Recognizing an outstanding woman

I don’t think you ever stop giving. I really don’t. I think it’s an on-going process. And it’s not just about being able to write a check. It’s being able to touch somebody’s life.

— Oprah Winfrey

Congratulations to the charming philanthropist Betty Chua for being the recipient of the Ulirang Ina Award 2011 given during a ceremony at the Century Park Hotel. Betty was recognized for her remarkable involvement in various notable philanthropic activities and for her exceptional work as Consul of the United Republic of Tanzania. She is an active supporter of the Johann Strauss Society of the Philippines, Philippine Cancer Society and several charitable foundations. Aside from all these, Betty takes time in helping the many business endeavors of her hardworking husband, entrepreneur Dr. Francis Chua, the president of Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI).

(From left) Therese Perrine, Mandarin Oriental, Manila communications director Charisse Chuidian, Ara d’Aboville, The Tivoli executive sous chef Remi Vercelli, Mandarin Oriental, Manila food and beverage director Chico Angeles with (seated) French-Filipina artist Olivia d’Aboville and Miro Grgic.

Way to go, Betty! More power!

‘Hymnes A L’Amour’ at The Tivoli

Mouron, known as the “Diva of Chanson,” recently displayed her vocal talent at Mandarin Oriental, Manila in a special two-night concert Hymnes A L’Amour where she enchanted the audience with classic French love songs at the MO Lounge and at The Tivoli. Singing in the tradition of Edith Piaf, Jacques Brel, Serge Gainsbourg, Charles Tenet and Juliette Greco, Mouron was accompanied on the piano by her long-time collaborator British musician Terry Truck. Her Manila performance was part of a six-city 2011 Asian tour. The theme of the evenings was clearly French: the exquisite wines from Sommelier Selections were among the best French wines, and the fine cuisine was prepared by The Tivoli’s new French executive sous chef Remi Vercelli. It was truly a night for the country’s Francophiles like Czech Ambassador Josef Rychtar, Ambassador Ching Escaler and Joe Zubiri with his ever-glamorous wife Vicky. 

La vie est belle!

Greetings

Happy birthday to our celebrators today, Sen. Ramon Magsaysay Jr. and Camille Cobankiat.

Advance birthday greetings to Eduardo Lopez Jr., June 6; Robert Mananquil, June 7; Tara Litton, Marivic Concepcion, Miguel Vargas, Alan Antonio and Nards de Belen, June 8; Jaja Ledesma, June 9; Sea Wind president Boy Jarantilla, Lita Carlos and tycoon Eduardo “Danding” Cojuangco, June 10; FCCP’s Mars Lambino, June 11.

So, how was your week?

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