British Embassy celebrates Queen’s 89th birthday, honors staff for Yolanda work

UK Ambassador Asif Ahmad was the guest of honor at a party at the British School Manila in Taguig on Thursday to celebrate the 89th birthday of Queen Elizabeth II.

 

The QBP, as British Embassy staff call the annual event, was attended by government officials, members of the diplomatic community and business executives. Representing the Philippine government was Foreign Affairs Undersecretary for Migrant Workers' Affairs Jesus Yabes, who congratulated the UK on the birth of Princess Charlotte of Cambridge and the successful conclusion of the recent general elections, in which Conservative Prime Minister David Cameron was re-elected.

The event was also marked by the investiture of two Filipino members of staff of the British Embassy into the Order of the British Empire.

 

Vice consul Victoria Buenaventura and pro-consul Hannah Teh were both named Members of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire for their exemplary service to the British community and to the victims of Typhoon Yolanda.

 

According to the UK government, the MBE is awarded for a significant achievement or outstanding service to the community, as well as for "local ‘hands-on’ service which stands out as an example to other people."

 

"It's an honor not just for myself and my family, but more so Filipinos. This is for the Filipinos," Teh told GMA News Online after receiving the MBE lapel badge from Ahmad.

 

Queen Elizabeth II was born on April 21, 1926.

Her birthday is honored twice a year in the UK and in Commonwealth countries: on April 21, and again on a day usually within the period of the end of May to mid-June to take advantage of the summer weather in these countries. —KG, GMA News