Dinner with US Senator Richard Lugar

The cocktails reception and dinner with former US Senator Richard Lugar was the kick-off activity for our inaugural visit to Washington, DC.

I wasn’t sure if I would look too formal in this black dress and suit because the instruction was informal, no jackets or ties required. I didn’t want to look too casual naman kaya I wore this.
And sometimes the guys would still go for suits, baka ma-under-dress ako. Better to be safe. 

An old Prada bag, must be at least 10 years old I bought in Sogo, Causeway Bay, HK (I was with my sister), an old blazer (must be 10 years old too, I bought in HK too), a one year old dress from my trip to SFO last year but have never worn, and a new pair of sandals I bought last June. Fifty off from the Bally outlet in Milan. The leather is soft, I hope my feet don’t get sore.

Jeffrey Ng, Dean Raul Pangalangan, Raymond Garcia, Jun Periquet, Jun Bella

Arthur Lopez, Dindo Manhit, Jeffrey Ng, Dean Raul Pangalangan, Jun Bella, Raymond Garcia, Rupert Paul Manhit

front row:  Babe Romualdez, Antonio Conjuangco, Antonio Lopa, Jun Periquet, yours truly.

Maria Roseni M. Alvero, Commercial Counselor, Philippine Trade and Investment Center, Embassy of the Philippines.
I first met Nini in Toronto when I visited their consulate. She was introduced to me by Sockee Mendiola, a friend of mine based in Toronto. Nini has since been assigned to many different countries and cities. We occasionally bump into each other mostly during presidential state visits.

Our dinner’s at The Tabard Inn, a 90 year old structure replete with history.

Ernie Bower was at the door to welcome all of us.

We took cabs from the hotel. I shared the ride with Babe Romualdez and Arthur Lopez.

The reception was on the second floor.

Dean Raul C. Pangalangan told me there could be ghosts here.

Raul’s the former dean of UP College of Law and is now the Publisher of the Philippine Daily Inquirer.
He met his former student at the dinner, Lilibeth P. Almonte-Arbez.

The buildings in this area look alike

6 pm – 6:30 pm cocktails

Crab cakes pala is popular here. Most restaurants in DC serve this.

Within minutes after we arrived, US Senator Richard Lugar entered the room. I suspected he’s been in the building even before we arrived.

We were privileged to have met Sen. Lugar, who’s been a strong and loyal supporter of the Philippines.

We had a lively exchange of thoughts with the good senator. He gave an impromptu speech for several minutes recalling events that led to EDSA Revolution, his conversations with former president Marcos.
I threw some questions. I forgot na what I said but the only thing I remembered was I asked Sen. Lugar about their family farm in Indiana or Tennessee. He and his brother inherited 604 acres planted with crops like corn, wheat. I asked him if he has seen the whole 604 acres. If he rode a horse or in a golf cart. He said they had a pony when he was young. He also reminisced his days in the farm with his dad.

To my left is Undersecretary of Department of Trade and Industry, Chito Manalo.

Ernest Bower did a great job in moderating our conversations.   Ernie is the Senior Advisor and Sumitro Chair for Southeast Asia Studies, Center for Strategic & International Studies (CSIS)  He was also the one who invited Sen. Lugar.

Raymond Garcia, Babe Romualdez, Nini Alvero

Sen. Lugar is flanked by brothers RP and Prof. Dindo Manhit.

Ernie said this would be a working dinner that’s why the food was being served while we were discussing.

The spinach salad was pretty good but I couldn’t finish mine.

Before

After

We all had crab cakes. The crab meat was fresh and I could see lumps, no extenders.

Before

After

Most of them finished their creme brulee.

Before

Arthur Lopez,(who was seated to my right), President of the Philippine Hotel Federation, told me I left the healthy part and ate the unhealthy part.

After

Presentation of our token of appreciation. I was the one who bought that from Rustan’s.

It was a privileged night,  well spent in the company of Sen. Lugar.  He was very gracious and has always been and will always be one of  our country’s strongest supporters.

Thank you to Ernie Bower, CSIS team, and to Sen. Richard Lugar,  MABUHAY.