MANILA, Philippines - Socio-civic leader Nene Leonor hosted a birthday soiree at the North Forbes Clubhouse in Makati that she turned into a gift-giving instead to help classical violinist virtuoso Joaquin Maria “Chino” Gutierrez in his training at the renowned Munich State Academy for Music and Theatre.
Chino was guest of honor at Nene’s birthday party. As a former president of the Friends for Cultural Concerns of the Philippines, Nene requested her guests to make a donaton to the young man’s educational funds in lieu of gifts.
Manila’s social set partook of Nene’s buffet merienda-cena as they listened to Chino sing a classical piece and Filipino native favorites, one or two as transcribed by noted virtuoso Gilopez Kabayao, topped by the everlasting favorite Bayan Ko.
“I want to give the Philippines a stronger voice in classical music abroad and bring back what I have learned and share it here,” said the young Chino.
Nene thanked her friends who have always supported her, even during her term as FCCP president. Among them are Imelda Cojuangco, Linda Lagdameo, Nene Pe Lim, Edna Lhuillier, Mila How, Mariquita Yeung, Dr. Loi Ejercito, Ching Cruz, Dr. Ellen Binay, Consuls Louie and Mellie Ablaza, Joey and Mabel Abaño, Estela Lopez, Letty Hahn, Joel Cruz and Amparito Lhuillier.
Flower arrangements were the work of love of Nene’s nieces Tina Bonoan and Mari Bonoan Escaño, daughters of Nene’s sister Letty Bonoan. Also providing entertainment numbers at Nene’s party were singers Rem Zamora of Repertory Philippines and Jett Pangan of The Dawn.