The fellowship goes retro

A nostalgic evening of music and fellowship was the order of the night as Johann Strauss Society of the Philippines (JSSP) recently ushered in another splendid affair organized by JSSP president Consul Fortune Ledesma, ably assisted by JSSP chairperson Fanny Blanco and co-chair Consul Agnes Huibonhua. Held at the multi-Kalakbay awardee Mandarin Oriental, guests, casually garbed in denims matched with red and white tops, danced the night away as they grooved to the thrilling songs of the ‘60s and ‘70s courtesy of retro bands Behind Closed Doors and Highway 54. Seen having a great time were officers and directors of JSSP such as vice president Olga Severino, Mike Varela, Rod Cornejo, Betty Chua and Marge Ortiz Luis. Also present during the occasion were businessmen Washington Sycip, former Chief Justice Artemio Panganiban, Cultural Center of the Philippines president Nes Jardin, Ambassador Adnan and Oya Basaga of Turkey, and Dr. Elenita Binay. It was truly an unforgettable evening of fun, memories and music to remember.

Congratulations!

An intimate holiday affair

Savoring the festive season, the lovely and ever gracious Connie Haw recently ushered in an intimate holiday gathering of family and close friends as she treated them to an evening of fun and laughter in her fabulous three-storey mansion in Green Meadows. Everyone had a great time as they indulged in a bountiful feast, engaging chitchat and excellent ambiance courtesy of the amiable Connie.

Congratulations!

Culinary adventures in the south

The Bellevue Hotel, the hottest haunt south of the metro, offers you a culinary feast with a twist only at Café d’ Asie. Experience the finest Asian cuisine with the Asia on a Bento menu and put a personal touch on your ordered dish with the exciting Chef’s Alternative Dining, both until Jan. 31. Indulge in a sumptuous Sunday Brunch banquet with your family while the kids enjoy fun activities on Jan. 25.

(For inquiries, call 771-8181.)

One hundred dazzling portraits

Manila’s social set was treated to an enchanting evening of visual delights as internationally-acclaimed portrait photographer Rupert Jacinto recently unveiled Celebration: Three Fabulous Decades, a three-fold event which consisted of an exhibit, a coffee table book launch and a mixed media art show all rolled into one at the Gallery of The Peninsula Manila. Guests were mesmerized as the surreal photographs of Jacinto’s third coffee table book featured significant and fabulous personalities who greatly contributed to the society. Everyone witnessed a breathtaking spectacle as Jacinto’s 100 dazzling portraits in a beautiful installation designed by Jaime Ponce de Leon became even more vivid and alive with Kodak’s latest printing technology Nexpress 5-color digital. The elite crowd had a great time as they celebrated a revolutionary artistic masterpiece in the eyes of the brilliant Rupert Jacinto. Among the special guests in attendance were Beth Day Romulo, Consul Mellie Ablaza, Mely Hechanova, Kodak’s Emmanuel Lao and Hewlett Packard’s Jun Cruz.

Congratulations!

A birthday bash for a fine woman

The charming socialite Lucille Villanueva recently celebrated her birthday with an intimate gathering of family and close friends at her elegant Forbes Park home. Guests arrived in fancy prints and colorful hues of red and green as they indulged in a delectable feast especially prepared by the celebrator herself. Everyone had a great time as they enjoyed the festive celebration filled with music and dance. It was definitely a memorable occasion filled with good food and loving friends and family. Happy birthday, Lucille!