24 February 2014 - Capping her social functions in Ottawa as spouse of Philippine Ambassador Leslie B. Gatan, Madame Debbie Lydia Mijares Gatan hosted a luncheon for ladies of the Asia-Pacific Group on 24 February 2014 at the Ambassador's residence.

Mrs. Gatan treated diplomatic ladies from Indonesia, Vietnam, Korea, Japan, New Zealand, Pakistan and Myanmar to a cultural exhibit consisting of fabrics from various parts of the Philippines, dolls in diverse Filipiniana attire and paintings depicting traditional Filipino dresses on loan by the Toronto-based Philippine Artists Group (PAG).

The ladies enjoyed the presentation of the traditional Filipino dresses, from pre-Hispanic tribal wearin the Cordilleras and Muslim Mindanao to the Spanish-era baro't saya, the mestiza dress and terno of the American period and the modern wraps of Dita Sandico-Ong. Ladies and gentlemen of the Philippine Embassy in Ottawa modelled the Mrs. Gatan's personal collection of Filipiniana attire and their own.

After a hearty Filipino lunch, Mrs. Gatan gifted each of her guests with table runners woven by the Yakans of Basilan.

The event was covered by The Filipino Channel which will air its reportage on Balitang Canada on March 9. END