A fairytale wedding in Hong Kong

“Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength, while loving someone deeply gives you courage.”  — Lao Tzu

A place that perfectly blends Western and Chinese traditions, Hong Kong, especially in winter, is an ideal setting for a wedding. And that’s what Rafael “Rocky” Yam, son of Tessie and Carlos Yam, had in mind when he asked Alexandra “Alex” Ortigas, the daughter of Jose Luis and Maritess Ortigas, to seal their marriage vows last January at the Rosary Church on Chatham Road in Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon. The new husband and wife had 130 of their family and friends flying in from all over the world on this momentous occasion. Alex later changed into a dazzling cheongsam for the dinner reception held at the Santa Lucia of the Hotel Panorama, which had the picturesque Victoria Harbor as backdrop. To paraphrase that old Carpenters’ song often played at affairs like this, here’s a kiss for luck and you’re on your way because you’ve only just begun… Have a beautiful life, dear Rocky and Alex!

Fellowship among art lovers

(From left) Dr. Jimmy Laya, Angola Consul Helen Ong, Janette Ley and CCP president Raul Sunico.

The esteemed Society for Cultural Enrichment Inc. (SCEI) recently held a fellowship night at the posh Forbes Park residence of Angola Consul Helen Ong. The SCEI was formed to foster a liking and appreciation of literature, the performing and visual arts through audience development. Together with its president and chair Helen Ong, the SCEI board showed its appreciation to its active members, friends and supporters with superb cocktails followed by an equally lavish dinner. Enjoying the camaraderie were Dr. Jimmy Laya, Cultural Center of the Philippines president Raul Sunico, Nes Jardin, Janette Ley and Abee Co. Young and talented Mikaela Natasha Janelle Ley’s stunning marimba performance provided a fitting diversion to the party. As French writer Voltaire once said, “Appreciation is a wonderful thing: It makes what is excellent in others belong to us as well.” Cheers!

GREETINGS

Happy birthday to our celebrators today, Mel Mathay, Edwin Feist and Beth Cristobal.

Advance birthday greetings to lawyer James Litton, Jojo Gallego and Zeny Cabral, June 27; Carmela Ledesma, June 28; Pat Daza-Planas and Alice Samson, June 29; SGV founder Washington SyCip, Ana Litton, Perry Pe, Arsenio Bartolome III, noted dermatologist Dr. Clare Palabyab and Rene Banzon, June 30; STAR’s Tanya Lara, businessman Jose Antonio Gonzalez, Pitang Tiongson and Ben Farrales, July 1; wonderful lady Aida Cobankiat and China Bank chair Gilbert Dee, July 2.

So, how was your week?

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