A FAREWELL PARTY FOR USAID'S RET CAMPBELL

The Manila House at Bonifacio Global City played host to a remarkable celebration on July 27 as Bret Campbell, former deputy mission director of United States Agency for International Development (USAid) marked a significant milestone. The dual-purpose cocktail party celebrated both Bret's birthday and his farewell from the Philippines, where he has served with distinction.

The evening was a resplendent affair, bringing together an array of distinguished guests. Colleagues from the US Embassy were in full attendance, alongside friends from various embassies, reflecting the deep connections Bret and his wife Marisol Campbell have fostered during their tenure. Adding to the festive atmosphere were numerous business leaders and friends that the couple had made throughout their stay in the Philippines.

Lulu Bueno, Jinky and Jerry Rabano

Samantha Day, Yvette Malcioln with Sandra and Frank Tockes

Rodrigo and Marie Segura, Marivic Rufino and former Consul Miguel Realmonte and Irene Montemayor

Shivina and Ramesh Uttamchandani, Rusi and Michael Hancock, Hi Society and George Sarakinis, Rusi and Michael Hancock

US Ambassador Mary Kay Carlson, USAid Bret and Marisol Campbell, US Ambassador Spouse Aubrey Carlson

Raymond Gorospe, Ramesh & Shivina, Uttamchandani, Vanessa Ledesma, Marisol and USAid Bret Campbell, Tom Pastor, Henry Monzones, Ricky Agana, Chuchi Villar, Jorge Hizon, Juvy and Bien Constantino

Shivina and Ramesh Uttamchandani, Hi Society and George Sarakinis

Ruth and Saeed Ahmad, Turkish Ambassador Niyazi Evren Akyol and wife Indri

Andria and Grace Bondad Nicolas, Agnes Brazell and Toto Santocildes

The diversity of the attendees was a testament to the couple's ability to build strong and meaningful relationships across different sectors and communities. Bret was clearly touched by the turnout and the warm atmosphere.

"Being surrounded by such wonderful friends and colleagues from my time here in the Philippines is truly heartwarming," Bret said. "These four years have been incredibly fulfilling, both professionally and personally."

The cocktail party was a seamless blend of elegance and heartfelt sentiment, made possible through the dedicated efforts of Bret's wife, Marisol's meticulous planning and attention to detail ensured that the evening was a fitting celebration to Bret's contributions and the bonds they have forged.

As Bret prepares to embark on his next journey, he not only leaves us his wife for a year, but also leaves a community enriched by their presence and a network of friends who will miss his leadership and companionship. The celebration at Manila House was a fitting tribute to Bret and Marisol's contributions and the enduring bonds they have created during their four years in the Philippines.

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Meanwhile, upon the invitation of Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo, Malaysian Foreign Minister Dato' Seri Utama Haji Mohamad Haji Hasan embarked on an official visit to the Philippines last July.

While in the Philippines, the Foreign Minister paid a courtesy call on President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. at Malacañang Palace. During the meeting, President Marcos and the Foreign Minister affirmed their commitments to strengthen Malaysia-Philippine relations. They also discussed regional-related matters.

The Foreign Minister also had a bilateral meeting with his counterpart, Secretary Manalo, at Peninsula Hotel where they affirmed the strength of their countries' bilateral relations and discussed ways to further deepen cooperation between Malaysia and the Philippines including in the areas of trade and investment, halal industry, food security, connectivity as well as the socio-economic development on Mindanao.

Fernando Pena, George Barceleon, Ramon Ang, HE Dato’ Seri Utama Haji Mohamad Bin Haji Hassan, Hans Sy and Malaysian Ambassador Malik Melvin Castelino

Former senator Dick Gordon, Ramon Ang, Senator JV Ejercito, Fernando Pena and Robert Yupangco

Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo, Malaysian Foreign Minister Dato’ Seri Utama Haji Mohamad Haji Hasan and Malaysian Ambassador

Indonesian Ambasssador Agus Widjojo and Chito Sobrepena

Czarina, Marian and Helen Ong, Mellie Ablaza, Myda Prieto and Joey Soriano

During both the courtesy call and bilateral meeting, the Foreign Minister reaffirmed that as Asean Chair in 2025, Malaysia will place great importance on Asean Centrality for the benefit of the region as a whole. The Foreign Minister also highlighted the need for greater cooperation among Asean Member States, including in economic cooperation.

The year 2024 is significant for Malaysia and the Philippines as it is the 60th year of the two countries' bilateral relations. To commemorate this milestone, a gala dinner was hosted with the presence of the Foreign Minister as the Guest of Honor. In his remarks, the Foreign Minister stressed that the celebration of the 60th anniversary of Malaysia-Philippine diplomatic relations is not just about looking back at achievements, but also about renewing their commitment to a shared future. The Foreign Minister invited the Philippines to continue to work hand in hand to promote peace, prosperity, and stability in the region.

The gala dinner was attended by more than 300 dignitaries including members of the Marcos Cabinet such as Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman and Trade Secretary Alfredo Pascual, and members of the Congress such as Senators JV Ejercito and Cynthia Villar. Other notable attendees include members of the Diplomatic Corps in the Philippines, government officials, heads of local government units (LGU) such as Makati City Mayor Abby Binay, and businessmen such as Ramon Ang of San Miguel Corporation and Hans Sy of the SM Group.

While in the Philippines, the Foreign Minister also took the opportunity to meet with the Malaysian Business Community in the Philippines.