Honoring the best of Puccini
“Music is well said to be the speech of angels.” — Thomas Carlyle
In line with the 150th anniversary of renowned Italian composer Giacomo Puccini, the Johann Strauss Society of the Philippines (JSSP), led by Monaco Consul and JSSP president Fortune Ledesma, together with vice presidents Olga Severino Martel and Mandarin Oriental Manila GM Helmut Gaisberger and in partnership with the Italian embassy, recently presented Piazza Puccini, a gala concert held at the opulent Ballroom of the Multi-Kalakbay awardee Mandarin Oriental Manila. Members of the diplomatic corps and benefactors of the society were serenaded with the well-loved arias from Puccini’s best operas as brilliantly performed by Italian soprano Anna Carnovali, tenor Franco Becconi and Filipina soprano Rachelle Gerodias accompanied by the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra under the baton of Austrian conductor Ernest Hoetzl.
Congratulations!
A splendid gathering
It was another elegant gathering as the gracious socialite Nene Quimson recently hosted a lavish dinner for the affable former Philippine Ambassador to Spain Lani Bernardo and lovely wife Conchitina held at the beautiful gardens of her palatial home in La Vista, Quezon City. Special guests from the diplomatic and social circles had a splendid time as they enjoyed the evening’s finest cuisines and crisp wines amid the excellent music and ambiance.
Congratulations!
GREETINGS
Happy birthday to our celebrator today, Lopez Group of Companies chairman Oscar Lopez and charming and articulate Stephanie Palma Gil.
Advance birthday greetings to Marilou Lovina, April 20; Jayelles’ Bing del Rosario-Morelos, businessman Raffy Rufino and STAR Entertainment editor Ricky Lo, April 21; Moet Hennessy’s Olga Azarcon, April 22; Carlos Perez Rubio, April 23; Belle Litton, April 24; Bummer Santiago, Herminio Aquino, FCCP’s Erlie Gamboa and Conchita Toda, April 25.
So, how was your week?
(For comments or inquiries, please e-mail me at jjlitton@indanet.com)
