Dancing for a purpose

Driven by the desire to empower women and help people in need, the Soroptimist International of San Juan, spearheaded by its dedicated president, Philippine Red Cross (PRC) Gov. Leonida “Baby” Bayani-Ortiz, recently held Dinner-Dance for a Cause at the Kalayaan Hall of Club Filipino in Greenhills, San Juan. This event, chaired by Aurora Ortega Carlos, aimed to raise funds for programs such as “Bags for Freedom,” a project that will provide livelihood skills and opportunities for women detained in San Juan City Jail; and “Feed our Future,” a nutritional feeding project for children of the adopted barangay of the club. Indeed, it was a great act of benevolence!

Congratulations!

A birthday lunch to remember

Socio-civic leader Kaye Tinga recently hosted a birthday lunch for her dear friend Rhoda Campos-Aldanese at W17, a fabulous home accessories and furniture store in Makati, which Kaye co-owns with Andy Vázquez Prada.

Seen enjoying a delectable five-course lunch catered by the upscale Dusit Thani Manila hotel were fashion designers Criselda Lontok and Larrie Silva, socialite Cora Tan and dashing shipping magnate Sherwin Hing. Rhoda’s doting husband Vince helped entertain the couple’s dear friends.

Many happy returns of the day, Rhoda!

Sweeter the second time around

Taking a second chance on love was the best decision made by dashing pilot John Yeo and his stunning ladylove, fashion designer Hallie Vy. The couple, who met through a blind date, parted ways because of distance brought about by their respective careers. Fate found a way of bringing the couple back in each other’s arms and John never let go of Hallie, who finally gave her sweet “yes” during a proposal at the Taipei 101 Tower. A beautiful wedding filled with warmth and love followed soon after. Parents James and Nanette Yeo and Henry and Elizabeth Vy beamed with joy as they witnessed their children unite in matrimony at the Chapel on the Hill in Don Bosco, Batulao, Batangas. An elegant reception took place at the sprawling Antonio’s in Tagaytay. All those in attendance were deeply touched by the couple’s heartfelt vows and emotional tributes to their parents. May you have a happy and fulfilling marriage, John and Hallie!

All that Cebuano goodness

With a desire to bring back the Queen City of the South’s well-loved traditions and flavors, the five-star Marco Polo Plaza Cebu (MPPC) recently invited friends from the media and special guests to the launching of Sugbusog: Cebuano Food Festival.

The award-winning Café Marco restaurant was the perfect venue for this gastronomic affair with the theme, Suroy Suroy sab ta sa Marco Polo. The very hands-on MPPC GM Hans Hauri together with brilliant consultant and restaurateur Jessica Avila led the guests through a culinary journey that showcased the rich Cebuano heritage. There was a lavish feast of traditional fiesta dishes such as pork humba, lechon, kinilaw, sinugbang saging cardaya and manok Bisaya (native chicken) served with other local favorites. The festival was also highlighted with the opening of the Sto. Niño exhibit at the grand lobby, which displayed a collection of antique images and relics shared by acknowledged devotees of the Senyor.

Congratulations!