A gathering of the finest

Two of the country’s dynamic organizations, the Management Association of the Philippines (MAP) led by president, architect Jun Palafox and The American Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines, Inc. spearheaded by president Rhicke Jennings, held their General Membership meeting at the Rigodon Ballroom of the Peninsula Manila, Makati. Hardworking MAP member and First Credit Consultant Corp. president Grace Palma Tiongco helped organized the affair which was highlighted by the induction of the new MAP officers and a question and answer forum with guest speaker, Citigroup managing director, Asia Pacific chief economist and Asia Pacific economic and market analysis head, doctor Johanna Chua. Congratulations!

Peace prize winners named

For his advocacies on responsible urban and environmental planning, architect Felino “Jun” Palafox, Jr. was among this year’s laureates of the Gusi Peace Prize. Awarded by a Manila-based foundation, the Gusi Peace Prize is given to individuals with exemplary roles in their fields or who have contributed towards the attainment of peace and respect for human life. Other laureates include doctor Jagdish Gandhi, a descendant of the great Mohandas Gandhi, and other peace advocates from countries such as Russia, Belgium, Colombia, Austria, Kosova, Canada and the US. Jun was the lone Filipino honoree during the awards’ night held at the PICC. Congratulations, Jun!

A revelry in Bohol

A favorite haunt of foreign travelers and some of the country’s high-profile personalities in Bohol is the Peacock Garden Resort located in the quiet town of Baclayon. The private and secure property is owned by German-native Hans Schoof who found himself enchanted with the Philippines, our national hero Jose Rizal, our hospitable people, particularly the Boholanos — and more specifically, his gorgeous wife, the former Lani Jubac. The luxury beach resort is now managed by their son, Christian. Among the resort’s recent guests were Bohol governor Edgar Chatto, Congressman Rene Relampagos and Tagbilaran City mayor Dan Neri Lim and their families. The Peacock Garden Resort also impressed the recent participants in the first “Philippine Dive Seafari”. A socio-civic philanthropist, Hans is treasured in the province of Bohol and by close friends in the swirl of Metro Manila society. Cheers, Hans!