Annual women’s tea & sympathy

Swirling colors, pomp ethnic costumes and dances were the highlights of the Catholic Women’s Club’s 80th Annual Tea, held at the ballroom of the Peninsula Manila. The CWC is the foremost and considerably reputable women’s organization renowned for its charities and outreach projects in the country, and is currently headed by its president, Lulu Castañeda.

Linda Pastoral, chairperson of this recent Annual Tea, conceptualized the Asian theme to "showcase (Asia’s) diverse culture through costumes, dances and music ..." A contest of Asian costumes worn by the members became the high point of the affair, with internationally-celebrated couturiers Patis Tesoro, Ben Farrales, Aureo Alonzo, and Boysie Villavicencio along with art patron-banker Danny Dolor, the much-respected Don Ado Escudero, and Antonio Garcia comprising the board of judges.

Adjudged winners for their beautifully-crafted Asian wear, were Annabelle Adriano with Millette Ocampo, Mimi Ilich, Thelma Gana, Wang Je Bang, Luz Santos, Nellie Bengzon, Nenuca Blardony, and Mely Ablaza sharing in the distinction.

Mabel Abaño and Consuelo Preysler co-chaired the Annual Tea, and were joined by Pilie Aquino, Junie Peña, Marilen Elizalde, Tricia Vergel de Dios, Fanny Blanco, Baby de Jesus and Baby Gloria. Also contributing invaluable efforts were Celine Bautista, Lita Gelano and Linda Villadelgado along with Nen Casimiro, Mabel Abaño, Linda Pastoral, Annabelle Adriano, Marilou Alejandro, Nenuca Blardony, Tessie Gonzales, Cecille Ferrer, Mimi Ilich, Charry Lim, Arie Samson and Letty Jorman.

The CWC’s newly inducted members, meanwhile, included Leonor Goquingco, Patis Tesoro, Nenuca Blardony, Mely Ablaza, Cecile Limjoco, Trixie Castañeda, Leonarda Camacho, Corinna Caparas, Teresita Masangkay and Shigeko Diploma.

Capping the Asian Festival was a well-applauded medley of Japanese, Chinese, Malay-inspired, Muslim and Middle Eastern dances, performed by CWC members.