Guardians of art

"That best portion of a good man’s life, his little, nameless, unremembered acts of kindness and love."– William Wordsworth

A year-long fundraising affair of the Friends for the Cultural Concerns of the Philippines (FCCP) for the National Museum reached its culmination during the Alay at Pasasalamat, the launching of the FCCP Room at the museum’s National Art Gallery. The ribbon cutting ceremonies were led by FCCP president Mellie Ablaza, assisted by National Museum director Cora Alvina and FCCP board members. It was followed by a sponsors’ appreciation party and a concert featuring the Manila Symphony Orchestra with conductor Prof. Arturo Molina and soprano Camille Lopez Molina.

Congratulations, FCCP!

Spanish indulgences

A rich and smooth experience, just like the wines served during that special evening, was had by all who attended the Viña Albali Wine Degustation Dinner at La Vigne Bistro. Organized by the affable wine lady Tita Meneses-Trillo of Titania Wine Cellar, the delightful dinner took us back to the arid regions and the seas of rolling vineyards of Central Spain with its fruity and smooth Tempranillo grapes. Together with the Spanish menu made by chef Bernadette Olivares which comprised of delightful tapas and Spanish favorites, guests sampled fine wines such as the fruity and well-balanced Sendas Del Rey Blanco ’04 and Sendas Rey Tinto ’03, the full-bodied Viña Albali Reserva ’00, the aromatic Viña Albali Gran Reserva ’98 and the soft and refined Viña Albali Gran Reserva de Familia ’95.

What an exquisite occasion!

A warm dinner in New York

Lovely socialite Aying de Leon recently visited some Filipino friends during the holidays in Manhattan, New York. Gracious hosts Eugene Gonzales and partner Teresa Calderon, along with Cecille Manheimer, warmly welcomed the Filipina jetsetter. In the photo are (from left) Aying, Eugene Gonzales, Teresa Calderon and Cecille Manheimer.

Two celebrations

Lovely lady Lulu Castañeda was recently given a memorable birthday celebration by statuesque, porcelain-skinned beauty Minerva Tanseco. A sumptuous Chinese lauriat was served at the Jade Garden in Greenbelt, Makati. Lulu’s close friends were all there to celebrate and share her birthday noodles.

Meanwhile, the Catholic Women’s Club (CWC) Celebration Committee recently met at Bea Zobel’s beautiful residence. Congratulations to these hardworking belles for the work they are putting in for the CWC’s 85th anniversary!

Johnny says, ‘Check this out’

>The hunt goes on for the Bellevue Idol, now on its Week Three. Contestants vied for the title and belted out their best tunes to an appreciative audience at The Bellevue’s 20/20 Entertainment Center. Winner John Pujol receives a free overnight stay and will compete again for the monthly and grand finals, where the singer who emerges victorious gets a Boracay holiday and a month-long hosting stint as Bellevue Videoke Nights host.

(For inquiries, call 771-8181.)

Greetings

Happy birthday to our celebrators today, Steve Cu-Unjieng, Cynthia Cu-Unjieng-Buñag, Carmen Ortigas and Ambassador Preciosa Soliven.

Advance birthday greetings to Sari Sari’s Aleth Ocampo-Mapa, April 4; Nerissa Carbonel Berba, beauty queen Gloria Diaz and Harrison Plaza’s Irene Martel Francisco, April 5; Angela Lopez-Guingona, April 6; 72 Traders’ Charlie Morelos, celebrity golfer and actor Richard Gomez, publicist Donnie Ramirez and Ambassador Bienvenido Tantoco Sr., April 7; HMI’s Ernest Rufino Jr. and lawyer Johnny del Rosario, April 8.

So, how was your week?

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