'Voices' that help one see

A sumptuous dinner party to welcome renowned Israeli singer and songwriter David D’or and popular Taiwanese singer Johnny Yin Zhen-Yang was hosted by the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry chairman emeritus Dr. Francis Chua at the Peking Garden restaurant in Makati City. The two world-class performers were recently in town for the Voice of Love charity concert held at the Newport Performing Arts Theater at Resorts World Manila. The beneficiary of the musical feast was the Tzu Chi Foundation Philippines, of which Francis, who is also the Peru Consul General, and his wife Tanzania Consul Betty Chua are both honorary members. The proceeds will be used for the construction of the Tzu Chi Eye Center that will accommodate the Philippines’ more than 500,000 eye patients who are waiting for the day they can regain their eyesight. Among those present at the welcome party were Israeli Ambassador Menashe Bar-On and wife Eti, Tzu Chi Philippines CEO Alfredo Li and EVP James Chen.

We salute the couple’s philanthropy! More power!

The Constitution: How it all began

The traveling exhibit Liberal Streaks made a stop at the Lopez Memorial Museum to commemorate the Philippine-Spanish Friendship Day as well as the 200th anniversary of the Spanish Constitution of 1812. Curated by Ambassador Jose Maria Cariño and Claro Ramirez Jr., the exhibit amply presents the Spanish Constitution of 1812, the role of the Filipino delegates and its strong influence on the Malolos Constitution of 1899. Related books and other materials from the Lopez Library and Juan Luna’s España Y Filipinas are featured in the exhibition that runs until October.

Another shoe for Imelda

It has been customary for Ilocos Norte Rep. Imelda Marcos to be a guest in numerous parties thrown by her loyal friends to celebrate her natal day. One such unforgettable birthday party was hosted by Joel Cruz, president and CEO of Central Affirmative Co. Inc. and Signatures by Joel Cruz Inc., in a private room of the Shang Palace at the Makati Shangri-La hotel. Joel hosted the elegant party together with Lani Schoof, the lovely owner of Peacock Garden Resort in Bohol, with the help of good friends Becky Garcia and Donnie Ramirez, who assisted in organizing the event. The former first lady was extremely delighted, dining in the company of close friends. After the impressive 10-course menu was served, Makati Shangri-La hotel executive assistant manager for F&B Golden Wessel Whitehead handed the piece de resistance — a red zapato, a hand-painted shoe-shaped chocolate dessert, to a gushing Imelda.

Cheers to you, Mrs. Marcos, and we wish you good health!

A golden musical at the Marco Polo Plaza Cebu

The Queen City of the South, Cebu, will once again experience a classic musical event as multi-awarded pianist Ingrid Sala Santamaria commemorates five decades of musical excellence with a concert entitled Celebrating 50 Years of Music. A concert of such magnitude deserves to be held at an equally magnificent venue, and when in Cebu, it has to be the Marco Polo Plaza Hotel, which continues to amaze locals and tourists through the ingenuity of GM Hans Hauri. Happening on Sept. 7, 8 p.m. at the hotel’s Grand Ballroom, the concert will surely be another milestone for Ingrid as she looks back on her 50 fruitful years of being in the industry.

Proceeds of the concert will go to the Salvador & Pilar Sala Foundation, Inc.

(For ticket sales and inquiries, please contact the Marco Polo Plaza Cebu Hospitality Desk at (032) 253-1111 local 8249 or 0915-891-2197 and the Arts Council Cebu at (032) 233-0452.)