Steadfast partners through the years

The Philippines and Guatemala are like twin countries that share a lot in common — from beautiful tourist spots to the churches and forts built during Spanish colonization, the colorful fiestas, hospitable peoples and the latest modern tourism amenities. This is the observation shared by affable Guatemala Consul Mellie Ablaza who recently hosted an elegant reception at the Manila Polo Club in celebration of the 189th anniversary of Guatemalan independence.

With her to welcome honorable dignitaries and members of the Consular Corps of the Philippines were her hardworking son Guatemala Vice Consul Marc Thomas Ablaza and loving husband, Zambia Consul Louie Ablaza. It was indeed a special evening as distinguished guests from the diplomatic community celebrated strengthened ties between the two countries brought about by 38 years of bilateral trade and cultural exchange.

Gracing the affair were European Union Ambassador Alistair Mcdonald, Bruneian Ambassador Halimah Malia Haji Yussof and Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Franklin Ebdalin.

Congratulations!

All in the name of service

The Philippine Red Cross is the country’s premier humanitarian organization that is committed to provide quality life-saving services that protect the life and dignity especially of indigent Filipinos. Recently, the Red Cross held a dinner dance for humanity at the Manila Pavilion Hotel, led by hardworking governor and event chairman Leonida “Baby” Bayani-Ortiz. The charitable affair gathered kind-hearted individuals and sponsors who selflessly shared their time and resources to help those in need. Proceeds of the event will benefit the different humanitarian services of the Red Cross.

Among those in attendance were Rep. Linabelle Villarica, former Philippine Red Cross governors Chester Villanueva and Elmer Espiritu together with Manila chapter chairman Rep. Amado Bagatsing.

Congratulations!

Johnny says, ‘Check this out’

Remarkable photographer, food enthusiast and traveler Asunta Rufino will be having her first photographic exhibition titled Alba e’Tramonto — Asunta Rufino Fine Art Photography, which will show her awe-inspiring works inspired by artists such as Nakpil, HR Ocampo, Legaspi, Amorsolo, Manansala and Tabuena. Each masterpiece shows the beauty and delicate details of our surroundings, which Asunta achieved through her admirable artistic vision. The exhibit will run until Oct. 31 at the Galerie OneWorkshop at 324 LRI Design Plaza, Nicanor Garcia St., Bel-Air, Makati City. See you there!

A grand welcome

The ultra busy Betty Chua (seated, second from left), Consul of the United Republic of Tanzania, recently hosted a welcome dinner at the prestigious Shang Palace in Makati Shangri-La to welcome spouses of some of the new ambassadors to the Philippines. Seen were (seated) Sun Mi Kim, spouse of new Korean Ambassador Lee Hye-Min; Lovely Romulo, spouse of Foreign Affairs Secretary Alberto Romulo; and Yan Donko, spouse of Austrian Ambassador Wilhelm Donko. Also present at the sumptuous affair were (standing, from left) Georgette Wilson, spouse of Consul General of Australia Hugh Wilson; Gambia Consul Agnes Huibonhoa; Togo Consul Evie Costa; Consular Corps of the Philippines dean and Guatemala Consul Mellie Ablaza; Angola Consul Helen Ong; Monaco Consul General Fortune Ledesma; Tina Carlos, spouse of Cote d’Ivoire Consul Vince Carlos; and International Bazaar Foundation president Alice Guerrero.

Welcome to the Philippines!