Juncker temporarily assigned the Digital Economy and Society portfolio to Vice-President Andrus Ansip.
Prosecutor Serge Brammertz.
ICTY and MICT Prosecutor Serge Brammertz was in Sarajevo on 15 and 16 of May 2017, as part of preparations for his rgular biannual reports to the UN Security Council (UNSC) .
The Prosecutor met with Acting Chief Prosecutor Gordana Tadić, and joined Prosecutor Tadić in meeting with representatives of victims’ organizations to discuss war crimes justice in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The Prosecutor also met with TRIAL International to discuss compensation for victims of war crimes. Finally, the Prosecutor briefed members of the diplomatic community.
Unfortunately, due to unforeseen circumstances the scheduled meetings with members of the BiH Presidency and the President of the Court of BiH were postponed for a later date.
‘ A civilize society, ready to genuinely serve you”
The Embassy of Japan has formally introduced the newly appointed Honorary Consul-General of Japan in Amsterdam. He is Mr. Jos ter Avest. A special ceremony was held at the residence of the Ambassador of Japan.
For additional Kim Vermaat’s pictures, please open the following link: https://www.flickr.com/photos/121611753@N07/albums/72157680949352123Mr. Jos ter Avest, new Honorary Consul General of Japan for Amsterdam.
The Master of Ceremonies: Mr. Hiroshi Nomura, welcomed the guests to the special ceremony and subsequently invited H.E. Mr. Hiroshi Inomata to deliver his remarks. The Ambassador indicated that he deems it appropriate for a newly appointed Consul General to be formerly introduced. In fact, Mr. Jos ter Avest’s appointment took effect as of 1 February 2017.The Ambassador continued, the Honorary Consul-General forms an important bridge between the community of Amsterdam and the Japanese community.
Mr. Jos ter Avest in his acceptance speech recalls the pleasant conversation he has had last year with both former Honorary Consul-General of Japan in Amsterdam: Mr. Jaap Rost Onnes and H.E. Ambassador Hiroshi Inomata.
He also discussed the matter of accepting the position of Hon. Consul General with his wife. Ter Avest visited Japan with boss Mr. Gerit Zalm. They had a very tight schedule but made time to visit a fish market at 5 AM. The visit has made a lasting impression on him.
Mr. Jos ter Avest is looking forward to serve as Hon. Consul General to the best of his ability.
Former Honorary Consul-General of Japan in Amsterdam: Mr. Jaap Rost Onnes, served in this position or some good thirty years. At the age of 82, he thinks it’s high time to demise office. He warmly congratulated his successor Mr. Jos ter Avest. When Rost Onnes took office some 30 years ago there were only four Japanese companies, with time the number has grown to approx. 400.
When asked to give a one liner on Japan he promptly replied, a civilize society ready to genuinely serve you. Polite, disciple, mutual respect, Mr. Jaap Rost Onnes traveled in HM. King Willem-Alexander patry when the King went on a state visit to Japan in 2014. Mr. Jaap Rost Onnes and his wife Mary will continue to visit Japan every year.
Mr. Jaap Rost Onnes, H.E. Ambassador Hiroshi Inomata, Mrs Avest, Mr. Jos ter Avest and Mrs. Midori Inomata spouse of the Japanese Ambassador.
The guests at the solemn ceremony mainly formed the Dutch and Japanese community. Consisting of Dutch and Japanese bankers, the director of a Japanese daycare, members of the business community.
Mr. Jaap Rost Onnes, Mrs Russell and Mr Reinier Russell, from Russell Avocaten and Honorary Consul General of Brazil, President of the Consular Association.
On the occasion of Europe Day, May 9th, President Jean-Claude Juncker spoke about the European Union’s future and its current challenges. He addressed the Bonner Akademie für Forschung und Lehre praktischer Politik with a speech entitled “Europe’s end – Europe’s beginning? The EU between crisis and breakup”, where he said: “Europe is losing weight. We are the smallest continent.
Those who do not know how to change these figures will know that the time has not come to divide us into national parts, but rather to stand united.” President Juncker also participated in a Citizens’ Dialogue with the theme “Europe Day 2017 – Which way forward for a better European Future?”, along with other prominent European figures.
Eurojust Annual Report 2016 at EPThe President of Eurojust, Ms Michèle Coninsx, presented the Eurojust Annual Report 2016 at a hearing of the Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs of the European Parliament (LIBE Committee), followed by a question and answer session with LIBE Committee members on topics ranging from radicalisation, freezing and confiscation, the European Arrest Warrant, harmonisation of legislation, and complementarity with other agencies.Ms Coninsx highlighted the operational, strategic and tactical work of Eurojust. The year 2016 has been challenging in the security context. Eurojust has stepped up its activities to counter terrorism, cybercrime and serious organised crime, including illegal immigrant smuggling and trafficking in human beings. To do so, Eurojust connects and cooperates with practitioners’ networks, the centres at Europol and its network of judicial contact points in third States. Eurojust was involved in the judicial response to all the terrorist attacks in 2016, ensuring speedy mutual legal assistance in 2 306 cases, support to 148 joint investigation teams and assistance with the execution of more than three hundred European Arrest Warrants. Three hundred cases involved third States.Ms Coninsx said: ‘Eurojust is a bridge-maker and trusted partner of the Member States, the EU institutions, other agencies and international organisations. Security demands both actions and reactions. Eurojust ensures quick reactions to crimes and criminal networks. I wish to thank the European Parliament for their financial and moral support.’The Eurojust Annual Report is now available in English, and all 24 official EU language versions will be on Eurojust’s website in late summer.
At first, he was not thinking about a business venture, however afterward the team decided to collaborate in the production of a high-quality brand guitar for the European market.
Ambassador Puja in his remarks commended the collaboration between Homestead and PT Genta Trikarya. It’s a fine business example involving businesses from the two countries. He added that the high-quality guitars might further inform the Dutch public about one of Indonesia’s high-end finished products, such as guitars from Bandung. “I am confident that this collaboration will also enhance people-to-people relations through musical instruments as I believe that music is a universal language”, said Ambassador Puja.
Talking about music being a universal language, reference was made to the phenomena known in the Netherlands as Indo Rock. Youngsters from the so-called Indo community developed a peculiar style of music(Indo rock) Some exponents of the indo rock epoch(1960s – 1990) were: Tielman Brothers along with their sister Jane, The Blue Diamonds and several others. De-facto, Indonesian musical influence in the Netherlands stretched over many decades.
A representative for the Indonesian company, PT. Genta Trikarya, Mr. Awan Nasution, told the audience through video call, that the team in Bandung is proud of the fact that they have produced guitars for the musicians in the Netherlands. Homestead Guitars products are produced in Bandung based on fine Indonesian timbers such Javanese Rosewood, Javanese Mahogany dan Makassar Ebony. The products will be marketed not only in the Netherlands, but also to wider European Union market.
The climax of the event was when Ambassador Puja presented the first guitar to the legendary Dutch guitarist, George Kooymans. Mr. Kooijmans has been a member of the band, Golden Earring, renowned in the 1960s and 70s Furthermore, guitars were presented to other well known.
Dutch musicians: Mr. Henny Vriente, known from the Band Doe Maar in the 1980s and also to musician Mr. Boudewijn de Groot, A concise number of media representatives witnessed the event.
The recipients of the guitars(trio) created a new band called “Vreemde Kostgangers” They tried out the guitars and played some of their songs. “Mooi” they extolled. The guitars had been specially build to meet the demands of the trio
Homestead Neheem International, is ready to serve the Dutch- and European market with a piece of sterling Indonesian artistry.
The Trust Fund will now present to the ICC judges – by 27 June 2017 – a plan for implementing the individual and collective reparations in this case, describing the projects it intends to then develop.
The Trust Fund’s resources come mainly from voluntary contributions from States Parties, foundations, and individuals. In order to ensure that it has adequate resources for its assistance mandate activities and to complement the payment of awards for reparations that may be ordered in currently ongoing or future cases, the Trust Fund also solicits and encourages donations specific to ordered awards for reparations, which permit it to avoid depleting its reparations funds reserve.
Among the guests were three former Dutch Minsters: J-P Balkenende(PM) Piet hein Donner current vice President Raad van State and former Minister of Justice, Mr. Jan Laurence Brinckhorst former Minister of Agriculture.
The tone at the reception at the Polish Embassy was cheerful.
Former Honorary Consul-General of Japan in Amsterdam: Mr. Jaap Rost Onnes, served in this position or some good thirty years. At the age of 82, he thinks it’s high time to demise office. He warmly congratulated his successor Mr. Jos ter Avest. When Rost Onnes took office some 30 years ago there were only four Japanese companies, with time the number has grown to approx. 400.
When asked to give a one liner on Japan he promptly replied, a civilize society ready to genuinely serve you. Polite, disciple, mutual respect, Mr. Jaap Rost Onnes traveled in HM. King Willem-Alexander patry when the King went on a state visit to Japan in 2014. Mr. Jaap Rost Onnes and his wife Mary will continue to visit Japan every year.
