Festive farewells

Farewells evoke mixed emotions but Mellie Ablaza, Consul of Guatemala in Manila, and her husband Louie wanted nothing of the sort when they sent out invitations that read "Let’s fiesta to bid farewell to Guatemalan Ambassador Arturo Duarte Ortiz, non-resident, and to Italian Ambassador Umberto Colesanti and his charming wife Clara at a luncheon at their Tagaytay house."

It turned out as festive as planned as Trio Los Adriatico, with the special participation of Brazilian Ambassador Carlos de Carvalho, came up with beautiful Spanish and English arias. A Filipino dance group, whose members ranged from seven to 70 years old, awed the guests with their performance, on top of live coals!

As always, Millie Reyes of the Plaza prepared the fiesta fare, complemented by Jun Jun Ablaza’s decorative treatment of the lawn, especially the table’s centerpieces and the tent.

Hail To Heritage A world-class "landmark" hotel rated as first-class by the Department of Tourism, the new Taal Vista Hotel recently unveiled a historical mural depicting images of the rich and intertwined histories of Tagaytay City, Taal Volcano and the hotel in a collage artwork done in shades of sepia and earth colors. Artist Felix Mago Miguel was commissioned to design the eight-panel mural, while Paolo Alcazaren undertook extensive research and writing of the mural’s text. The unveiling ceremony and the lavish cocktail drew the attendance of Tourism Secretary Ace Durano who was welcomed by the hotel’s GM Alex Groizard. They were joined by VIPs, taipan Henry Sy Sr. with wife Felicidad, Henry Sy Jr., former first lady Amelita Ramos and former Tourism Secretary Gemma Cruz- Araneta. This marks another victory for the Filipinos! Congratulations! (For inquiries, call the hotel at 046-4131000 or their Manila Sales Office at 02-7513088 to 89.) Aiming For Peace A very exciting 2005 Defense and Sporting Arms Show greeted gun enthusiasts and members of the defense and security industry at the Megatrade Hall of SM Megamall recently. Themed Aiming for Peace in the Community, the very successful event featured educational seminars on gun safety and other gun-related concerns, trade and retail booths, high-powered firearms display, daily raffle and demos by the country’s top shooters in a practical shooting simulated range. Among those present at the unveiling ceremonies were Association of Firearms & Ammunition Dealers of the Philippines, Inc. (AFAD) president Neri Dionisio, actor Eddie Garcia, Philippine National Police Directorial Staff Chief Gen. Avelino Razon, Gen. Art Cacdac and Gen. Jaime Caringal. What an action-packed event! See you at the next gun show! Greetings And Felicitations Supermom Babbit Goudsmit was treated to a fabulous lunch by her lovely daughters Carmela, Christine and Joelle at their magnificent home in Wack-Wack. No less than former Le Cordon Bleu student Randy Go played chef for the amazing spread. Babbit’s dear pals from the social and diplomatic circles came for the sumptuous birthday affair that celebrated the kind friend and caring mom that is Babbit. Happy birthday! Loving Mothers The Mother Butler Mission Guilds celebrates its 50 years in the service of the Eucharist through an exhibit of beautiful vestments and altar equipment from Aug. 27 to 28 at the SM Megamall Megatrade Hall. The Mother Butler Mission Guilds was founded by Clara Corpus in the Philippines to provide poor Catholic churches and missions with liturgical vestments and sacred vessels, and to financially support the vocation to priesthood of poor seminarians. Today, there are 55 chapters with more than 3,000 members all over the country. Mother Butler members also undertake gift-givings for paraplegics, feeding programs for street children and hopes to inspire more volunteer workers in the service of the Lord. Happy golden anniversary! A FILIPINO ACE DURANO AIMING FOR PEACE ALEX GROIZARD AMELITA RAMOS AMMUNITION DEALERS OF THE PHILIPPINES ART CACDAC MOTHER BUTLER MISSION GUILDS TOURISM SECRETARY BrandSpace Articles SM Skating Academy's Learn to Skate program takes center stage Sige sa Mantsa, Tuloy ang Laro: Breeze EcoPlay encourages Filipino games for holistic kids' growth LIST: The partners of GCash in keeping your e-wallet safe this holiday season Parent influencers Kryz Uy, Slater Young join schoolchildren in fun World Toilet Day celebration What went down at the 2024 MAMA Awards. 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