“Hope is the thing with feathers that perches in the soul, And sings the tune without the words, and never stops at all.”
— Emily Dickinson
More than 350 prominent personalities recently converged at the Rigodon Ballroom of The Peninsula Manila for the first-ever Gawad Kalinga (GK) Hope Ball. The charity gala was led by GK Hope Ball chairman Beliz Balkir-Crook and very ably chaired by Travelife magazine publisher Christine Cunanan for the benefit of GK, headed by founder Tony Meloto. This epic gathering was a massive achievement as it generated a huge amount from personal donations and silent auction of luxurious items given by some of the most compassionate icons in our society. More funds came in from ticket sales, donors, sponsors/partners as well as the proceeds from the Hope exhibit. Special thanks to the donor artists, personalities, designers and business mavens who made this cause-worthy event possible.
Congratulations to Tony Meloto and to the beautiful Beliz Balkir-Crook for the monumental success of the first GK Hope Ball! Our sincerest gratitude goes to Christine Cunanan, to the grand lady of Rustan’s Nedy Tantoco and to The Peninsula Manila for the use of the exquisite and beautiful Rigodon Ballroom that made the affair truly remarkable.
What a great delight for me to be the opening master of ceremonies for this truly worthy charity event!
Greetings
Advance birthday greetings to Joe Rebano, Nov. 1; Victor Rufino, Nov. 2; Batangas Gov. Vilma Santos-Recto, actress-producer Armida Siguion-Reyna, Vintage’s Bobong Velez, STAR’s Antonio Paño and Allure’s Jerni May Camposano, Nov. 3; Dr. Raul Fores, Rome-based former Rep. Tomas Concepcion, Edd Fuentes, Le Lagdameo and Letty Hahn, Nov. 4; Jayelles COO Bong del Rosario-Palma Gil and commercial model Alex Ortigas, Nov. 5; Joy Buensalido and Pinky Concha-Colmenares, Nov. 6.
So, how was your week?
(For comments or inquiries, please e-mail me at jjlitton@indanet.com)