A benevolent reign

The recent Jaro Fiesta in Iloilo, considered the grandest fiesta in the country, was led this year by the pretty and athletic Maria Kristina Lopez Abello or "Queen Maiki" for short, the granddaughter of venerable businessman Oscar Lopez and the lovely Connie Rufino-Lopez. After distribution of food and school supplies to various Jaro barangays, the grand parade kicked off, with more than 60 floats participating. The highlight of the parade was Queen Maiki’s grandiose float, which was decorated in a colorful environmental theme by ABS-CBN’s Regional Network Group. Thousands of Jaro residents and guests lined the streets to witness the Association of Barangay Captain’s well-organized event.

One of the social causes that Queen Maiki is advocating, as taught by her "Lolo Oskie," is to promote a "back to your hometown" campaign among well-to-do families. This is their way of helping uplift the standard of living in rural areas — families enco-urage their children to go back to their roots and help in social development projects. Congratulations, Queen Maiki! May your idealistic spirit infect us all!

The top choice of foreign dignitaries

Dusit Hotel Nikko, one of the most elegant hotels in the Makati area, continues to be the top choice of important foreign dignitaries visiting our country. The posh Grand Ballroom of the hotel was the venue of the recent Royal Thai Armed Forces Day celebration. The event, which was organized by the Thai government in memory of their ancestors’ great deeds, was well attended by Thai nationals, diplomats, and friends. Meanwhile, Dusit Hotel Nikko was also the choice residence of East Timor’s Prime Minister, His Excellency Jose Ramos Horta, when he visited the country recently. Hardworking resident manager Frank Grassmann and duty manager Riza Nilo were on hand to give him a hearty welcome. Congratulations to indefatigable Dusit GM Ikuo Itoi for the excellent management of the Dusit Hotel Nikko!