Pawnbrokers party

The "Who’s Who" of the Philippine pawnbroking industry recently gathered at the main lounge of the Manila Polo Club to celebrate the Chamber of Pawnbrokers of the Philippines, Inc.’s 58th anniversary and induction of its 2004-2005 board of directors elected during the organization’s National Convention last year.

The hardworking officers of the CPPI were dapper in their glitzy barongs, led by president Luis Ablaza Jr. of Ablaza Pawnshop; vice president for external affairs Jean Henri Lhuillier of Cebuana Lhuillier; and vice president for internal affairs lawyer Henry Villarica of Villarica Pawnshop.

Guest of honor Melito Salazar, monetary board member of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, delivered an inspiring speech about the pawnshop industry becoming one of the Philippine economy’s pillars. Rita de la Merced-Hernandez, who had served the Chamber for 45 years, was conferred a plaque of appreciation by the CPPI. The affair’s finale was a cutting of the ceremonial cake. This symbolized the chamber’s milestones since its informal birth in 1946.

Congratulations to the officers and directors of CPPI!

Service And Fellowship With Fun

Your columnist felt truly proud and honored to have been chosen as speaker when The Rotary Club of Makati Forbes Park held one of its regular meetings. A relatively young organization, the Club has undertaken many community projects such as building houses in depressed areas and becoming a vital partner in Couples for Christ’s programs. It has also pledged to help set up a preschool in an underprivileged community.

As the club’s members take its philosophy of "Service Above Self" seriously, they also hold entertaining activities like fellowships and outings. I had such an enjoyable discussion with Rotarians and their Anns when I gave a talk on voting intelligently. At this pleasant gathering of concerned Filipinos, even invited speakers such as yours truly gained a lot of insights and ideas!

Congratulations and keep up the good work!

A Carnival Celebration At Cebu

Plantation Bay Resort and Spa, that deluxe business and leisure destination in Cebu, gives a new definition to summer fun at the beach with Carnival at Orion. Every Wednesdays and Saturdays for the entire summer, the young and the young-at-heart become part of a very colorful and exciting whole-day event sure to bring smiles and laughter to families.

Had enough of kids watching too much TV, playing video games or facing the computer all day? The Carnival provides ultimate enjoyment while being an ideal venue for good old family bonding. It features a variety of games, programs and activities especially prepared for kids of all ages, including puppet and magic shows, parlor games, face painting and pony rides.

Active kids will never run out of energy for there are many food stations at the fair grounds. Have your fill of yummy popcorn, cotton candy, tempura on stick and fresh buko juice while watching pantomime and daring acrobat acts, piloting an RC car or playing at the Ring Toss booth.

These and more are in store for those who wish to partake of Plantation Bay’s most-awaited annual tradition, Summer Frolix. This special event runs until June of this year, and lets beach bums enjoy great deals and action-packed thrills. Experience the charming Waterview Rooms for only $120 net. This offer is limited to Philippine residents and balikbayans, excluding hotel peak periods.

Summer Frolix also holds stimulating sports and adventure activities the whole summer, such as Tai Chi or Yoga and the Aqua and Savannah Adventure Challenges. Mouthwatering surprises can be enjoyed at the luxurious resort’s signature restaurants Kilimanjaro Kafe, Palermo, Fiji and Savannah Grill.

Have a feast with yummy comfort food such as halo-halo and fruit shakes, picnic goodies and delectable Visayan specialties or engage in a more uplifting culinary experience with romantic sunset cocktails and sophisticated wine and cheese tastings. The world-class Mogambo Springs, The Spa at Plantation Bay has also lined up a number of new facial and beauty treatments alongside its first-rate spa specialties perfect for the hot season.

See you all there!

(For reservations, call tel. nos. (Cebu direct) (032) 340-5900, (Manila) 844-5024 to 25 or via domestic toll free 1-800-1-888-7788.)