Windows to Israel

Very few painters — outside of the local art circle — can outshine an inhabitant’s painted representations of his own country’s native scenery.  But a Filipina, educated in art schools in the UK, proved otherwise with The Holy Land, an exhibition of paintings done by the well-traveled Filipina contemporary artist Sheen Ochavez at the Lobby Lounge of the Manila Hotel.

The solo exhibit was sponsored by the Embassy of Israel led by its ambassador, Menashe Bar-On and his wife Eti, and the Manila Hotel with senior vice president for sales and marketing Ginny Banaag representing president and director Joey Lina and executive vice president Dr. Enrique Yap Jr. A cocktail party was held at the hotel’s Roma Salon.

Among those seen gazing at the painted landscapes of Israel were Forbes Asia magazine’s “Heroes of Philanthropy” awardee Joel Cruz, former Dutch ambassador Theo Arnold and Bravo Filipino publisher and managing editor Beth Victoria. 

Thank you, Ambassador Bar-On for your gesture! Shalom!

Czech beauties in the Philippines

Several western countries consider the Philippines as an exotic tourism destination. For tourists from Eastern Europe, however, our country remains an unfamiliar territory.

To attract potential travelers from those parts of the world, the Philippine Ambassador to Prague Evelyn Garcia brought together Eastern Europe’s biggest tour operator ESO Travel and the Automobile Association of the Philippines (AAP), through its subsidiary AAP Travel, to bring the 10 finalists of the Miss Czech Republic 2013 beauty pageant for a three-week stay. The beauty contestants visited Pasay City, Palawan and Cebu and discovered why a holiday is more fun in the Philippines. 

Their trip was featured during the widely-televised finals of the Miss Czech Republic 2013 shown in the Czech Republic and neighboring countries in Eastern Europe. What a great combination — the beauty of the Philippine islands and Czech’s most beautiful ladies!

Inspiring young entrepreneurs

For her exemplary leadership as chairman of the Young Entrepreneurs Group Asia-Pacific (YEGAP) for eight years, Anna Marie Periquet (left) was awarded the prestigious Confederation of Asia Pacific Chambers of Commerce and Industry (CACCI) medallion and citation by CACCI president Ambassador Benedicto Yujuico  in simple rites held in Cebu City. The YEGAP plays a pivotal role in promoting a pro-enterprise spirit for young entrepreneurs among the Asia-Pacifc country members of the CACCI.  Well done, Anna!

A distinguished woman of TOWNS

It was definitely a cause for celebration for TOWNS Foundation —  composed of all the awardees of the search for “The Outstanding Women in the Nation’s Service” or TOWNS — when it recently honored one of its members: Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno, the Philippines’ first woman to head the Supreme Court. The country’s 24th Chief Justice, “Meilou” to friends, is also one of the youngest to be named to the post. The lavish dinner setup and warm camaraderie during the tribute held at Tosca Italian Grill of the luxurious Dusit Thani Manila were greatly enjoyed by the honoree — thanks to Dusit Thani Manila general manager Alex Willats and Philippine Hoteliers Inc. president and vice chairman Evelyn Singson (also a TOWNS awardee). 

Cheers to CJ Sereno and the dynamic women of TOWNS!