On July 28, Consul Cunanan flew to Japan to visit the Embassy of Botswana in Tokyo, which has jurisdiction over the Philippines and Southeast Asia. As President of the Philippines – Botswana Economic and Cultural Council, Inc. (PBECC) and Consul (a.h.) of Georgia, he is promoting Botswana as a tourism and investment destination not just for Filipinos, but also Georgian travelers and businessmen.
On July 17, 2013, Consul Cunanan hosted a cocktail for travel agents and tour operators, journalists, and food writers and aficionados. The aim of the event was to promote Georgian cuisine and wine to Filipinos and market Georgia as a tourist destination. Georgia’s history, with its mix of Turkish, Russian, Persian, and Central Asian influences, has resulted in its exotic culture and gastronomic delights. The event was held in Paulie’s Wine Bar and Restaurant, Burgos Circle, The Fort, Taguig City. Among those who attended the event were Mike and Bim Zulueta of Interlink Travel Corporation, Marfee Dizon of Plenus Travel, writer and food blogger JJ Yulo, Food magazine Editor-in-Chief Nana Ozaeta, passionate foodies Gina and Mikeli Mapua, and Travel Bucket List organizer and founder Riva Galvez-Tan.
In the evenings of May 25 and 26, 2013, thousands of people watched “From Georgia With Love”, a light, sound, and water extravaganza, featuring traditional Georgian music synchronized with the fluid movements and captivating illuminations of Rizal Park’s Central Lagoon Musical Dancing Fountain. Conservative estimates place the crowd in and around the fountain area at 10,000 people.
The event, an initiative of Consul Cunanan, was organized in partnership with the National Parks Development Committee (NPDC), the agency of the Department of Tourism tasked with managing and developing Rizal Park, to celebrate Georgia’s Independence Day.
On July 18, 2013, Consul Cunanan met with LPU Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Conrado E. Inigo Jr. to discuss the student and faculty exchange program between LPU and its partner university in Georgia, CU.
