Celebrating the goodness of Gina

There is no stopping the compassionate Gina de Venecia, wife of former speaker of the house representative Joe de Venecia, caring for the less fortunate and those with special needs. During her recent birthday bash at the Peking Garden restaurant in Quezon City, the celebrator expressed her admirable wish of building a national center for special children. Gina is currently the representative of the 4th District of Pangasinan, presidents of the Association of Women Legislators of the House of Representatives, and the Inang Naulila sa Anak (INA) Foundation as well as the founder of charitable institutions, namely: The Haven for Women, The Haven for Children and The Haven for the Elderly. Family, close friends and colleagues from congress thoroughly enjoyed the joyful occasion. Gracing the affair were Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) secretary Dinky Soliman, SM Investments Corporation vice chairman, Banco de Oro chairman and SM Retails president Tessie Sy-Coson, representatives Lucy Torres-Gomez and Lani Mercado-Revilla, among many others. Happy Birthday Gina! All the best!

Beautiful Thailand beckons

Thailand continues to be one of many favorite destinations. It is always exciting to go shopping in Bangkok, to enjoy the golf courses in Phuket and to experience the outstanding wellness resort Chiva Som in Hua Hin. Recently, a press briefing by His Excellency Mr. Chumpol Silpa-archa, deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism and Sports was held for assurances that the Kingdom of Thailand is always ready with its infrastructure and facilities to attend to all tourists. Pattaya showcased its comfortable Garden Cliff Resort and Spa, where from the hotel room balcony; the impressive Sanctuary of Truth can be seen. It is a huge wooden castle, now in its 30th year of construction, made of intricately designed hand-carved sculptures based on traditional religious beliefs. This is definitely a must see in Pattaya after the very popular Tiffany’s Show of the lady-boys. Others are the Nong Nooch Tropical Gardens featuring elephant shows and rides and sectional gardens and the new Silver Lake Vineyards with its Hollywood-themed lodging facilities. While shopping in Bangkok is on everyone’s list, one must not miss out on the newly opened and world famous Madame Tussauds Wax Museum. The delicate flavours of the Thai cuisine lingered every night as one rested in the comfort of the Grand Hyatt Erawan hotel right in the center of the shopping district. Our congratulations to the TAT Director for Singapore and the Philippines Kate Kritwutikon and Philippine representative Dave de Jesus for tirelessly making waves for beautiful Thailand! It was indeed a wonderful educational trip! For inquiries, please call Dave de Jesus, marketing representative of the Tourism Authority of Thailand at 911-1660.

One grand musical affair with Olivia Newton-John

It will be an unforgettable evening filled with chart-topping songs as Olivia Newton-John takes center stage for her one night concert at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum on March 31. Listen to the powerful voice of the four-time Grammy winner as she sings some of her most popular songs such as “Physical”, “Don’t Stop Believin” and Magic”” in a concert organized by Wilbros Live. Aside from being one of the brightest stars in the music and film industry, Olivia overcame her own battle with breast cancer which inspired her self-penned and produced album “Gaia” which became a positive inspiration to millions of people. Buy your tickets and take part of this rare chance to witness Olivia live. For ticket inquiries, please call Ticketnet at 911-5555 or 374-2222 or visit www.ticketnet.com.ph.