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| Behind the Scenes with Ivy Visitacion |
“He looks like a character actor in a British film!” This was the whispered comment of a local resident, who caught a glimpse of HE Ambassador Asif Ahmad, who led a group of British Embassy officials from Manila, who came to Bacolod recently to hold a consular clinic for members of the British community from Negros Occidental, Iloilo and Guimaras.
The clinic, held at Nature's Village in Talisay City, gave some 40 British nationals the opportunity to learn more about how the Embassy can help them as well as talk to Embassy officials one-on-one. The British community welcomed the clinic and the Ambassador's visit, saying they now had a much better idea of what the Embassy can do for them, especially in times of natural disasters, such as typhoons or earthquakes.
This was Ambassador Ahmad's first visit to Bacolod and he certainly impressed the locals, who said that his diplomatic charm and urbane bearing made meeting him such a delightful experience. During his trip, he had meetings with city and provincial officials, including Governor Alfredo Marañon Jr., Mayor Monico Puentevella, Congressman Bing Leonardia, Bureau of Immigration officers, and Negros Occidental provincial police chief.
The ambassador must have found our province fascinating because he said he was looking forward to his next visit.
One lucky individual during the occasion was the province's British warden, Ditas Montilla, whose birthday fell on the Ambassador's visit. During the luncheon hosted by Marañon at The District's Terrasse Restaurant, Ditas was showered with birthday greetings from the guests, who thoroughly enjoyed the continental cuisine especially prepared for the affair.
Ditas said it was one birthday she will always remember. After all, it isn't every day that you can celebrate your natal day with the Governor and the British Ambassador to wish you a Happy Birthday!
A few days later, Ditas was again greeted by her friends and relatives during the swanky dinner hosted by sugar tycoon, Nene Rojas, for special guest Judy Araneta Roxas, mother of Secretary Mar Roxas of the Department of Interior and Local Government.
