“Joy is not in things; it is in us.” — Richard Wagner
The most-awaited highlight of the Philippine international community’s diplomatic-consular calendar this year, the 35th Annual Consular Ball, recently took place at the Rizal Ballroom of the Makati Shangri-La Hotel. Chaired by Guatemala Vice Consul Marc Thomas Ablaza and co-chaired by past dean Juan Peña, the event was a huge success in terms of attendance, amenities, program highlights and number of raffle prizes plus its financial viability as reported by Corps treasurer, Romania Consul General Sergio Ortiz Luis Jr.
Hosted by your columnist, it was an absolutely enjoyable evening with the beautifully-decorated venue fit for the elegant guests and with the heart-warming remarks from Consular Corps former dean and Guatemala Consul Mellie Ablaza. Incoming Dean of the Corps, Australia Consul Hugh Wilson, delivered his acceptance speech and presented an Award of Merit for Leadership to Consul Mellie Ablaza for her excellent direction of the Corps in 2010. Adding to the evening’s glamour was the presence of numerous dignitaries including former Supreme Court Chief Justice Artemio Panganiban with wife Leni and Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Esteban Conejos Jr. as well as the entertaining grand Rigodon de Honor performed by the members of the Corps.
Congratulations to the Ball Committee for another stellar gathering. See you next year!
Greetings
Advance birthday greetings to STAR’s Lito Tacujan, Jan. 31; Aida Posadas, Mundy Feliciano, Henry Cojuangco and Antonio Montinola, Feb. 1; Pia Lopez and Steven Morelos, Feb. 2; Alex Vergara and Joselito Manahan, Feb. 3; Ruth Taal, Bea Lopez Puno and Nenita Floirendo, Feb. 4; Aficionado and Joel Cruz Signatures president and CEO Joel Cruz and Me-An Samiado, Feb. 5.
So, how was your week?
(For comments or inquiries, please e-mail me at jjlitton@indanet.com)