A bastion of excellence and honor

SGV & Co. founder Washington SyCip was recently conferred with the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Sil-?ver Star by the government?of Japan. The ceremony, led?by Japanese ambassador? Kazuhide Ishikawa, was at-?tended by the most influential names in the diplomatic?and business communities,?all of whom have been inspired by Wash’s incredible?life and brilliant example.? Known for his countless successes not just as a businessman but also as a philanthropist, Wash is a true bastion of excellence and honor, and I am proud to call him my friend. Congratulations, Wash, for this extraordinary accomplishment!

The ambassador meets the king

Newly appointed ambassador to Spain and Cebuana Lhuillier chairman Philippe Lhuillier recently presented his credentials to King Felipe VI of Spain at the famed Palacio Real de Madrid, which is used for state ceremonies. Ambassador Philippe Lhuillier, accompanied by the diplomatic officers of the Philippine Embassy in Madrid, conveyed to King Felipe the Philippines’ desire to deepen its bilateral relations with Spain on all fronts – economic, political, and cultural. The Spanish king welcomed this desire and promised to do his best to contribute toward the achievement of this goal. Con- gratulations to ambassador Philippe Lhuillier for his successful visit to Spain!

Fourteen years of glamour and charity

It’s that time of the year again when fashion and com- passion come together for Philippine Cancer Society’s 2017 Best Dressed Women of the Philippines on Sept. 26 at Okada Manila’s Grand Ballroom. Led by the indefatigable event chairperson Angola consul Helen Ong (fifth from left) together with selection and organizing commit- tee members (from left) your columnist, Elaine Rojas Vil- lar, Sandie Poblador, Tanzania consul Betty Chua, Gambia consul Agnes Huibonhoa, Marian Ong, Jayelles’ Roselle Rebano and Mario Katigbak (not in photo are Mabel Abaño and Roy Gonzales), the Annual Awards Ball, now on its 14th year, will feature this year’s Style Icons and Best Dressed Awardees, ladies who are making a difference in society with their kind hearts. Also to be recognized in the awards ball are the PCS’ 2017 Men of Extraordinary Influence. Since 2004, this glamorous charity ball has remained true to its mission in helping PCS in its aim to help the cancer-stricken Filipinos all over the country. For donations, sponsorships and inquiries, please call (02) 734-2127 or email [email protected].