A woman who made a difference

“Grandiose acts are not the measure of greatness; it is the small things that we do in the name of love and service to God, country and fellowmen that really counts.” This quote came from a “Woman of Firsts” in the legal profession—the late Justice Cecilia Muñoz-Palma who was the first woman appointed to the Supreme Court of the Philippines in 1973. The centennial of the birth of the late Justice Cecilia Muñoz-Palma was celebrated at the Grand Ballroom of InterContinental Manila hotel with luminaries in attendance, among them, Vice President Jejomar Binay, House Speaker Sonny Belmonte, former chief justice Hilario Davide Jr., Justice Cecilia Munoz-Palma Foundation, Inc. Board of Trustees chair Mina Gabor and vice chair Dr. Florangel Braid with trustees Grace Palma-Tiongco and Tady Palma, former senator Orly Mercado, Quezon City mayor Herbert Bautista and vice mayor Joy Belmonte. Highlights of the various projects of the Justice Cecilia Muñoz-Palma Foundation, Inc. were also featured at the affair. The guest of honor, Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno fittingly delivered a poignant and mesmerizing speech about the honoree. For her valuable contribution to the judicial system of the Philippines and the sacrifices she has made in her life in pursuit of her calling, the late justice Cecilia Muñoz-Palma was truly one of the most outstanding and admirable Filipino women that ever lived! Here’s to a great jurist and a great woman!

Towards a successful pawnbroking industry

Helping its members to become more informed on the latest developments in the pawnbroking industry is the Chamber of Pawnbrokers of the Philippines, Inc. (CPPI), under the leadership of president and Zambia consul Luis ‘Louie’ Ablaza Jr., as it held its National Convention at the Quezon City Sports Club. With the theme Pawnshop Industry 2014: Inclusive & Responsive, the conference covered several topics affecting the country’s pawnbroking industry which were discussed by keynote speakers led by wellness expert Cory Quirino, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) managing director Chuchi Fonacier and lawyer Cesar Vidal. Closing the said event was an open forum, moderated by CPPI vice president for Internal Affairs Marc Ablaza, wherein the delegates had the opportunity to interact with the speakers. Congratulations to the Chamber of Pawnbrokers of the Philippines, Inc. for this insightful gathering!

A lasting friendship

A sumptuous luncheon party at the Shang Palace of Makati Shangri-La was hosted by the endearing Tanzania consul Betty Chua (seated, fourth from left) for her dear friend madame Kumiko Kuroda (seated, third from left) who came back to the Philippines to visit Tacloban and work with United Nations (UN) volunteers in helping those affected by typhoon Yolanda. The said gathering doubled as a get-together for the ladies from the diplomatic corps (seated, from left) mesdames Wha Soon Won of Korea, Lovely Romulo, Elma Tetangco (standing, from left) Angola consul Helen Ong, madame Audhild Solem of Norway, Togo consul Evie Costa, Monaco consul general Fortune Ledesma, mesdames Margaret Ledoux of European Union and Paulina Mayorga of Chile and Guatemala consul Mellie Ablaza who were all excited to do some catching up with the energetic madame Kumiko. Thank you madame Kumiko and until the next luncheon!