PH touts hemp products, pearl earrings at Winternational ’17 in DC

The Philippine Embassy displays abaca purses, freshwater pearl earrings and tourism materials at the 6th Embassy Showcase Winternational held at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center on December 6. CONTRIBUTED

WASHINGTON, DC – For the fourth year in a row, the Philippine Embassy joined 38 other foreign diplomatic missions here for the 6^th Annual Embassy Showcase Winternational held at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center on December 6.

This year, the Philippines showcased purses and wallets made from “Manila Hemp” or abaca fibers, and freshwater pearl earrings. Abaca is a burlap-styled textile made of sturdy banana tree fibers that are milled from Abaca plant, while freshwater pearls are formed in various species of freshwater mussels. All products were brought to the US capital all the way from the Philippines.

In addition to local products, the Embassy also promoted Philippine cuisine through a sampling of lumpia and cassava cake, while highlighting famous tourism destinations of the country through banners and brochures displayed at the booth and given out to guests and fellow participants.

“We are happy to join this occasion that serves as a venue to strengthen diplomatic relations, and at the same time foster camaraderie and learning through immersion in various cultures of all the participants,” said Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose Manuel G. Romualdez.

5297 – Cultural Attaché Lalie Gavino shows and explains the materials used in making abaca purses to guests of the 6th Winternational. CONTRIBUTED

Winternational is a celebration showcasing the cultural and culinary traditions of Washington’s diplomatic community. The Embassy’s participation this year is a cultural and economic diplomacy project done in partnership with the Philippine Trade and Investment Center-Washington DC.