Celebration of Norway’s Constitution Day, 17th of May

The Philippines Norway Business Council’s 17th of May Dinner Celebration to commemorate Norway’s Constitution Day was a big success. Different shapes of red, white and blue ribbons permeated the Rigodon Ballroom of classy The Peninsula – Manila hotel in Makati City on the night of “syttende mai” as about 200 formally-attired guests mingled with one another at the cocktails area, as a prelude to a beautiful evening of great food, great music and great celebration.

PNBC President Ivar Thomasli gave the opening speech, emphasizing the long and successful cooperation between Filipino and Norwegian companies. He also gave the guests a brief background as to why Norway celebrates its Constitution Day.

The occasion was also graced by the presence of Royal Norwegian Embassy Chargé d’Affaires Knut-Are Okstad, who delivered a speech focusing on the history of Norway as a country and a people. He made mention of the 25,000 Filipino seafarers on board Norwegian ships as one of the testaments to the robust business relationship between the two countries.
Mr. Okstad also read a short congratulatory message from Norway’s King Harald V.

After the speeches, the guests were ushered to the buffet tables where a parade of gastronomic glee was waiting. At the salad bar, the shrimp pyramid was obviously a heavy favorite. At the desert table, the traditional almond ring cake, kransekake (yes, the one stacked on top of each other to form an iconic conical pyramid), was the one voted as most irresistible.

While dining, the air was filled with Norwegian music from various artists across different genres. Midway through the evening, Master of Ceremonies Ms. Jannicke Steen introduced and called on stage Ms. Sweet Sisa Samaniego, who mesmerized everyone with music from Broadway.

It was indeed a momentous occasion; a night for Norwegians in Manila to be together and celebrate “syttende mai” with fellow Scandinavians and Filipino friends.

As host of the event, PNBC wishes to thank all the guests and sponsors.