A distinctly Filipino affair for a cause

Bringing pride to the Filipinos by promoting local crafts and livelihood programs for the benefit of several laudable organizations, Kultura Filipino recently launched its first-ever advocacy program entitled “Crafts for a Cause.” The launch was led by Kultura Filipino’s lovely vice president Ivy Yap, together with gracious SM vice president for marketing Millie Dizon and affable SM Retail Inc. Business Development vice president Pascale Jimenez. Held at the second floor of SM Makati, the affair was graced by the dynamic SM Investments Corp. vice chairman, Banco de Oro chairman and SM Retails president Tessie Sy-Coson. She was joined by prominent people from the diplomatic, business and social circles such as E. Zobel Foundation chairman of the board Dee Anne Zobel, Roxas Holdings Inc. (RHI) chairman Pedro Roxas, honorable wives of ambassadors Georgette Wilson (Australia), Gardenia Harasich (Chile), Soledad Arias (Spain), European Union’s Bridgette Macdonald with Angola Consul Helen Ong, Monaco Consul Fortune Ledesma, Togo Consul Evie Costa, renowned international painter Betsy Westendorp and Friends for Cultural Concerns of the Philippines (FCCP) immediate past president Minerva Tanseco.

Hosted by your columnist, the celebration started with a captivating Filipino-inspired dance number from the performers of the Philippine School for the Blind. During the program, Kultura Filipino honored the pioneer foundations for “Crafts for a Cause” by awarding them with plaques of appreciation and SM gift certificates. It was indeed a vibrant cultural affair as guests enjoyed watching cultural pocket performances and later, shopping for the finest handicrafts and native finds. Ten percent of the sales during the event would be donated to the different foundations!

Congratulations to Kultura Filipino!

A dinner for a lovely couple

A fairy tale is about to culminate as engaged couple Kester Haw and Cherie Sing recently had an intimate engagement dinner with their families at the exquisite Umu Japanese restaurant in Dusit Thani Manila. The dashing Kester and the charming Cherie met at a coffee shop in Ortigas in 2006 through a mutual friend. Since then, they never ceased to express love for each other for three years, which led to a heart-warming and romantic proposal while aboard a boat to Granville Island in Vancouver last year. The couple was delighted to unite their families at the top-level Japanese restaurant Umu. Everyone had a great time over sumptuous dishes and high-quality service of this magnificent restaurant. See you at your wedding, Kester and Cherie!