IN a show of diplomatic goodwill, Republicasia CEO and youngest Special Envoy to Thailand Bran Reluao hosted an appreciation dinner for Thai Embassy Officials in Manila on Saturday, July 12, marking the culmination of their cultural visit to Intramuros.
The dinner was held at Centro de Turismo Intramuros, a cultural hub and museum housed inside the reconstructed San Ignacio Church along Arzobispo Street.
As part of the Embassy Officials’ cultural immersion, the venue offered not only an elegant reception hall but also a glimpse into the country’s rich colonial heritage.
The setting underscored the importance of historical preservation and cultural exchange in fostering diplomatic relations.
Leading the Thai delegation was Ambassador Her Excellency Mrs. Makawadee Sumitmor, joined by prominent Thai business leaders Mr. Lawrence Leonio, Chairman of King Food Group, and Mrs. Ausanee Mahagitsiri Leonio, its President.
Meanwhile, joining Special Envoy Bran Reluao in welcoming the guests was Miss Universe Philippines 2025 candidate Ahtisa Manalo. Also present were Annette Gozon-Valdes, Senior Vice President for Programming, Talent Management, as well as Joy Marcelo, President of Sparkle GMA Artist Center.
“It is with deep honor and heartfelt joy that I welcome you to this Heritage and Culture Tour—a special experience we’ve prepared to celebrate the enduring friendship between the Philippines and the Kingdom of Thailand,” said Reluao during the welcoming remarks.
“As Special Envoy, I remain committed to building bridges of collaboration between our countries—grounded not only in innovation and diplomacy, but in culture, community, and shared humanity,” he said.
“We commend the Philippines for its success in promoting soft power through cultural diplomacy,” said Thai Ambassador Makawadee Sumitmor during her speech.
Before the dinner, the Embassy Officials were given a guided tour of Centro de Turismo, where they explored the colonial heritage of the Philippines.
The experience highlighted the enduring influence of Spanish-era Catholicism, with exhibits featuring religious relics, imagery, and artifacts.
The Embassy Officials also learned about the evolution of colonial architecture and governance, offering them a deeper understanding of the country’s complex historical and cultural foundations.
Following the tour, the Ramon Obusan Folkloric Group treated the Emabassy Officials to a vibrant cultural showcase.
The performers presented a variety of traditional Filipino dances, including a number accompanied by the rhythmic playing of the kulintang, a set of gongs native to Mindanao.
The highlight of the evening was a performance of the tinikling, one of the Philippines’ most iconic folk dances, which involves dancers skillfully stepping between two bamboo poles that are rhythmically clapped together.
In the spirit of cultural exchange, the performers invited the Embassy Officials to try the tinikling themselves—an engaging and lighthearted moment that drew cheers and laughter from the crowd.
The cultural experience continued well into dinner—a multi-course Filipino cuisine experience that brought the richness of local flavors to the forefront.
The evening began with pass-around selections like Crab Aligue Crème Brûlée and Piyaya with Brie and Adobo Flakes, offering playful yet refined takes on traditional fare.
Guests were then served a five-course meal, starting with a creamy Kalabasa Gata Soup and a fresh Kesong Puti and Burrata Ensalada.
For the mains, they enjoyed Baked Halibut en Papillote with a sinigang butter glaze, followed by a hearty Lechon-Style Angus Beef Belly paired with sweet banana compote and adlai rice.
To end on a sweet note, the Filipino dessert Guinumis was served alongside pandan water, iced tea, coffee, and champagne—a fitting finale to an evening steeped in tradition, hospitality, and shared celebration.
All the while, a live quartet played classic Filipino songs, adding a soft, nostalgic ambiance to the already rich sensory experience of the night.
To cap off the evening, Special Envoy Bran Reluao presented diplomatic gifts to the Thai Embassy officials as a gesture of appreciation and goodwill.
Earlier this month, Reluao had traveled to Thailand in his capacity as Special Envoy, where he promoted digital literacy initiatives for the youth—a mission that complements his efforts to foster cross-cultural understanding between the two countries.
