On September 29, 1898, a grand banquet was prepared to celebrate the Solemn Ratification of the Declaration of Philippine Independence. The menu for the celebratory lunch is said to have been written in French.

While the lunch was a grand affair, it has recently come to the attention of historians that there was also a dinner for the same occasion. While still quite grand by today’s standards, it was a more modest affair than the lunch.

Accordingly, 125 years after the event took place in 1898, Chef Gene Gonzalez, who is Échanson in the National Bailliage, recreated the dinner at his Cafe Ysabel restaurant for the pleasure of Manila members and their guests.

Julius “Jay” Labrador Jr
Vice-Échanson