Cats: A visual grandeur, now and forever

From the theatrical Broadway in New York, Manila recently welcomed the much anticipated and immortal musical Cats: Now and Forever. Currently being staged at the Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo of the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP), the gala night of the musical phenomenon had its guests enjoying the finest entrée, wine and entertainment. The hall was transformed into a Jellicle cat’s paradise clad with black and yellow ornaments. Perhaps one of the most awaited moments of the Andrew Lloyd Webber classic is the performance of the country’s pride, Lea Salonga, who portrayed Grizabella and sang the famous song Memory, which gave goosebumps and left the audience in awe as they experienced one of the world’s greatest musicals at its finest. Seen at the gala night were The Philippine Star president Miguel Belmonte, Smart’s Infinity Business group head Julie Carceller, Philippine Airlines president Jimmy Bautista, Ilocos Norte Rep. Imelda Marcos, Citibank Philippines country officer Sanjiv Vohra, Sen. Miguel Zubiri with wife Audrey, Pinky Aquino-Abellada, CCP president Ambassador Isabel Caro Wilson and celebrities Zsa Zsa Padilla with the King of Philippine Comedy Dolphy, Georgina Wilson, Borgy Manotoc, Jericho Rosales and Karylle. The musical runs until Aug. 22 so make sure to catch it before it ends or you’ll forever blame yourself for missing the best musical ever made. Thank you to the people behind Cats: Now and Forever for bringing this classic masterpiece to the Philippines!

Celebrating life’s miracles

Catholic Women’s Club (CWC) led by hardworking president Rose Lazaro recently sponsored Miracle in Rwanda, a critically-acclaimed “one woman show” starring multi-talented actress Leslie Lewis Sword. The show was produced by Leslie’s mother, Loida Nicolas Lewis, an inspiring philanthropist and civic leader. In celebration of the show’s success at the Insular Life Auditorium in Makati, CWC hosted an intimate dinner for the brilliant duo at the elegant Paseo Uno of the top-rated Mandarin Oriental Manila. Prior to the affair, Rose bonded with her long-time friends during a luncheon hosted by the generous Ofie Recto at her posh condo unit in Makati. Cheers!

A glitzy, roaring ‘20s ball

The ever so generous and always-on-the-go society figure Zeny Cabral and her energetic sister Fely Schweitzer recently held a joint birthday celebration at the Mckinley Room of Manila Polo Club. Following the theme Roaring ‘20s Ball, men arrived, looking dapper in their black ties and the ladies, glamorous in their glittery flapper costumes complete with feather-inspired headdresses and lustrous pearl necklaces. Aside from the delectable dinner, the affair featured undisputable concert pianist professor Raul Sunico who regaled the celebrators with their favorite Chopin pieces. The amazing “Barbers Quartette” composed of Gion Gounet, George Hizon, Noel Gonzales and Ricky Davao also serenaded everyone with classical songs like O Sole Mio. It was a most enjoyable evening that everyone admitted also unforgettable.

Happy birthday, Zeny and Fely!