Gordon hosts 'Ambassadors' Night' in Intramuros History Town

Independent Senator Richard J. Gordon will treat members of the diplomatic corps to a uniquely Muslim cultural night at the Intramuros History Town showcasing the "Best of the Region XII and Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao" at 6:30 pm, tomorrow.

Gordon, chairman of the Senate tourism committee, will lead the culminating ceremonies, along with ambassadors and special guests, in joyful celebration of the successful month-long exhibit that kicked off last Jan. 13.

"It's time that our people in Metro Manila see Mindanao through the 'Best of the Regions' showcase and discover with their own eyes that our Muslim Filipino brethren and their culture are truly worth being proud about," he said.

"Seeing Mindanao without the blinders created by negative news stories of conflict and kidnapping will do more towards forging better understanding that will lead us to achieve peace and prosperity for our entire country," he added.

Foreign dignitaries expected to attend are Ambassadors In May of Cambodia; Adel Mawlood Hamoud Al-Hakimh of Iraq; Rubens Anna Fedele of Italy; Ahmad Rasidi Haziz of Malaysia; Ramon Rechebei of Palau; Abdullah Ahmed Yousif Al-Mutawaa of Qatar; Oieter Vermuelen of South Africa; and Manuel Perez Iturbe of Venezuela.

The people of Region XII and the ARMM joined hands in welcoming visitors of History Town Philippines in a "gathering for peace" during the opening of the Best of Regions in at the Clamshell 1, Intramuros, Manila last Jan. 13.

Wow Philippines, which showcases the best of the different regions in the country, was launched through the efforts of Gordon, when he served as tourism secretary from 2001 to 2003, to revive the Walled City.

Each month a different region was showcased, which not only drew foreign visitors, but also encouraged more Filipinos to take more stock in their heritage and identity as Filipino.

He said that after opening the eyes of Filipinos, he hopes to open the eyes of the entire world to the beauty of Mindanao.

The "Wow Philippines!" program had lured foreign and local tourists and increased revenues, generating more jobs from 668,000 jobs in 2001 to 693,000 to 749,000 2002 and 2003, respectively.