A most cherished opera ball

A most elegant 18th century Viennese-inspired Grand Opera Ball and Presentation of Debutantes was recently held at the NBC Tent in Fort Bonifacio. It was organized by the Johann Strauss Society of the Philippines (JSSP) and made possible by JSSP president Consul Fortune Ledesma, Opera Ball chairperson Cristina Belton, JSSP VP Olga Severino Martel and Mandarin Oriental GM Helmut Gaisberger. The event had an all-encompassing global character as members of the diplomatic corps graced the grandiose affair led by Philippine Ambassador to Japan Domingo Siazon together with his lovely wife JSSP founder Kay.

Guests were first treated to a musical concert performed by the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra under the baton of Viennese guest conductor Dr. Ernest Hoetzl followed by the presentation of 12 extremely charming debutantes wearing stunning gowns designed by Asia’s fashion czar Pitoy Moreno. The debutantes were Katrina Tumangan Manas escorted by Raphael Nuguid, Kristen Noelle Castaner Ponce Enrile with Gabriel Liboro, Angeli Lourisse Balagtas Miller with Jaymi Laurel, Therese Aurora Sarmiento Tambunting with Daniel Carpio, Sheree Jane Bangayan Chua with Aldo Malixi, Lia Alexandra del Rosario Romualdez with Wilfredo Sy Jr., Michaela Victoria Ledesma Laurel with Christopher Imperial, Isabel Geronimo Palabyab with Paulo Monasterio, Luisa Margarita Orosa Concepcion with Gabriel Reyes, Maria Cristina Perrenoud Afzelius with Tino Garcia, Myra Fernandez Sy with Ian Palabyab and Madelaine Lauren Apacible Humphries with Jose Laurel.

Congratulations, it was truly a wonderful evening!

Johnny says, ‘Check this out’

Get ready to witness a legend as the voice behind countless hits including The Diary, Oh Carol and Breaking Up is Hard to Do lands on our shores. On May 17 at the Araneta Coliseum, Manila will be treated to the ground-breaking sounds of Neil Sedaka in a one-night-only concert. Witness the comeback of one of rock and pop’s influential pioneers.

(For ticket reservations, please call Ticketnet at 911-5555 and Concertus at 813-2617.)