An Afternoon of Discovering Swiss Culture and Artists

Since childhood, I have always held a fascination for Switzerland. My introduction to this country probably happened over delicious chocolate and cheese. As I grew up, I got to know to know more about it through watches and clocks as well as its other popular luxury items, felt dreamy just looking at pictures of the Swiss Alps, and heard good things about its banking system, neutrality, and advances in biotechnology, among many other things. I thought this must be  a pretty safe place to be in considering that many international agencies chose it for their headquarters’ location.

Mr. Raoul Imbach, Deputy Head of Mission and H.E. Ivo Sieber, Ambassador of Switzerland

I was resigned to having my knowledge about Switzerland confined to these general information. An invitation from the Embassy of Switzerland for an afternoon of discovering Swiss culture changed that. It came with a delightful bonus – an introduction to Swiss artists via the embassy’s very own “Singing Diplomat”.

Relations between Philippines and Switzerland

When Swiss traders, missionaries, and travelers came to East Asia during the 1800s , the beginnings of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Switzerland was said to have been established. The Swiss Consulate in the Philippines opened in 1862, shortly after the Swiss government chose to establish its first representation for all of Asia, in the Philippines. Peter Jenny was the first Consul General in the Philippines.

H.E. Ivo Sieber explaining the Swiss Cultural Fund Philippines

Swiss Cultural Fund Philippines

Today, Ambassador Ivo Sieber continues the task of furthering bilateral and political relations with the Philippines. On this particular afternoon, he spoke about the Swiss Cultural Fund Philippines. It is a fund that was created to foster cultural relations between the 2 countries. It seeks to give the Filipino people more opportunities to discover Swiss artists while having the chance to get acquainted with Swiss culture. Swiss artists in return, are expected to appreciate Philippine culture in the hope of creating synergies where possible.

The Swiss Cultural Fund Philippines will officially be inaugurated on May 26, 2014 at the Swiss Residence during a VIP event. At present, there are already three sponsors namely Nestlé, Bühler, and Swatch while more are expected to support the Fund very soon. The first featured event is the concert of extraordinary jazz pianist/composer Claude Diallo. Aside from his scheduled performances on May 24, 26,and 27, he will also be holding a jazz workshop with young Filipino students. Next in line is the first solo concert of Raoul and the Wild Tortillas, featuring the Singing Diplomat.

The Singing Diplomat

The Singing Diplomat is no other than Mr. Raoul Imbach, Deputy Head of Mission of the Embassy of Switzerland.It would seem like he is living a double life as a diplomat and an entertainer but that is hardly so. He is simply living his life the only way he wants to which is to serve his country and entertain people.

He is a man who wears many hats. Prior to his joining the Swiss Foreign Affairs, he was a member of the Junior Swiss Ski National Team, operated the “Le Chandelier” Restaurant in Bolivia, and worked for oil companies. He was also into teaching salsa in Russia and Bolivia. He was a social phenomenon in Vietnam and was known as the Father of Salsa.

After two years at the Swiss Foreign affairs headquarters, he was transferred to the Swiss Embassy in Korea. He performed in many concerts in the country. Clearly, he intends to do the same here in the Philippines. A few months after arriving in Manila, he created “The Wild Tortilllas” composed of Filipino musicians.

Mr. Raoul Imbach providing the background story of one of his original compositions

Raoul and the Wild Tortillas Concert

Raoul and The Wild Tortillas will be having its first solo concert on June 1, 2014 at the Rizal Park. This is a free-admission concert. Filipinos will surely feel Raoul’s musicality especially because he has adapted many of his songs in Tagalog. The concert’s title is “Hello Eto Ako”.

The Singing Diplomat giving a preview of what to expect from his concert

My Say

I will not try to hide my surprise about this very genuine way in which the Embassy of Switzerland is trying to reach out to the Filipino people. Choosing the cultural path through music is probably one of the better ways to do it in our setting. Filipinos love music and I believe anyone who offers it to them with enthusiasm and warmth will be heard.

I saw a more personal side of Switzerland that afternoon, nothing that I can read on books and prepared reading materials. Everyday, we get to learn new things. That day I got my practical learning of Swiss culture and artists through two Swiss diplomats who firmly believe that bridges can be made through cultural activities.