Every year since July 21, 1831, Belgium celebrates its National Day. It marks the anniversary of the investiture of Leopold of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha as the first king of Belgium and the start of the independent state of Belgium under a constitutional monarchy and parliament.

Here in Cebu, the Consulate of Belgium under the stewardship of the Benedicto family has made it a tradition to celebrate the occasion with a cocktail reception. This year the party was held at the Ballroom of Marco Polo Plaza Cebu with Belgian Ambassador Michel Parys and Honorary Belgian Consul and Mrs. Enrison Benedicto playing host. In happy attendance were the Benedicto family led by the patriarch Enrique (who held the post for so many years until his retirement) and wife Helen.