Women of honor
“Virtue is the fount whence honour springs.” — Christopher Marlowe
The Zonta Club of Manila I recently held a grand tribute entitled Parangal para kina Esther at Banjo in honor of their outstanding members Esther Vibal and Evangeline “Banjo” Dumlao. The two exceptional women were recognized for their excellent contributions and loyalty to the club for 30 glorious years during the event held at the Mandarin Oriental, Manila led by co-chairs Nonie Basilio and Menchu Pascual, Zonta Club of Manila I president Lulu Castañeda with chairman Baby Sison. The statuesque woman of charity Nonie Basilio praised the eternal dedication and service of Esther Vibal to the organization while Banjo Dumlao received praises from Loudette Tolosa. Esther is the president of the Vibal Group of Companies and is known for her efforts in women empowerment as a socio-civic leader while Banjo is an icon in nursing education as she served the UERM Memorial Medical Center College of Nursing as dean emeritus. Once again, Mark Bradford, the Mandarin Oriental GM, proved his managerial expertise throughout the evening by way of speedy and efficient service and exquisite and delicious cuisine with the usual Mandarin Oriental elegance. Our congratulations to these extraordinary women!
A celebration of art, culture and education
In celebration of Ateneo de Manila University’s 150th anniversary, ADMU president Fr. Bienvenido Nebres, S.J., vice president Ma. Assunta Cuyugkeng and Sesquicentennial Committee honorary chair for Culture and the Arts Ching Montinola collaborated with director Ricardo Abad for a Gala Night featuring the historical sarsuwela Walang Sugat at the Irwin Theater. Seen among the esteemed guests were Ambassador Bienvenido Tantoco Sr., Eugenio Lopez Foundation Board of Trustees chairman Oscar Lopez, taipan John Gokongwei, Josie and Ernest Rufino and National Artist Bienvenido Lumbera. Cheers!
GREETINGS
Happy birthday to our celebrators today, Boling Tuason Reyes and Miguel Montenegro.
Advance birthday greetings to Justice Edgar Cruz, Shamaine Ng and Chit Salud, May 10; Berna Lomotan and Consul Helen Ong, May 11; May Neri, Susie Ortigas, Carolina Cruz and Marita Pascual Nuque, May 12; elegant lady Ching Montinola, Lizette Cojuangco, Vicky Garcia and Ballroom Queen Becky Garcia, May 14; Gov. Justo Ortiz, Mari Lacson and Chit Lijauco, May 15.
So, how was your week?
(For comments or inquiries, please e-mail me at jjlitton@indanet.com)
