After a two-year hiatus, the Embassy of the Czech Republic held the Czech Beer Night at the Blue Leaf Events Pavilion in Taguig City. The Embassy’s biggest event of the year that took place last 23 September was in commemoration of one of the most significant events in the history of Czech Republic: The Czech Statehood Day.
Over 300 guests joined the second installation of the Czech Beer Night. Guests from the diplomatic community, public and private sectors, and other partners of the Embassy were served with the world’s best beers and liquors such as from Pilsner Urquell, Velkopopovický Kozel, Rudolf Jelínek, and Whisky Trebitsch.
“I am grateful to all of you for taking the time to celebrate with us tonight the Czech Statehood Day — in a manner that some of you might find unconventional,” Czech Ambassador Jana Šedivá said in her opening remarks.
Ambassador Šedivá also talked about the Czech Presidency of the Council of the European Union which commenced in July this year, as well as Russia’s unprovoked invasion of Ukraine that affected not only Europe but also the whole world.
“I would like to use this occasion and express our gratitude to the Philippines for its stand in this war on a fair and rightful side with us. We are grateful for your support,” the Ambassador added.
In his message before the ceremonial toast, DFA Undersecretary Jesus Domingo recalled the history shared between the Czech Republic and the Philippines such as the friendship of Filipino national hero Dr. Jose Rizal and Ferdinand Blumentritt, and the strong devotion to the Infant Jesus of Prague that has since become a symbol of strong cultural ties between the two nations.
Beyond these historical and cultural bonds, Usec. Domingo also spoke on how both countries are “advocates and passionate defenders of democracy.”
Aside from overflowing drinks and traditional Czech dishes, the guests also enjoyed musical performances of Czech arias by one of the Philippines’ most renowned classical musicians Mary Louise Alcantara, and the local band Chiquerella.
The only Czech beer festival in the Philippines was made possible through the Embassy of the Czech Republic, Home Credit Philippines, Pilsner Urquell, Velkopopovický Kozel, Rudolf Jelínek, Whisky Trebitsch, VFS Global, and Brotzeit Philippines.
This year’s Czech Beer Night coincided with the commemoration of St. Wenceslaus, one of the celebrated saints in the country. St. Wenceslaus has been renowned as the defender of the sovereignty of the Czech state and the protector of the nation since his martyrdom in 1935. He is also considered the patron saint of beers, owing to his protection of hop growers and brewers. To this day, the Czechs continue to honor his contribution to the country’s statehood and the beer manufacturing industry.