A gold for Olga
“The purpose of life is to be defeated by greater and greater things.†— Rainer Maria Rilke
The lovely Olga Severino-Martel, president of Johann Strauss Society of the Philippines (JSSP), was recently conferred the Grand Decoration of Honor in Gold for Services to the Republic of Austria. The award is considered one of the highest Austrian decorations conferred by the Republic of Austria to honor people (from Austria and abroad) who have rendered meritorious services to the country.
Olga was given the honor for her dedication and work in the promotion of greater knowledge and appreciation of Austrian music, culture and tradition by organizing the traditional Vienna Opera Balls, New Year concerts and other musical presentations featuring Austrian composers.
Austrian Ambassador Wilhelm Donko — standing in for the president of the Republic of Austria — presented Olga the award at his residence in Makati City. In receiving the honor, Olga pledged to continue to work for the perpetuation and preservation of the cultural relationship between Austria and the Philippines.
With her husband Joe, son Michael and daughter-in-law Andy, Olga acknowledged and thanked all those who have extended their support for JSSP through the years particularly the JSSP board of trustees headed by its chairman, Monaco Consul General Fortune Ledesma and JSSP co-founder Kay Siazon.
The diplomatic corps was well represented with 21 ambassadors and their spouses present. Also witnessing the event were all the good friends of the awardee.
Congratulations, Olga. Keep up the good work!
GREETINGS
Happy birthday to our celebrators today, Cesar Gabaldon and Marty Lopez, April 27; Jesus “King King†Celdran and Johnbee Sales.
Advance birthday greetings to Tingting Cojuangco, April 29; Malou Fores, Tessie Daza, Minnie Advincula and Chito Lozada, April 30; Hoseki’s Knoi Esmane, May 1; Remé Ramos, Miguel “Mikey†Cojuangco, STAR Business as Usual editor Rica Delfinado and Raul Daza, May 2; Prateek Kumar, lawyer Katrina del Rosario, Ryan Cayabyab, Monique Wilson and Bb. Pilipinas Charities head Stella Marquez-Araneta, May 4.
Happy wedding anniversary to George and Ana Litton, May 2. May you share many, many more wondrous years together.
So, how was your week?
(For comments or inquiries, please e-mail me at jjlitton@indanet.com.)
