The residence of Indonesian consul general Berlian Napitupulu was a beehive of activity as the gracious consul opened the doors of his home in Davao to host a new years celebration.
Attending the event were members of the local cambers of commerce, city officials, as well as media friends. The wonderful buffet spread of Indonesian favourites, curated by consul Napitupulu’s better half, Elizabeth, such as Meatball Soup, Beef Rendang, Chicken Satay, and Pandan Jelly delighted the guests.
“This small gathering of close friends is to show appreciation and gratitude for what we have achieved in the past year.” said the energetic consul, “The Philippines is one of our countries we can call friends and brothers and I would like to borrow a Spanish saying ‘Mi casa es tu casa’, my house is your house.”
Consul Napitupulu then shared the series of activities organised by the Indonesian consular office held in Davao as well as in other parts of Mindanao such as the Indonesian Culinary Festival at the Marco Polo Hotel, the Indonesian Food Expo and 1st Indonesian Manufactured Products Expo held at the at the Indonesian Convention Center (House of Indonesia), and the 1st Indonesian Fashion Expo held at the Abreeza Mall.
2017 was also a landmark year when it came to Philippine-Indonesian relationships as it saw the visit of Indonesian president Joko Widodo to Davao and General Santos City for the launch of the landmark roll-on-roll off ferry service between General Santos and Bitung.
Last year also saw Indonesian Foreign Affairs Minister Retno LP Marsudi personally presenting passports to 300 persons of Indonesian descent. The PIDs, who have mostly spent their lives residing in Balut Island, were officially recognised as Indonesian nationals.
After his short talk, the consul general was surprised by his staff and family as a pair of cakes and an audio visual presentation was shown greeting him a happy birthday. More power to you Consul General Napitupulu and more power to the Consulate of Indonesia in Davao.
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