By Carol Tanjutco

UNDWC Executive Committee members (L-R) with host Louie Locsin, Fatmi Laila, Evelyne Tiara, soprano Tata Kay Habana, weaver Cynthia Alberto, Fatemeh Rahmati Khoshroo, Geraldine Kunstadler, Valerie Kennedy, Therese Tommo (president) and Ranju Batra. INQUIRER/Carol Tanjutco.

 

A Nor’easter snowstorm struck New York City on first day of spring but there is no stopping to the United Nations Delegations Womens’ Club (UNDWC) for the monthly tea in a folkloric fiesta ambience. The Spouse of the Philippine Permanent Representative to the United Nations (UN) Mission, Maria Lourdes B. Locsin, hosted on behalf of the Philippines at the iconic Kalayaan Hall in NYC. The event coincides with the International Women’s month. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DF64nCkMZqg

Makati-based Louie Barcelon Locsin, a former contender for Congressional District 1 of Makati City, is no stranger to hosting big receptions, this time welcoming all the First Ladies of the UN Missions, who are spouses of the United Nations Ambassadors. She is just getting her feet wet as she accepted responsibility as member of the UNDWC Executive Committee.

 

Kalayaan Hall was filled with UN First Ladies and the only gentleman-spouse in the crowd, author Benoit Chatard (L). Culinary delights served by ESSEN’tial and Mountain Province (R). Inquirer/Carol Tanjutco

 

It was a warm treat that melted the hearts of diplomatic ladies when soprano singer Tata Kay Habana belched out love songs, followed by tribal weaving demonstration by Cynthia Alberto, and a sumptuous feast of Filipino delicacies, with endless toast of hot cacao and mountain-grown coffee. Tapped for this occasion was Chester Medina for the entrées and Mountain Province for coffee and desserts.

 

Yiling Li from the UN NGO UCT Culture Center holds a calligraphy done by her father which means happiness, presented to UNDWC Executive Committee Louie Locsin (L). Permanent Representative to the UN Mission, Ambassador Teddy Boy Locsin greeted the ladies briefly before heading back to work, with guest Marcelia Hicks in photo (R). INQUIRER/Carol Tanjutco

 

The excitement was on when the UNDWC Executive Committee announced what’s in store for raffle to the First Ladies, ranging from pearl jewelry sets to rare mother of pearl collections. President of the club Therese Tommo Monthe emphasized the mission of the club is “to promote understanding and appreciation of culture and social issues, fostering friendship, and solidarity among diplomats and its UN members, showcasing different cultures, customs, traditional dances, documentary and colorful culinary.”

UNDWC membership fees and proceeds of the raffle ticket sales will be donated to the children’s charity fund to benefit children from all over the world. One lucky winner Yiling Li won twice, so she voluntarily gave back a most coveted mother of pearl jewelry box after she won a jewelry set, to the delight of the next winner. The eager crowd cheered louder when it was announced that there were 25 pearl bracelets secured under the seats of lucky ladies, a surprise finale and Filipino hospitality at its best.

 

UN Mission guest Nassrin Isromloo Zahedi (R), talks about great experiences during the Philippine Ambassadors Tour, with INQUIRER Carol Tanjutco.

 

Familiar faces from the United Nations guests were seen including Nassrin Isromloo Zahedi, from UNICEF. She and endocrinologist husband joined the Ambassadors Tour in 2007 then organized by Tourism Director Emma Ruth Yulo Kitiyakara. During the flight to the Philippines, Dr. Zahedi revived an unconscious Filipino passenger on board who was suffering from diabetes. He was hailed as the hero of that tour group.

Looking forward, some members and spouses of the UNDWC will soon revisit plans to join the next year’s Ambassadors Tour. This year’s tour, Philippine Department of Tourism (PDOT) Los Angeles is the lead planner, has visits slated for Cebu and Bohol. Last year’s tour, PDOT New York took the lead with Consul General Tess Dizon De Vega and Susan Del Mundo, brought the group to Davao and a small group to Pampanga.