Belo in Bacolod

There was an undeniable excitement among the members of Ilonggo high society when Dr. Vicki Belo recently hosted a luncheon for some 150 ladies in Bacolod.

It was the hottest event in town and the invited ladies did show up in full force at the newly renovated Sugarland Hotel.

The luncheon was the bright idea of my friend and Belo imaging consultant Jojie Dingcong, who helped organize the event with his two dear old friends Christine Velez-Vargas and Chole Cuenca-Chua.

Vicki brought to Bacolod her ZO skin care system by Dr. Zein Obagi. Of course, as Vicki did her “beauty talk,” women listened attentively and her speech was a hit as the products were all sold out!  I, too, use these products and I swear they are fantastic!

Chole, a truly devoted Belo fan who flies to Manila consistently for her monthly visit at the clinic, also hosted a welcome party for Vicki. The affair was co-hosted by Chole’s best friend, Christine. The party featured the delicious fare by chef Mia Lizares-Gonzaga.

On Aug. 17, it’s Iloilo’s turn as another ladies luncheon will be held at Sarabia Manor.

‘Catch 22’

The Metro Gallery will be celebrating its 22nd anniversary next month with a group exhibit aptly titled Catch 22: Celebrating 22 Years of The Metro Gallery on Aug. 7 at the ArtistSpace of Ayala Museum in Makati City. The show will run until Aug. 19.

The exhibit will feature works by Jaime Raphael Atienza, Kevin Balboa, Aiya Balingit, Ronald Caringal, Keb Cerda, Den Chua, Ronson Culibrina, Jayvee David, Dale Erispe, Adrian Evangelista, Pancho Francisco, Dino Gabito, Lino Jamisola, Joselito Jandayan, Darrel Dan Lagasca, John Marin, Charmaigne Mendoza, Jessie Mondares, Jett Osian, Tad Pagaduan, Roy Rosatase, Rovi Jesher Salegumba, CJ Tañedo, Kadin Tiu, Yani Unsana, Cris Villanueva Jr. and Erick Villaruz.

(For inquiries, call 0917-8115399, e-mail [email protected] or visit www.metrogallery.ph.)