The Monegasque Ibero-American Association (AMI), presided over by Mrs. Erika Sheramin BEAUSEIGNEUR and represented alongside its vice-president, Mrs. Susana PERDIGUERO DE SEGOVIA, organized on May 7th an exceptional charity gala bringing together institutional figures, members, artists, and international guests around a shared goal: promoting intercultural dialogue through diplomatic gastronomy — the true common thread running through each of our editions.
Conceived as a bridge between MONACO and PUERTO RICO, this event illustrated the power of gastronomy to become a tool for cultural rapprochement, transmission, and international cooperation.
This edition, dedicated to Puerto Rico, was born from a close collaboration between AMI and Dr. Jesús David SUÁREZ, as well as Mrs. Lissette GUZMAN, President and Vice-President of RMG Group Art & Culture. Both are the driving forces behind this cultural and gastronomic project, co-conceived with the association, and have contributed greatly to its coordination and international reach.
High-Level Authorities in Attendance
The evening was honoured by the distinguished presence of Mr. Olivier WENDEN, Chief of Staff representing H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco; Mr. Lionel BEFFRE, Minister of the Interior; and Mr. Christophe ROBINO, Minister of Social Affairs and Health. Also in attendance were Mr. Jean-Philippe VINCI, Director of National Education, Youth and Sports, along with numerous representatives of the Monegasque Government.
Their presence underscored the importance of this event within Monaco’s cultural and associative landscape, as well as the growing interest in cultural and gastronomic diplomacy initiatives.
Puerto Rico: Guest of Honor
The AMI Gala welcomed an important Puerto Rican delegation, including Mr. Jaime MOCTEZUMA and Mr. Billy OCASIO, President and Director General respectively of the National Puerto Rican Museum in Chicago; Mr. Carlos RUIZ, former Secretary of Culture of the Government of Puerto Rico; as well as Dr. Jesús David SUÁREZ and Mrs. Lissette GUZMAN.
Throughout the evening, the soul of Puerto Rico was expressed through audiovisual presentations, music, traditional Puerto Rican Plena dance, and an exceptional gastronomic experience led by a brigade of guest chefs specially invited for the occasion:
- Chef Raul J. CORREA SOTO
- Chef Manolo LÓPEZ
- Chef René MARICHAL MORALES
- Chef Xavier PACHECO
These ambassadors of Puerto Rican gastronomy offered an unprecedented dinner showcasing the iconic flavors and products of their island, perfectly embodying the concept of diplomatic gastronomy championed by AMI: forging bonds between peoples through cuisine, traditions, and the exchange of knowledge.
They were presented with a special recognition in honor of their contribution to this exceptional evening.
A special tribute was also paid to chefs Dave NARVAEZ and Lourdes PLUVINAGE, loyal culinary collaborators of AMI. The evening’s mixology was handled by Guillermo ABRIL, whose creations delighted the guests.
The Students of Lycée Rainier III: Key to
the Gala’s Success
The Hotel School of the Lycée Rainier III of Monaco played an essential role in the success of this 2026 edition. As part of this diplomatic gastronomy initiative, the students took part, on the eve of the gala, in an exceptional masterclass organized alongside the Puerto Rican chefs. This educational encounter allowed them to discover typical Puerto Rican produce, culinary traditions, and the preparation techniques behind the dishes served at the gala dinner.
On the evening of the event, the students distinguished themselves through their professionalism and commitment across all areas: kitchen, table service, and guest reception. Their dedication, rigor, and elegance were unanimously praised by attendees and the international delegations present.
AMI extends its most sincere gratitude to the Monegasque Government for its continued support, and in particular to the Directorate of National Education, Youth and Sports for its ongoing involvement with the association year after year.
A very special thank you also goes to the management of the Lycée Rainier III of Monaco for their commitment and support of this pedagogical, cultural, and diplomatically far-reaching project.
A Prestigious Artistic and Musical Programme
The evening was elevated by two haute couture fashion shows featuring the creations of Giannina AZAR and LORRIVE by Lorena RIVERO. Footwear was provided by DI IORIO Monaco and jewelry by JOUD’S.
On the musical front, Maestro Ángel CUCCO PEÑA, an internationally renowned music producer, composed exclusive arrangements specially created for the AMI Gala, performed live by classical musicians of the Ensemble de Monte-Carlo. On two occasions, their performances transported guests to a world of unique emotion and musical beauty.
Violinist Santiago FALCON then delivered a remarkable electric violin performance, before artist Maikel LEÓN (Phantom Power MK) — singer, composer, and world music DJ — kept the dance floor alive until the end of the night.
The evening was hosted by our great friend Ferxel FOURGON, while audiovisual production was handled by FILMEDIA.
Miss Universe 2025
The evening had the immense honor of welcoming Miss Universe 2025, Fátima BOSCH FERNÁNDEZ, whose radiant presence added even more brilliance to this prestigious night.
An Evening Marked by Generosity
The gala also featured a charity raffle whose first prize was a certified emerald offered by Libero MAZZONE, a symbol of the solidarity and commitment promoted by AMI and its partners.
Thanks to Partners and Sponsors
AMI warmly thanks all its sponsors and partners for their trust and support:
Or’Addict Gold, Henry de Bellegarde, Classic Caspian Caviar, Joud’s, Giannina Azar, Lorrive, Marie-Christine, Di Iorio Monaco, La Hispana, Lamborghini Club Monaco, Émeraudes Colombiennes, SMR, Dra Ana Vila Joya Medicina Estética, Happynest, The Mall Sanremo, Maextro, Eaux Minérales 808.
