Icons of legal excellence and public service

NE OF THE COUNTRY’S OLDEST BAR associations, the UP Women Lawyers’ Circle (WILOCI) recently celebrated its 70th year at the Manila Polo Club. Touted as the Sapphire Ball, this esteemed group of lawyers celebrated seven decades of producing some of the nation’s top legal minds and most uncompromising public servants. Leading the pack is the Philippines’ fi fth highest leader, chief justice Maria Loudes Sereno, who delivered a stirring message challenging the members of WILOCI to continue the good work of providing legal aid to the marginalized in society. Other prominent members included Supreme Court justices Flerida Ruth Romero and ombudsman Conchita Morales, who also served as guest speakers for the event. The new WILOCI Board of Trustees, led by incoming president Wilma Valdemoro- Cua, were also inducted, together with new members, which includes 2015 bar topnotcher Rachel Angeli Miranda. Happy anniversary to the exceptional attorneys of the UP Women Lawyers’ Circle!

A national gem shines brighter

THE PHILIPPINE INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION Center (PICC) recently celebrated its 40th anniversary by looking back at some of the center’s greatest moments since its inception. At the celebration, a mounted exhibit featured photos from select events, the highlight of which was the handwritten message to PICC by Saint Teresa of Calcutta during her visit to the center in 1984. Led by PICC’s Board of Directors chairman Amando Tetangco Jr. and general manager Renato Padilla, a special award dubbed the “PICC Gem” was given to singer-actress Lea Salonga for embodying PICC’s ideals of world-class excellence and global reach, and for showcasing the PICC to the world as the country’s premier event venue. Congratulations to the PICC for 40 years of being a shining beacon for Philippine art, culture, history, and entertainment!