Austrian Embassy celebrates national day

Charming, popular and well-loved couple Christian and Imgard Krepela, Ambassador of Austria to the Philippines, hosted colleagues, members of the diplomatic corps, business and cultural leaders in their home to celebrate Austria’s National Day.

Served were exquisite wines and delectable cuisine. Imgard, ever the gracious hostess, saw to everyone’s comfort and enjoyment while suave husband Christian went through the protocols and rituals of toasting President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and the Filipino people after which Undersecretary Ronaldo Baja responded with a toast to the prime minister of Austria and the Austrian people.

Truly a dignified and enjoyable evening!

* * * Opera Ball Debutantes With A Cause

Europe’s grandest annual ball once again unfolds in Manila in February 2003 when the Johann Strauss Society restages the Vienna Opera Ball and the Presentation of Debutantes 2003 at the Le Pavilion Metropolitan Park on Roxas Boulevard.

Manila’s luminaries are expected to attend the gala dinner-ball, which closely resembles the glamour and glitter of the majestic annual ball held at the Vienna State Opera House. The fund-raising event, which is being held with the support of Philippine Charity Sweepstakes, Mandarin Oriental Manila and other supporters, benefits the hospice care for cancer patients.

A full-scale cast of renowned international artists will be featured, including Austrian conductor Ernest Hoetlz.

The initial batch of debutantes, all budding philanthropists who have committed to help in the worthy cause, is composed of:

Paula Garcia. A senior high-school student at an exclusive girls’ school, she is a young entrepreneur who co-owns ZZYZYX apparel and accessories.

Jacqueline Michelle Lim. A high-school student who dreams of becoming a well-respected lawyer like her father, she is a member of the PREDIS Youth Orchestra and is a contributor to her school’s newspaper.

Sabrina Gretchen Salgado. A college student, she intends to continue the management of her grandmother’s antique shop and pursue legal studies.

Mary Claire Lambino. A college student, she loves to paint, write, act and watch plays. She wishes to pursue a career in an advertising agency.

Maria Victoria Corpuz. Currently pursuing a course in Special Education, she plans to put up a school intended for children with special needs.

Samantha Ayson. She is keen on becoming a Hollywood director and is currently a cheer dancer of her school’s pep squad.

Juna Rebekah Cadungog. A college student, she is also a member of a leading center for pop music where she hones her talent for singing and dancing.

Endowed with beauty and talent, the dynamic group of debutantes is set to perform waltz numbers glorifying the classical masterpieces of famous composer Johann Strauss.

* * * Your Dream Home Is Not An Impossible Dream

Just thinking about building one’s dream home – or rooms for that matter – can be pretty intimidating, what with the costs and a hundred and one decisions to make about materials. Thanks to Federal Hardware, it’s now an easier task.

As those who attended the Nov. 20 blessing of its flagship store discovered, Federal Hardware is a home builder’s dream and a one-stop destination. It houses just about everything related to home-building, following a US-style retailing concept for building and finishing products.

It boasts a diverse range of home and building items divided into sections, making products – from imported tiles to hardware tools, carpets, mirrors, kitchenware and racking systems, to tools and lights – easier to find.

Renowned designer Ivy Almario recently revealed that the Federal Design Expo, beside Federal Hardware in Makati and opening middle of the year, will exclusively offer tasteful furniture and building accessories for those renovating their homes.

Federal’s 4,000-meter flagship store was designed by interior designer Rola Vizmonte. Federal has 12 local branches in all and recently partnered with Orgill, Inc., the US’ biggest hardware distributor.

For inquiries, call Federal Hardware at 813-1663 or take a peek at its flagship store at 2250 Don Chino Roces Ave., Makati City or branches in Angeles City, Taytay, Cainta, Commonwealth, E. Rodriguez, Las Piñas, Biñan, San Pedro City, Imus and Calamba.