art & a lot of soul

Late Night Show", dahlings, was a night to remember for artist Charlie Co, as his famille, friends and kababayan from Bacolod came to take pride in his talent.
Charlie tuned in to Philippine society and politics by allegorically comparing it to a TV teledrama. Actors Joel Torre and Ronnie Lazaro, also natives of Bacolod, joined in, as did friends Peewee Roldan and Toto Tarosa, fellow artists Pandy Aviado, National Artist Billy Abueva, Ramon Orlina, Robert Robles.

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Raul Lebajo celebrated the bounty of nature in a recent exhibit at the Art Center of SM Megamall, palanggas. The show was opened by former Sen. Nikki Coseteng, newscaster Korinna Sanchez, Mary Sy and Zeny Tiambeng, all avid followers of Lebajo’s works. In keeping with the theme of the paintings, a garland of flowers and fruits was used for the ribbon snipping. Support came from fellow artists Manny Baldemor, Raul Isidro, Gus Albor, Tony Nuñez, Gig de Pio and others.

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Lita Alejar Faustino notched her 71st milestone with a dinner-musicale at her home, where guests came in different international costumes. Lita was lovely in her Chinese-inspired Carla Guiao creation.

Eldest daughter Emy started the evening with an invocation and song, self-accompanied on the guitar. Lilian Pickard rendered two songs; son Mon, famous musical arranger, sang "Eres Tu", while grandchildren Giana, Arielle and Joshua trio’d "Pagdating ng Panahon", with two-year-old Joshua quite the scene-and mike-stealer, dahlings. Granddaughters Cissy Faustino and Karla and Denese also dedicated songs to the celebrator.

Rhapsody ladies Dolly Bohol and Viring Ongkeko gave touching speeches, while Techie Cristobal, Sonya Valencia (Lita’s voice mentor), Norma Francia, Evelyn Martin (who did "Unforgettable" with Mon F.), Nene de Guzman and Dorie Gomez delighted the audience.

Highlight of the evening, palanggas, had Lita singing "Ikaw Lang ang Mamahalin" dedicated to her loving husband Jorge. Fine weather, a sumptuous dinner, enjoyable music and the company of loved ones and special friends made Lita’s 71st birthday a most delightful reality.

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Remember, palanggas, "When you trust God’s Son, darkness will always give way to light." Smile. See you.