French Philippine connection
Who could imagine that Châtelaillon-Plage would be the location for a weekend of French/Philippine cultural exchange?
Châtelaillon-Plage is a lovely little town of less than 6,000 people, about 15 km south of La Rochelle on France’s Atlantic coast. Its calm and peaceful atmosphere, and above all its beautiful beach, make it an attraction for French and other tourists, like us this past weekend.
We were welcomed at the Hotel Majestic in Châtelaillon-Plage by the owners, Cedric, and his Filipina wife Arah. After a long career in hotel management in the Middle East, they have renovated this hotel whose origins date back about one hundred years, and has many elements of the Art Deco style (see photo).
In sum, this hotel is a work of art. It combines charming architecture with modern facilities. But more than that, Cedric and Arah are committed to the hotel serving as a cultural centre in the local community.
In this spirit, Cedric and Arah very kindly welcomed an art exhibition which was honoured by the presence of local Mayor, Stephan Villain (see photo).
The exhibition was organised by Margo and JC (Jean-Claude). Margo, who also hails from the Philippines, has created and leads an association of mainly Filipino artists (ACCESS), which organises group art exhibitions in France and further afield.
This exhibition dubbed “Eau la la” is inspired by the United Nations 2025 Ocean Conference which will take place from 9-13 June in Nice, in southern France. This conference will bring together decision-makers in government, scientists, indigenous communities, and business and civil society leaders to accelerate action to conserve and sustainably use the ocean.
Thus the exhibited paintings had an oceans theme. This included June’s paintings of tropical fish, Margo’s large and bright blue works of sea life, and excellent paintings by a group of students from Switzerland. My contribution was a portrait of the Loch Ness Monster, otherwise known as Nessie (see photo).
And last but certainly not least, we enjoyed a tasting of wines from Chateau Franc Capet, owned and operated by Eric and Sarah (she also hails from the Philippines). Their vineyard is found in the Fronsac area of France, near Saint-Émilion which is part of the Bordeaux region.
Chateau Franc Capet is a small, family vineyard of mainly Merlot grapes, which Eris and Sarah have been operating for just 15 or so years. The two wines that I tasted were of exceptional quality, at least the equal of many Bordeaux, and with much more affordable prices.
Our weekend in Châtelaillon-Plage proves, if proving were necessary, that “mixed up marriages” with Filipinas can lead to great things.