A Czech Trio Concertino evening

“Music is the vernacular of the human soul.” — Geoffrey Latham

An intimate evening of classical music featuring international award-winning artists from the Czech Republic recently unfolded at The Captain’s Bar of multi-Kalakbay awardee Mandarin Oriental, Manila. The Trio Concertino Prague performed for one night in Manila as part of its Asian tour 2009, in an event presented by Swiss International Airlines, Lufthansa German Airlines in cooperation with Mandarin Oriental, Manila, the Embassy of the Czech Republic and Czech Airlines. The Trio Concertino was composed of Ivo Kahanek, piano; Jan Fisher, violin; and Tomas Jamnik, violoncello. Dinner consisting of Czech specialties preceded the concert within the soothing ambiance of The Tivoli, where Czech Republic Ambassador Jaroslav Ludva and his lovely wife Jana, Swiss International Airlines country manager Paul Schenk and Czech Airlines managing director-Philippines and Guam Menchie Gregorio welcomed guests. Mandarin Oriental Manila GM Helmut Gaisberger, who had just returned from a China trip, caught up at the concert in time to enjoy the strains of Johannes Brahms, Josef Suk and Bedrick Smetana’s compositions, as did the music lovers that filled the Captain’s Bar.

Bravo!

Global practice well into the 21st century

From a small but robust staff of only four, Palafox Associates reaches another milestone as it marks its 20th year on July 1 with a grand anniversary celebration at the Ayala Museum. The company started way back 1989, at a time when the country was in political turmoil. Untimely as it seemed, its founder and managing partner, architect Felino Palafox Jr., carried out his vision without hesitation but with steadfast resolve and unwavering commitment. Guided only by strict professional ethics, thirst for innovation and great sensibility for societal needs, Palafox Associates grew steadfast year by year with visionary projects par excellence. The number of staff dramatically increased each year and the same spirit of camaraderie was consistently carried on from generation to generation. The company grew to more than a hundred competent professionals and consultants of which to date is now one of the largest and the best in Southeast Asia. Congratulations!

Greetings

Happy birthday to our celebrator today, Carmela Ledesma.

Advance birthday greetings to Pat Daza-Planas, June 29; SGV founder Washington SyCip, Ana Litton, Perry Pe, Arsenio Bartolome III, noted dermatologist Dr. Clare Palabyab and Rene Banzon, June 30; businessman Jose Antonio Gonzalez, Pitang Tiongson and Ben Farrales, July 1; former first lady Imelda Marcos, Baby O’Brien, Celuch Manahan, Aida Cobankiat and China Bank chair Gilbert Dee, July 2; Louie Ablaza, Vicky Veloso-Barrera, Viring Ongkeko, Tommy Manotoc and Edgardo Tordesillas, July 3; The Bellevue Manila GM Patrick Chan, former Vice President Teofisto “Tito” Guingona, Peter Go Pailan and Johnny “67” Velasquez, July 4.

So, how was your week?

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