Lights up for a better future

“Joy comes from using your potential.” – Will Schultz

The Yuletide season may have ended but the many beautiful memories it  brought us remain in our hearts. Soon we will be counting the days again to the season of joy.

Indeed, Christmas brings out the best in everyone, including the country’s renowned artists who participated in the Baile Foundation and Shangri-La Plaza Corp.’s O Ilaw, an exhibit of Christmas lights inspired by the Philippine parol that was held at the Shangri-La Plaza Mall in Mandaluyong.

O Ilaw chairpersons Maribel Carag-Dario and architect Johnny Hubilla, Shangri-La Plaza Corp. executives led by executive vice president and general manager Lala Fojas, Baile Foundation officers and trustees and exhibit participants including world-renowned glass sculptor Ramon Orlina, metal sculptor Joe Datuin and up-and-coming young designer Cheska DP Dimalanta among many others led the festive showcase of talent and creativity, now on its 14th year.

The honorable Helena Benitez opened the event graced by members of the diplomatic corps, art patrons and distinguished guests who all enjoyed the sumptuous cocktails capped off with a raffle draw courtesy of Jewelmer.

  More than being a glittery gathering, this annual event aims to help increase the need for “education through the arts.”  The event is spearheaded by Baile Foundation, an organization that provides scholarships in arts studies and art administration and gives grants to individuals who are into dance research.

Truly, the bayanihan spirit lives on through this activity.

Congratulations to the brilliant minds behind the success of this meaningful exhibit!

A birthday buffet

A memorable celebration was held at the home of Minerva Tanseco (extreme left) as she hosted “Favorite Dishes Buffet” at her antique and oriental décor-filled abode in honor of her dear friend’s birthday, Laiya Beach Resort owner Corazon Manese Perez (second from right). Guests included (from left) Patty Jalbuena, Sonia Recto- Lopez, Beng Fores, Luz Cullen and Chichi Laperal.

GREETINGS

Happy birthday to our celebrators today, Cynthia Santiago and Conrad Calalang.

Advance birthday greetings to Dingdong Eduque and Archie King, Jan. 14; FCCP’s Nena Casimiro, Jan. 15; Minnie Osmeña, Hilda Koronel, Sen. Sonny Osmeña, Ronnie Salonga and Minnesota-based Cynthia Santiago, Jan. 17; Renee Salud, Joy Virata and Doris Nuyda, Jan. 18; Karen Santos and Marco Ballesteros, Jan. 19.

So, how was your week?

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