Purple shades of a golden heart

The Philippine Star columnist Letty Jacinto-Lopez recently launched her book entitled Purple Shades. The event marked Letty’s over a decade of giving joy and inspiration to many readers. Purple Shades is a compilation of her most memorable articles with the same title of her weekly lifestyle column in The Star. It is a literary result of her personal experiences, love for music and her various trips and assignments abroad. She has classified them into interesting categories like Heart and Soul, stories to motivate and stir the heart; My Blood Runs Cold, with tales of faith and survival; Without a Song, where she shares stories that stem from her lyrical conviction; stories of strength and inspiration in Family Ties; and female influence and motivation in Women Rule. The book contains stories and opinions considered by the author as her favorite pieces. Asked why the color purple is very dear to her, Lopez shares, “It shouts out the need for every individual to be loved, in various degrees and shades.” Published by Purple Publishing House, Purple Shades features colorful and artsy chapter drawings by artist Samantha Jacinto with cover design by acclaimed scrapbook enthusiast Joanne Figueroa-Yap.

Congratulations, Letty! (To order Purple Shades, you may contact Fe at 0919-3120713.)

Dancing among the stars

Our country will once again play host to the third Philippine StarBall — an international ballroom championship that will bring together some of the best dancers and respected adjudicators from around the world. Michaela “Pinky” Puno continues to be at the helm of the event as the over-all chairperson. It has been described as a “must join” competition by top dancers and judges and a “must watch” event by dance aficionados. The Philippine StarBall will be held on Feb. 13 at the prestigious Makati Shangri-La Hotel. See you there!

(For more information, you may call 812-8464.)

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Love and devotion

Eighty-seven carrozas bearing different titles of the Blessed Virgin Mary recently joined the five-hour Grand Marian Procession, which started at the Manila Cathedral. Mounted by the Cofradia dela Immaculada Concepcion headed by Imelda Ongsiako Cojuangco, recipient of several Papal awards, philanthropist and woman of style, in association with the Intramuros Administration, the procession is now on its 30th year. Hermanos Mayores for 2009 were Cofradia vice-chairman Danny Dolor and Cofradia president Aurora Eismendi. Cardinal Gaudencio Rosales was the main celebrant at the Hermanos Mass preceding the procession. About 500,000 devotees from all over the country attended the affair. Viva la Imaculada!

Johnny says, ‘Check this out’

Don Antonio de las Alas is an inspiring book written by sisters Ching de las Alas-Montinola and Menchu de las Alas-Concepcion in honor of the memory of their beloved father. “We would like to pay tribute and share the life of a man who has left a rich legacy of righteousness, integrity and love of his country and his fellowmen,” says Ching who wrote the book’s prologue. Menchu also hopes that her father’s uplifting life of dedication and sacrifice encourages others to do the same, “Papa gave me a name I am proud of. A name that is untainted and respected. It is my fervent wish that the story of my father will be an inspiration to all,” she says in the epilogue. The book launching and exhibit will be held on Thursday, Feb. 11, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Philippine Columbian Association located at Quirino Avenue corner Canonigo, Plaza Dilao, Paco, Manila.

See you there!