Another look at Two

MANILA, Philippines - Two accomplished genteel ladies who epitomize the modern, highly-involved, altruistic Cebuana are prominently featured in Faaabulous III, a most-desired coffee table book by world-renowned master portrait photographer Rupert Jacinto. Amparito Lhuillier and Mariquita Yeung join the impressive roster of eminent personalities and celebrities who like them lend their name and use their family blessings for laudable humanitarian endeavors.

Amparito, whose philanthropic activities are widely known, sat for the photo session in her elegant home in a sprawling estate at the highest peak of the tony village of Maria Luisa. Taking in the awe-inspiring 360-degree panoramic view of the city below, she contemplates her plans for the many causes close to her heart.  She is surrounded by the fine array of glassware - she proudly tells friends and guests - designed by her daughter Monique, a fashion designer of red carpet affairs. Strewn all over the place were fresh white phalaenopsis orchids that complement her priceless collection of exquisite crystal, silver and antiques from her many travels all over our islands and the world.

A stately manse in another part of Cebu City provided the perfect setting for Mariquita Yeung's portrait. This generous donor to various worthwhile charities, entertains guests in a splendid, well-manicured garden terrace with exotic flora. This luxurious aerie under the stars is a great vantage point to enjoy the dazzling lights of the city. This haven-in-the sky separates the main residence from a very welcoming guest house - with 12 rooms no less - where she hosts her cosmopolitan friends from various corners of the globe.

Rupert Jacinto, portrait photographer non-pareil,  has limned his subjects and shown their sharing hearts beneath the trappings of fame and fortune in his latest book  Faaabulous III.  The life-size portraits of these two iconic Cebuanas were among over  a hundred others of the men and women of prominence shown in a well-attended exhibit unveiled at a pre-cocktail event at the Conservatory of The Peninsula Manila.

Guests then moved to the hotel's Rigodon Ballroom for the White Night Ball for the formal launch of the much-awaited third volume of the series. At this black tie affair, Vice President Jejomar Binay led a stellar guest list of prominent men in tuxedoes and barong tagalogs and women in regal white long gowns. Mayenne Carmona, who ably edited this third installment of the ground-breaking series, was also on hand, along with Jun Jun Ablaza, who created the elegant setting for the event.

Beneficiaries of the proceeds of the coffee table book include the Ophthalmological Foundation of the Philippines and the Sto Nino de Paz Save A Parish Program. (FREEMAN)