“The life of a man consists not in seeing visions and in dreaming dreams, but in active and in willing service.” — Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
The province of Bulacan boasts of profound poetry, music, visual and performing arts, and of course, beautiful women (my personal favorite!). In Club Bulakeño’s 21st anniversary, however, the benevolence of Bulakeños was the focal point of the celebration. Sofitel Philippine Plaza’s grand ballroom was transformed into a classic turn of the century Filipiniana motif. Themed Balik Tanaw, the ball gathered Bulakeños and friends to raise funds for scholarship grants to students in Bulacan, for outreach projects in Bulacan towns. “Ama ng Bulacan” Ambassador Bienvenido Tantoco Sr. and Zenaida “Nedy” Tantoco were the moving forces behind the charitable activities.
The evening began with an invocation gracefully interpreted by dancers of the Philippine Ballet Theater. A special dance presentation by Club Bulakeño officers and guests billed as “La Bella Filipina” followed, led by presidents Jun and Sol Tan-Gatue and founding chairman engineer Genaro and Lydia Reyes.
Other highlights of the ball were the formal donation of a two-hectare land in San Jose Del Monte, Bulacan by Marietha Holmgren for the club’s additional Gawad Kalinga Housing project and the crowning of Stephanie Bernice Enriquez Borlongan as Club Muse for 2009 escorted by Jose Mari Ian Montinola Lou. She was crowned by Rep. Cynthia Villar and Rep. Roman Romulo. Sen. Manny Villar was also present to witness the ceremonies.
Congratulations on your 21st anniversary!
Greetings
Happy birthday to our celebrators today, Minnie Osmeña, Hilda Koronel, former Sen. Sonny Osmeña, Ronnie Salonga and Minnesota based Dinah Del Rosario-Filart.
Advance birthday greetings to Karen Santos, Renee Salud, Marco Ballesteros, Jo Ramos, Joy Virata and Doris Nuyda, Jan. 19; Tony Pet Araneta, Bernardo Bernardo and lawyer Ricardo “Dong” Puno, Jan. 20; lovely ladies Ising Vasquez, Celia Cuasay and Gretchen Cojuangco, Jan. 21; Ethel Timbol and Rovy Ledesma, Jan. 22; Shirley Matias-Pizarro, Ernest Escaler and brilliant lawyer Lolong Lazaro, Jan. 23.
So how was your week?
(For comments and inquiries, please e-mail me at jjlitton@indanet.com)