Ambassador Jaroslav Olša, jr. met Mayor of Naga City John G. Bongat where they discussed the economic development of the city and the whole Bikol region. Ambassador also informed the Mayor about the intention of the Czech company HomeCredit to open their operations in Naga City later this year. Mayor Bongat presented Ambassador a replica of Divino Rostro courtesy of Allen Reondanga, who heads the City Events, Protocol, and Public Information Office (CEPPIO).

At the beginning of the two-day visit Ambassador Jaroslav Olša, jr. was received by Fr. Primitivo E. Viray Jr., SJ, President of the Ateneo de Naga University and toured its premises. During the meeting Ambassador  underscored the importance of education in the field of humanities, especially in the rapidly globalized world and congratulated Ateneo de Naga for their succesful programme promoting Bikol language and culture.

During his visit to Naga City Ambassador Olša, jr. also launched a Bikol language translation of Franz Kafka´s novel The Metamorphosis, translated by Kristian Sendon Cordero and illustrated by Dennis B. Gonzaga.  The launching was held at the Fr. James O’Brien Library, Ateneo de Naga University on January 30, 2016. On this occasion Ambassaor also donated 30 English-language books on Czech history and literature to Ateneo’s Fr James O’Brien, SJ Library.

To help to learn more about life of Franz Kafka and understand his writing, as well as to learn more about Czech Republic´s capital Prague where he lived, an exhibition entitled “Franz Kafka and Prague” was opened at Fr James O’Brien, SJ Library by both Ambassador and the President of Ateneo de Naga University, Primitivo Viray, Jr. It is to be on display until February 28, 2016.

Ambassador Jaroslav Olša, jr. also attended the dinner functions hosted by Spanish Honorary Consul Carlo Buenaflor and Rica Dacudao-Buenaflor at ¿Que Pasa? and by Atty. Luis Ruben General in his residence. There he joined a group of Bikol writers, artists, scholars and enterpreneurs which include Judge Soliman Santos, Dr. Paz Verdades Santos, Magno Conag, Federico Jose Lagdameo, Rico Raquitico, Fred Perdon, Tito Valiente, Victor Dennis T. Nierva, Omar Aguilar, Jenn Romano, Gerard Asay, Dr. J. Pilapil Jacobo, Arch. G. P. Priela and Rochelle Priela, Marissa Redburn, Estelito Jacob, Atty. Dan Adan, Jose Perez, and Fr. Wilmer Tria.