Friendship through flowers

"To find out what one is fitted to do and to secure an opportunity to do it is the key to happiness." – John Dewey

The quintessential lady, the civic minded diplomat Kay Siazon, who has tirelessly worked to promote Philippine culture in Japan, did it again through her chairmanship of the Ikebana International Fair 2005 at the Tokyo Prince Hotel. No less than Her Imperial Highness Princess Takamado, the Honorary President of Ikebana International, graced the ribbon cutting ceremonies. Flower arrangements of 34 different ikebana schools, international booths of diplomatic missions and a graceful rendition of Philippine folk dances delighted the expats, dignitaries and flower enthusiasts who attended the colorful affair. The fair also raised funds for the Japanese Filipino Youth Program, an organization that envisions children of Japanese and Filipino marriages to take pride in their bicultural identity.

Keep it up, Kay!

A fairy-tale debut

Lovely princess Rachelle Ann Nichole Garrucho, a fourth year student of Golden Values School, recently celebrated her 18th year at the Luzon Ballroom of the Westin Philippine Plaza. The lovely young lass made a dramatic entrance amidst flowers, silk, and soft fabrics as proud parents Capt. Thelmo and Nancy Garrucho looked on.

The youngest of five children, Nichole is a multi-talented girl who has appeared in several TV shows; she is also a commercial model. The birthday celebrator was radiant in a carnation pink dress embellished with geometric straps, horsehairs, pearls, crystals, stardust sequins and intricate beadwork. Friends and family were all present to witness the transformation of their little girl into a young lady.

Happy birthday, Nichole!

‘Ol Blue Eyes’ lives on

The greatest singer in the history of popular music, the chairman of the Board Frank Sinatra, along with his long time buddies Dean Martin and Sammy Davis Jr., lives with the staging of The Rat Pack Live (Direct From Las Vegas) on March 25 at the Araneta Coliseum. Patterned after the original Rat Pack shows’ format, routines and chemistry, the 120-minute musical extravaganza gathers seasoned performers considered the best in playing their period counterparts, as well as a live band orchestra of the finest musicians. Vocal performances of romantic and swinging classic tunes by the trio will leave the audience breathless.

(For more information, call 374-2222 or 374-9999.)

Greetings

Happy birthday to our celebrators today Raymond Garcia, Louie Galvez and equestrienne Mikee Cojuangco-Jaworski.

Advance birthday greetings to Biboy Enriquez, Feb. 29; FCCP’s Lulu Castañeda, Nikki Prieto, Juan Carlos del Rosario, Prime Events’ Olive Sy and Gasthof’s Bot Gersbach, March 3; STAR associate editor and PEOPLE Asia editor-in-chief Joanne Rae Ramirez, Ella Choy and Nena del Rosario, March 4.

To my loving wife Tere, a happy, happy wedding anniversary, March 3. May we share many, many more cherished years together.

So how was your week?

(For comments and inquiries, please e-mail me at jjlitton@indanet.com)