Consuelo “Bim” Almonte met Philippine President Benigno Aquino, Jr. by chance while the President was smoking outside the lobby of the UN North Lounge. Security was tight that day as US President Obama was also at the UN. Bim still managed to engage President Aquino in conversation and introduced herself as having served the Pakistan Mission for 42 years. While not a diplomat she was the honorary title of “Adviser” because she is not Paskitani. After some chitchat, President Aquino agreed to have a photo taken with Bim. “I was happy to have the honor and I congratulated him, wished him good luck and I also said that he would do a good job. Indeed that remains to be seen. My impression of him is that he is a simple man, a good man, very gracious and without any airs about him,” said said.
