International goodwill

The most awaited event of the Philippine international community, the Annual Consular Ball, was as grand as ever on its 30th year. More than 700 guests garbed in their best ballroom attire included members of the diplomatic and consular community, key government officials, top business leaders, dignitaries, media and the cream of Philippine society. Planned a year in advance by a hyperactive steering committee co-chaired by Monaco Consul Fortune Ledesma and Romania Consul General Sergio Ortiz-Luis Jr., assisted by the steering committee members among them Cote D’ Ivoire Consul and Immediate Past Dean Consul Vince Carlos and Costa Rica Consul Fausto Preysler Jr., the 30th Annual Consular Ball turned out to be a record-breaking success.

Consular Corps Dean John Fielder, Her Majesty’s Consul at the British Embassy, honored Philippine Star publisher and chairman Max Soliven with a special award for being the Corps’ best guest speaker of the year. Awards were also presented to the co-chairs, U.S. Third Secretary Greg Alms and Supreme Court Chief Justice and former Honduras Consul Artemio Panganiban, Croatia Consul Edgardo Reyes, in his acceptance remarks as incoming Dean of the Corps, presented Dean Fielder with a Testimonial Award for leadership of the Corps in 2005. Also highlighting the event were a fantastic raffle with valuable prizes, a choice menu that included a delectable blend of grilled beef tenderloin, sea bass and fabulous wines, and non-stop dance music. For your columnist, being the master of ceremonies for the Consular Ball for many years is truly an honor.

See you at the 31st Consular Ball celebration next year!

Promise of love

The sexy dancing diva and socialite Becky Garcia was temporarily away from the dance floor to dance a different kind of tango. A wedding tango, that is, to Dr. George Sarakinis, a Greek-German businessman who captured Becky’s heart in a whirlwind kind of romance. The lovely bride marched down the aisle wearing an ivory Monique Lhuillier gown in a matrimonial ceremony officiated by Makati Mayor Jejomar Binay at the third floor gardens of Makati Shangri-La Hotel.

Prominent names graced the list of principal sponsors, including former First Lady Imelda Marcos, BMW president Dr. Joerg Breuer, businesswoman Nedy Tantoco, 2004 Best Dressed Women of the Philippines awardee Amparito Lhuillier and yours truly. George’s parents, Dr. Anastacios and Urania Sarakinis, were also present to witness their only child get married to the country’s undisputed dancing queen.

Best wishes, George and Becky!

An affectionate dinner party

It was an evening of camaraderie as everyone enjoyed each other’s fellowship at a lively get together party at esteemed architect Gerry Contreras’s residence in Forbes Park, Makati. The majestic residence, complete with elegant décor and Gerry’s impressive art collection, was transformed into a place of merriment as close friends exchanged gifts and partook of a sumptuous dinner courtesy of The Plaza Restaurant. Talented saxophonist Vince Lahorra provided the night’s musical entertainment. Truly, friends make one’s existence in this world worthwhile!