Building on past relationships

BABE'S EYE VIEW

- AMBASSADOR B. ROMUALDEZ

Over the holidays, I took a short break from the cold weather in Washington, DC with time to play golf in West Palm Beach, Florida where the weather was exceptionally wonderful. I played at the exclusive Trump International Golf Club where, obviously, one needs to be invited to play, even more so to become a member.

Next to the Trump International Golf Club is Palm Beach where one of President Trump's homes, Mar-a-Lago, is located. Today, it can very well be considered as the center of power and wealth in the United States. Mar-a-Lago was once owned by wealthy socialite and heiress to the Post Cereals fortune, Marjorie Post. Palm Beach, a barrier island, is also where the Kennedys had a home. JFK actually spent some time there before and during his short presidency.

After my golf game, I was extremely pleased to have a conversation with President Trump. I congratulated him for his decisive win, and told him I was looking forward to working once again with his administration.

I presented my credentials in November 2017 to President Trump right after he came from Manila for the 31st ASEAN Summit, where I had the chance to first meet him.

During the congratulatory phone call that we arranged for President Marcos, the US president-elect inquired about PBBM's mother, former first lady Imelda Marcos, whom President Trump met in New York many times in the past. Undoubtedly, the call was a great opportunity for PBBM to re-establish personal connections with the incoming US president.

Building on past relationships we have developed with those who were in office during the first Trump administration will surely put us on the right track in continuing our strong alliance with the United States.