The D Spot

Related story:  Mayor Jose Marques brings Sabrosa, Portugal’s new Fernão Magalhães wine (Magellan Wine) to the Philippines

Here is a photo taken after dinner on 26 September (Sunday) at Casino Español de Manila with the Mayor of Sabrosa, Portugal, Jose Manuel Carvalho Marques. Others in attendance were the good Mayor’s friend, Czech Republic’s Ambassador to the Philippines, Jaroslav Ludva, Ricardo Centenera (who gladly acted as the Mayor’s interpreter), the Head of Vibal Publishing, Mrs. Esther Vibal, Dr. Genevieve Huang, Exequiel Sabarillo, a delegation from Butuan Global Forum, Christian from WikiPilipinas, Butch and Noemi Dado, myself and hubby Alan.

The Mayor envisions a full Filipino-Portuguese diplomatic, cultural and political relationship in the near future. He is also taking the initiative of connecting the countries which Magellan passed through when he circumnavigated the world, the Philippines included. In fact, a Virtual Simulation of Magellan’s circumnavigation is underway, so that people will be able to experience through virtual simulation, Magellan’s trips. When he returns to Sabrosa next week, he will move for the naming of one of the streets of Sabrosa as Rizal Avenue, in deference to our national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal.

The Mayor invited the guests present, and Filipinos as well, to visit Sabrosa. He appreciated how online presence can help to create an awareness about the wonders of Sabrosa, its way of life, its good wine, festivals, his vision for a Filipino-Portuguese diplomatic relationship, and on a larger scale connecting the countries which had a relationship in the past through Magellan’s travels around the globe.

A toast to the good Mayor for his vision—”Salut”, “Mabuhay”, “Cheers”, each with a glass of the new MAGELLAN WINE, called in Portuguese as Fernão Magalhães wine.

More on SABROSA, LAND OF MAGELLAN

SABROSA, its lands and people have always been a leitmotiv for writers, historians and others who have been inspired by the Douro.

In Sabrosa, you can find out and imagine how Magellan developed (raised) his discoverer’s heart and soul.

You can also discover one of the greatest landscapes of Portugal (which is also a UNESCO world heritage landscape).

A magnificent scenery and soil to the vineyard stocks which are made as the best world wines.

When one goes from the mountains through the vineyards down to the river Duoro one can experience the feeling of Magellan going from the Atlantic to the Pacific Ocean.

What is more, you will lso discover, like Magellan did 500 years ago, new people, amazing animals and plants, a great biodiversity, wonderful landscapes and very friendly people.

However, there is a grater name of universal literature, Miguel Torga, though whom we can breathe Sabrosa…Perhaps because he was born here!

Come to Sabrosa and you will enjoy great Port and Duoro wines.

Churches, chapels, and shrines dedicated to our Lady of Fatima will surprise you around almost every corner, any small village or road turn.

Lots of Manor Houses, with their coat of arms, ancient monuments and other historical references are also worth paying a visit to.

The impressive, aristocratic set of buildings around the Town Hall is also worth seeing. Or this one for its historic value rather than its artistic value—the house where the great navigator Magellan was born.

SABROSA is a cozy villa that deserves to be looked at with an attentive eye, especially the quarter aound the church, with its tortuous streets.

As the villa lies mid-hill, the horizons are wide to all directions.

Several archaeological vestiges prove that the region, where the municipality of Sabrosa is located, was very early inhabited. Some of hese vestiges go back to the Neoilithic, as in the case of several dolmens, mamoa’s type.

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