A fairies’ ball for a cause

"The strongest principle of growth lies in human choice."– George Eliot

The Catholic Women’s Club, an organization deeply involved in service and fund-raising activities to serve those in need, celebrated its 85th Annual Ball at the Makati Shangri-La recently. Led by the radiant and hardworking chairperson Pitang Tiongson, the ball, with its theme "A Midsummer Night’s Dream," gathered CWC members and friends for dance presentations and socials. This year, the CWC’s main beneficiary is the Center for Autism and Related Disorders (CARD) in Las Piñas where autistic children will be trained in bread-making at a special facility. Apart from the funds collected from ticket sales and pledges, Pitang herself gave a generous donation from the proceeds of her birthday celebration. Thanks to caring people such as Pitang and the members of the CWC, our less-fortunate neighbors can look forward to a better and brighter future. Congratulations!

Johnny’s Wine of the Week

This week, your columnist recommends Ramon Bilbao Viña Turzaballa of 100 percent Tempranillo grapes, black cherry red with bright ruby red rim. Ripe plums and wild berries with roasted coffee, cocoa and vanilla on the nose. On the palate it comes round and spicy with notes of leather and cigar-box. It has a long and persistent finish. It is aged in American oak barrels for 40 months. It goes well with roasted meat and is perfect with Iberico ham and cheese.

(Exclusively imported and distributed by BestWorld Beverage Brands, 637-8491 to 94, bbbi@pacific.net.ph.)

Greetings

Happy birthday to our celebrators today, former Tourism Secretary Vicente Carlos, Ricky Cu-Unjieng, William Golangco, socialites Nini Licaros and Myrna Borromeo, Nov. 19; Cary Lopez, National Artist Arturo Luz, Allure assistant editor Büm Tenorio and "Banana King" Antonio Floirendo, Sr., Nov. 20; Raffy Abello and Pops del Rosario, Nov. 21; Titania Wine Cellar president Tita Trillo and Sari Cojuangco, Nov. 22; Marilyn Parra, Nov. 23; Rose Orbigo, Nov. 24; socialites Sharon Azanza, Katherine de Guzman and Basil Ong, Nov. 25.

Happy wedding anniversary to Ronnie and Menchu Concepcion, Nov. 21. May you have many cherished years together.

So how was your week?

(For comments and inquiries, please e-mail me at jjlitton@indanet.com)