A return to paradise

"You see things that are and say, ‘Why?’ But I dream things that never were and say, ‘Why not?’ " – George Bernard Shaw

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The Pacifica Polynesian Cultural Foundation, Inc. recently presented a grand luau called Return to Paradise to mark its formal launch.

Guests all wore leis and colorful Hawaiian costumes. While partaking of the delectable buffet, they were treated to an entertaining, educational and well-paced show that included a striking cultural dance performance by lovely Yoli Ayson. The foundation organized the event to benefit the Emmaus Children’s Home in Montalban, Rizal.

The Pacifica Polynesian Cultural Foundation traces its roots to the Polynesian Dance Company, founded in 1972. It aims to uplift Polynesian dancing in the Philippines to an artistic level. The Polynesian Dance Company actively promoted cultural dances, conquering the Cultural Center of the Philippines with a series of shows and performing at Malacañang for visiting foreign dignitaries. Some original members of the dance company recently formed Pacifica Polynesian Cultural Foundation to help the less fortunate. Members of the foundation’s organizing committee include Marilen Bautista, Evelyn Villalobos, Marivic Gonzalez, Paul Villanueva and Marietta Sager.

Cheers to the Pacifica Polynesian Cultural Foundation! With this auspicious launch, we look forward to decades of terpsichorean delights, stronger ties, and an ever-growing commitment to serve the less fortunate.

Chinese Filipino Business Club joins Singapore gala

The Chinese Filipino Business Club (CFBC), represented by its president Aw Peng Lam, recently joined Singapore’s Armed Forces Day celebration at the Heritage Hotel.

Aw Peng Lam was invited by Singaporean Ambassador Jacky Foo and Singapore’s Military Attaché, Col. Robert Tan. The dedicated CFBC chief looked dapper in his intricately embroidered barong. His wife, Yap Sui Lun was radiant in a red floral blouse. Aw Peng Lam took the chance not only to wine and dine with beautiful people but also to extend CFBC’s liaison and to discuss important issues with Defense Secretary Angelo Reyes and AFP Vice Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Gregorio Camiling Jr.

Since 1998, the CFBC has contributed to nation-building through tax information drives, sending delegations to trade missions abroad, medical missions, and developing small and medium enterprises.

Greetings

Happy birthday to our celebrators today, Pinoy Don’s Martin Litton and Business World’s Ted Defensor.

Advanced birthday greetings to Frederico "Piki" Lopez, Central Bank Gov. Rafael Buenaventura, Ramon Faustino and Miggy Palanca, Aug. 5; Consul of Togo Evie Costa and total concert performer Gary Valenciano, Aug. 6; Susan Aguado and Bonjin Bolinao, Aug. 7; Tower Club activities and events manager Henree Weiner, Carmi Martin and Ana Asis, Aug. 8; Lui Rufino, Alitalia’s Chit Montenegro, Peter Coyuito, Kevin Huang and Tweetums Gonzales, Aug. 9; Roman Cruz and Roman Azanza, socialite Edith Rabat and designer Criselda Lontok, Aug. 10.

Happy wedding anniversary to Vincent and Cedie Lopez Vargas, Aug. 9. May you both have many, many more years of wedded bliss.

So, how was your week?

(For comments and inquiries, please e-mail us at jjlitton@indanet.com)