Mr. & Ms. University bash

"Beauty is one of the rare things that do not lead to doubt of God." – Jean Anouilh

The winners of the Mr. & Ms. University Pageant were welcomed into the country recently through a fabulous reception tendered by Dr. Leonida "Baby" Bayani Ortiz, chairman of the International Youth Festival Organizing Committee and the 28th Mr. & Ms. University International. Together with lawyer Joey Lina of The Manila Hotel, Dr. Ortiz warmly received Mr. & Ms. University 2005, Jin Lee Seong and Nataliya Savalieva. As always, projects and events organized by the beautiful Baby Ortiz are super successful!

A tea musicale

The All Nations Women’s Group (ANWG) recently held a Tea Musicale at the Manila Polo Club to honor the members of the diplomatic corps and their ladies. The affair was headed by newly elected ANWG president Cristina Galang Caedo, director and chairman of the event Zeny Cabral and honorary chair Narda Camacho. More than 200 socialites, government officials and top leaders of other women’s organizations attended the colorful and camaraderie-filled event. Performers Chinggoy Alonso, Camille Lopez, Prof. Raul Sunico and MaryAnn Baclao wowed the audience with their musical stylings. The proceeds will be used for the benefit of the ANWG scholars.

My congratulations go to the wonderful ladies of the ANWG for another successful event!

A woman of culture

The hardworking yet ever radiant and graceful Lulu Castañeda, newly elected president of the Friends for Cultural Concerns of the Philippines (FCCP), was a very special guest at the recent launch of the Jayelles Foundation. We are grateful that this remarkable woman graced us with her presence at this by-invitation-only event, adding prestige and class to the evening with her incredible poise and her tireless efforts to promote Philippine culture and artistry. Thank you, Lulu! Happy birthday to our celebrator today, Tito Lagdameo.

Advance birthday greetings to Philippine STAR publisher and chairman Max Soliven, Connie Lopez and Lydia Durano, Sept. 4; socialites Jojo Zabarte, Connie Araneta and Tessie Amparo, Sept. 5; Zac Sarian, Jayelles’ Rocky Teodoro and Richard Casano, Sept. 7; Maur Lichauco, Mary de Leon Rufino and Minnie Jentes, Sept. 8; and Fritzi Pilar, Sept. 9.

Happy wedding anniversary to Pete and Sari Cojuangco, Sept. 3; Joe and Roselle Rebano, Sept. 6. May you have many, many wondrous years together.

So, how was your week?

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