The night gave the Filipino and Italian guests the chance to renew friendships. Officers of the Philippine Italian Association led by its president Chit Montenegro, its executive vice president James Freney, vice president Rodolfo Giusto, treasurer Tillie Pelagallo and Silvana Diaz and her husband Ramon welcomed Cappelluto and his party. The latter was composed of Alitalia’s sales manager Joseph Lo and Mary Ann Bringas, sales manager of Inter-pacific, GSA of Alitalia. Nellie Bengzon, formerly active in the Philippine Italian Association, also joined the dinner.
It was during this night that the sponsorship of Alitalia for the First European Tour of the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra was agreed upon between the Cultural Center of the Philippines, the Rustan Group of Companies and the Philippine Italian Association. Alitalia will be the official carrier of the entire entourage.
This historic tour, organized by its musical director and principal conductor, Maestro Ruggero Barbieri, will cover four countries in Europe with Spain as the first stop. The concert in Madrid will be at the prestigious Teatro Monumental which Spanish television will broadcast. There will also be concerts in Austria, the Czech Republic and Germany. The group will leave on the second week of October this year.
The ever-perfect and gracious hostess Nedy asked Glenda Barreto to prepare a special Filipino menu for this occasion. Saxophone music played all night long to the delight of the guests.
CMC di Ravenna, Europe’s largest construction cooperative, has finished the massive $640 million Casecnan Multipurpose Power Project in Pantabangan, Nueva Vizcaja in record time.
One of the largest mega projects of its type in the world, this project has three major components – the twin diversion weirs of Taan and Casecnan, a 25-kilometer underground tunnel and an underground powerhouse. This truly amazing project will provide extra power for Luzon’s electrical supply and irrigation for Central Luzon’s "Rice Bowl" regions.
Andy expects to do the same with another million-dollar project, the CBK Project in Caliraya, which he hopes CMC will also finish in record time also.
Andy remains one of the most remarkable builders hereabouts. While some investors remain wary, he stands out for his faith in the Philippines by continuing to undertake major projects.
A gentleman and a visionary, Andy’s counsel remains valued by national figures who count him in their inner circle. Throughout the country, especially in Mindanao, he is a man well-respected by both the military and rebels for his countless, often unpublicized efforts to build classrooms, subsidize teachers’ salaries. He once even initiated a search for a downed plane in rebel territory.
Andy’s vision, drive and faith in this country are truly laudable. For his latest infrastructure, which he completed in record time and which will impact positively on the country’s economy, I join others in congratulating you, Andy. Bravo, Andy!
Belated happy birthday to Trina Montemar, Sept. 10.
Advanced birthday greetings to Larry Cruz, singer Aiza Seguerra and Toti Fernandez, Sept. 17; former Rep. Peping Cojuangco, Sept. 19; philanthropist and multi papal awardee Imelda Cojuangco, Maridol Mabanta and lawyer Tony Carag, Sept. 20; Marilou Tuason, Baby Paterno and First Philippine Holdings’ Steve Psinakis, Sept. 21; and Silverstar’s Mari Garcia and FCCP’s Nene Leonor, Sept. 22.
Happy wedding anniversary today to Dish managing director EJ and Tess Litton. May you both have many, many more years of wedded bliss.
So, how was your week?