Events of Moment

The Association for Phil-China Understanding (apcu), with the Kaisa Para sa Kaunlaran, Inc. and the Chinese Embassy, celebrated the 29th year of Phil-Chinese relations by holding in the Angelo King Kaisa Heritage Center a photo exhibit of Peking Opera, an exhibit of works by distinguished Filipino artists and a display of attractive Orientalia teapots belonging to apcu vice-chairman Rachy Cuna, renowned stylist and the country’s only floral architect.

A demonstration of traditional tea drinking by Mme. Julia Chu Hyder of Hong Kong highlighted the event. Cuna, apcu’s indefatigable moving spirit, observed: "It is important for us to continue holding events like this which strengthen our cultural, business and diplomatic ties with the People’s Republic of China."

* * *

Rikki Jimenez, social events columnist and former fashion designer, marked his birthday at Dusit’s Fiesta San Miguel Restaurant by formally launching the Rikki J. and Friends Foundation, Inc.

Rikki was moved to establish it in gratitude for surviving an illness in 2000. Although Belen Lovina Ticzon-Martel now lives in N.Y., she graciously agreed to be foundation chairman in a letter read at the luncheon by Ophie Clemente. Trustees are Tereret Liboro, Charo Santos-Concio, Eugenia Muñoz, Ernie Ordoñez and Mel Chionglo.

The Foundation has already constructed dental and medical clinics in Lucena, Rikki’s native city; some 159 school children have already benefited from the dental clinic; children and adults have been sent to the Quezon Memorial Hospital and given free medicines.

At Rikki‘s luncheon were former beauty queens, women of style–Thelma Gana, Jo Ann Salgado, Gilda Salonga, Roi Philipps, Chit Salud, Yvette Grant, Ina Ticzon, Patty Jalbuena and Consul Mellie Ablaza–journalists Ethel Timbol, Chelo Formoso, Nellie Sindayen, Sol Vanzi, Monica Feria and Linda Bolido. Rikki’s brothers Lando and Joper, designers Joe Sason and Tony Cajucom, Dino and Vikki Lagdameo and scores more were present. Randy Baradas was program emcee.