5 fabulous years and counting!

It was one glorious reason to celebrate as the five-star Marco Polo Plaza Cebu (MPPC) recently marked its fifth anniversary with a fabulously heartwarming affair. Held at the hotel’s luxurious Cebu Grand Ballroom, the milestone event was led by indefatigable Marco Polo Hotels president Steve Kleinschmidt together with brilliant MPPC GM Hans Hauri and wife Bo. They graciously welcomed special guests from the social, government, business and diplomatic communities such as Austria Consul General Arcadio Alegrado, Spanish Consul Jaime Picornell, Cebu Gov. Gwen Garcia, Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama, Federal Land Inc. president Alfred Ty and Zest Air vice president for marketing Leveric Ng.

Everyone truly enjoyed the exceptional menu masterfully created by the hotel’s talented executive chef Luke Gagnon. The fare was perfectly paired with sparkling champagnes and premium wines. The plush gathering became even more festive with the lively musical entertainment provided by the Serendipity band and the Company band. Highlighting the night was the awarding ceremonies honoring the hotel’s top accounts. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed their extraordinary experience at MPPC, which firmly stands on being “simply outstanding, always astounding.”

Congratulations and happy fifth anniversary!

Viva Filipino artistry!

To celebrate Filipino Heritage Month, the Ortigas Foundation, Inc. hosted a special preview of the works of one of Mexico’s top painters, Romeo Tabuena, at the Ortigas Foundation Library. Listed in Who’s Who in American Art, the Iloilo-born painter entrusted his drawings and sketches in ink wash and duco done in the 1950s to his friends, Ambassador to Mexico Francisco Ortigas III and Marian Legarda, for exhibit. 

Seen at the cocktails were Australian Embassy Consul General Hugh Wilson, Consuls Louie and Mellie Ablaza, Helen Ong, Fausto Preysler and Ma. Josefina Duarte, artists Ramon Orlina and Nemi Miranda, Ortigas & Company Ltd. Partnership Holdings, Inc. president Rowell Recinto, Ernie Villaluna, Dr. Bobby Paterno and Jon Silva.

Tabuena, 89, lives in Mexico for the last 50 years. He has never changed his citizenship. 

Congratulations to the Ortigas Foundation for mounting a successful show!

A party for a queen

The ever charming LVN movie queen Mila “Lulay” del Sol recently celebrated her birthday in elegant style at the Manila Polo Club. The joyful occasion started with a Mass followed by an entertaining program hosted by grandsons Ira and Casey Cruz. The celebrator beamed with happiness as her grandson Parañaque City Vice Mayor Gus Tambunting led a surprise “roast” for her while surrounded by family, friends and colleagues from the film industry including National Artist for Film and director Eddie Romero. Highlighting the evening was a beautiful video presentation containing clips from Mila’s vintage films such as Giliw Ko, Ibong Adarna and Sarungbanggi, all meticulously prepared by former TV producer Joy Tambunting. Everyone truly had a blast!

Happy birthday, Mila!