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!
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!