Addressing the (empty) senate chamber

I also managed to gain access to the Senate of the Philippines. Senate is the upper house of Parliament here and is currently in recess due to elections. The Senate building is located next to the GSIS (Government Social Insurance System) and the Senate actually rent that part of the building from the GSIS. 

Whilst at the GSIS it was arranged that I went next door through the two heads of security. The Senate Chamber is actually quite small as it only has 24 Senators for the whole country. They sit behind actual desks so it is rather like being in a school room.

I was able to walk around all of the floor of the Senate Chamber and up to the podium in front of the Speakers Chair and formally addressed the Chamber in my role as a Councillor. 'I bring you greetings from The Mayor of Bolton'. The two security ladies watching duly said thank you and took me to the roof of the building where the helipad was for an excellent view over the Bay of Manila, Manila City and the Asia Expo area.

I left my card on the podium for the next Speaker of the Philippines Senate once the elections are over and done with.