Of beauty, pageantry and tourism

The grand coronation of the 49th Annual Mutya ng Pilipinas 2017, in cooperation with the Tourism Board of the Philippines, recently concluded at the Newport Performing Arts Theater in Resorts World Manila. Spearheaded by Mutya ng Pilipinas Inc. (MPI) chairman and CWC International Corp. president and CEO Frederick Yuson with MPI president Hemilyn Escudero-Tamayo, the pageant was founded with the commitment to promoting Philippine tourism and social responsibility. This year’s board of judges included yours truly along with distinguished business leaders and diplomats. The newly crowned queens include Mutya ng Pilipinas-Asia Pacific International 2017 Ilene Astrid de Vera, Mutya ng Pilipinas-Tourism International 2017 Jannie Loudette Alipo-on, and Mutya ng Pilipinas-Top Model of the World Hannah Khayle Iglesia.

Golden couple Betina and Chito Legarda (back row, fourth and fifth from left) with their loving children and grandchildren (back row, from left) Tono, Ces, Tina, Javy and Celso (front row) Anya, Paolo, Alexa and Janina

Love never fails

Businessman Chito Legarda and his lovely wife Betina Kahn-Legarda recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary with a grand reception held at the Alabang Country Club in Ayala Alabang Village, Muntinlupa City. Because both sides of the family are known for their proclivity for fine food and gourmet desserts, it was no surprise that the celebration featured an elegant, delectable feast. The couple, who have four children, met when they were teens and were each other’s first and last loves. In her speech, Betina said that Chito is the best thing that ever happened to her and if she had a choice, she would want to be fourteen all over again. She recalled how every time she would travel, she would wait for Chito’s letters in eager anticipation. Fifty years later, they are still inseparable, proving that in a world of fleeting romances and passions, true love remains the same.