Madame Ayrault cited by Knights of Rizal

MANILA, Philippines—Madame Brigitte Ayrault, the wife of French Prime Minister Jean Marc Ayrault, will be conferred the Rizal Women of Malolos Medal by the Order of the Knights of Rizal in Paris on May 29.

The award will be presented by Reghis M. Romero II, supreme commander of the Knights of Rizal, at the Hotel Matignon, the official residence of the prime minister who will grace the rites along with Philippine Ambassador to France Christine Ortega.

According to Romero, the award is being bestowed on Madame Ayrault for giving hope to poor Filipino kids as represented by the 25 members of a street children’s choir that she invited to France to perform at the opening of a major art exhibit in Paris.

The exhibit, at the Musee des Arts Premiers du Quai Branly and titled “Philippines: Archipel des Echanges” (Philippines: An Archipelago of Exchange), features Philippine artwork and artifacts. It runs from April 9 to July 14 and is the first major event of its kind to showcase the Philippines in France in the last 20 years.