The Ambassador Benito B. Valeriano on the surprises and challenges of life as Ambassador (“ I love eating lamb and mutton, I never say no to lamb and mutton” ). Catherine Deneuve as his definition of ultimate beauty and how he hopes to get more tourists to visit The Philippines.
On the ground floor of the official residence, in the very posh Chanakyapuri, the spacious living room-part of the Family’s private residence-offers a stunning view of a sprawling garden. The office block on the left. The Rail Museum within a stones throw. Three independent seating arrangements, and a huge dining table, making me visualize the official dignitaries being hosted in every corner of this room. This room is where I had an amazing meal with The Ambassador, and as I gazed out the windows and took in the view, I was struck by the immense legacy he and his family have inherited. I felt the weight of history, and I understood what he means when he says, as he often does, “This is not about us.”
Yet for all the grandeur of the home, the Ambassador has already infused it with a palpable ease; his presence makes the place feel open and approachable. When we sit down to talk, he seems as relaxed . “This room has the best light in the house,” he tells me as we settle in, on a comfortable sofa. “And there’s Caramel Custard, too. The Caramel, here in the residence is dangerously good.”
Currently on his 8th assignment, the Ambassador has been working since the age of 22. When I returned home after our first meeting, and I was looking for some cough syrup in my medicine cabinet, I suddenly thought, “The Ambassador never has to go out to buy cough syrup!” For the First Man and his family, it’s a life we can only dream of. As we talk, he tells me how they’re adjusting-and what he’s planning to do in his awesome role.
— Rinku
Damn Fine Life : What are your views on food?
Mr. Ambassador : I love good food. As a small boy, I grew up with my grand mother, she was a very good cook and that made my love for food grow.
Damn Fine Life : What foods are considered royalty or are preferred by the upper class in Phillipines?
Mr.Ambassador : Depending upon the household, the upper class would show preference to Roast pig, fresh catch like Lobsters, Beef and Lamb. Skin of animals is also eaten and considered a delicacy.
Damn Fine Life : Describe a typical day of yours when on vacation.
Mr. Ambassador : I havent had a vacation in a long time. I have young sons and they love me driving them to the countryside – the outskirts of Manila. There they ride horses. I love to read a book, relax, indulge in an easy late brunch, visit friends, play golf and go on long drives. I love driving.
Damn Fine Life : What is your favorite drink?
Mr. Ambassador : I love Champagne, especially Dom Perignon. I also like Red wine, the Cabernet Sauvignon, it doesnt necessarily have to be French, Spanish and Chilean are good too. I recently had Tunisian wine, which I thought was pretty good.
Damn Fine life : Any favorite food memory?
Mr. Ambassador : Currently the Japanese Black Cod is my favorite.
Damn Fine Life : What do you like to pair your food with?
Mr. Ambassador : Any good Cabernet Savignon or a Merlot. I prefer Red.
Damn Fine Life : What are you reading lately?
Mr. Ambassador : It’s a very interesting book called Asia’s Cauldron by Robert D.Kaplan, tries to explain how geography determines destiny – and what we should be doing about it. Its about the south China sea.
Damn Fine Life : Your definition of Simple Luxury and Grand Luxury.
Mr. Ambassador : Getting to enjoy a cup of perfectly made tea first thing in the morning, that’s the best simple luxury.
Grand luxury in my opinion would be getting to go to places you can’t normally go to , but sometimes get a chance to enjoy.
Damn Fine Life : Have you seen any response to The Philippines, since you took over as Ambassador?
Mr. Ambassador : People to people exchanges has seen a marked increase, in tourists going both ways. India being relatively far away it is not a regular tourist destination, but I can see a considerable increase. India has been very kind to give Filipinos Visa on arrival.
Damn Fine Life : What projects are you working on next?
Mr. Ambassador : We are hoping to get more tourists to visit The Philippines. We are also looking at ways to improve trade between India and Philippines. The Philippine – India trade, favors India and we are trying to narrow the gap.
Mutton Stew with Carrots & Potatoes
Bihon – Traditional Noodles with Prawns & Chicken Strips. Served with Filipino Lemons – Calamansi
Bistek – Beef Steak
Chopseui – Mix vegetables
Adobo – Filipino Chicken dish
Fried Lumpia
Empanadas
Sinigang
Jasmine Rice
Leche Flan – Caramel Custard
Casava Cakes
Puto – Rice Cakes. Glutinous Rice Cakes with Coconut topping – Sapin Sapin
Letter of appreciation by Ambassador Philippines for Ms. Rinku Madan
