An evening of pomp, pageantry and patriotism

Ambassador Jose Cuisia and Deputy Secretary of State William Burns: A toast to friendship and camaraderie between the two nations.

Pomp, pageantry and patriotism filled the historic Hay-Adams Hotel as officials and a who’s-who of the Filipino community dressed in colorful Filipiniana gowns celebrated the 115th anniversary of Philippine Independence.

With the theme “Kalayaan 2013: Ambagan Tungo sa Malawakang Kaunlaran” Ambassador Jose Cuisia and wife Vicky hosted a reception dinner in remembrance and celebration of freedom from Spanish rule.

Among the distinguished guests were Deputy Secretary of State William Burns, Rep. Madeleine Bordallo of Guam, Rep. Ed Royce of California’s 39th district and Philippine Secretary of Trade and Industry Gregory Domingo.

Domingo set a tone of optimism. He reported the Philippines has been improving in the global competitiveness ranking among countries.

“The World Economic Forum has raised us from 85th place in 2010 to 65th place. We hope to continue to see more improvements in this rating,” he said, citing also the Philippines’ recent investment grade ratings from Standard and Poor’s and Fitch and its emergence as the No. 1 call center destination in the world.

Deputy Secretary of State William Burns recounted the long friendship between the Philippines and the United States, their shared history.

“The U.S. is one of the top trading partners of the Philippines and together we are working hard to support and sustain the Philippines’ unprecedented economic growth,” said Burns. “We hope to bolster President Aquino’s goals of generating more jobs, attracting greater investments including a more equitable future for all Filipinos for many generations to come.

The speeches were followed by a ceremonial toast as the 300-plus guests hailed their friendship with the Filipino people.

Recognition awards were given to two celebrated Filipino Americans — Dr. Gabriel Esteban, president of Seton Hall University in New Jersey, and White House Executive Chef Cristeta Comerford — for their “significant” contributions to relations between the two countries.

Esteban was appointed the 20th president of Seton Hall, the first Filipino to head the 157-year-old Catholic university. Comerford is the White House executive chef since 2005. Like first lady Michelle Obama, she is a champion of healthy eating among American families.

Classical singer Stephanie Reese was joined by the audience when she sang the plaintive “Bayan Ko,” which music she chose to “reflect our deep love for our country and patriotism.

Guests feasted on a buffet of sumptuous Filipino food, such as ‘lechon’ and ‘paella,’ as they enjoyed a panoramic view of Washington, D.C. including a gleaming White House.

Soprano Stephanie Reese belts out ‘Bayan Ko’ and the audience sings along.