An afternoon of love songs

The Johann Strauss Society of the Philippines (JSSP) recently hosted a Concert in the Afternoon at the Blue Leaf Banyan Pavilion, Fort Bonifacio. The concert was organized to show the gratitude of JSSP to all its sponsors, benefactors and friends who were always ready to give their full support.  Newly designated ambassador for Air France-KLM Philippines and JSSP president Consul Fortune Ledesma of Monaco headed the organizing committee along with JSSP chairperson Chit Gohu and co-chair Olga Severino Martel. A beautiful program of love songs performed by romantic balladeer Jose Mari Chan and Miss Saigon star Carla Guevara Laforteza opened the show followed by the presentation of a generous donation by the JSSP to the audience development, scholarship and Arts for the People programmers of the Cultural Center of the Philippines represented by its president Nes Jardin. 

The second part of the program showcased the induction of 50 new JSSP members. The grand finale had piano virtuoso Raul Sunico playing a variety of favorite Broadway melodies.  It was an enjoyable afternoon and a great pleasure for your columnist to emcee this truly amazing event which was big-heartedly supported by Air France-KLM. 

Congratulations!

‘By the stem’

The Bellevue Manila, the most happening hotspot south of the Metro, recently played host to an evening of sophistication. The Bellevue Wine Society, an intimate group of wine connoisseurs, held a wine tasting gathering at the hotel’s luxurious ballroom. Bellevue GM Patrick Chan, together with Philippine Wine Merchant’s Raymond Joseph, led the revelry as the Wine Society’s members enjoyed the sumptuous canapés, fine spirits and good times that only the Bellevue can offer.

Cheers!