The irresistible charm of bahay
“No culture can live if it attempts to be exclusive.”
— Mahatma Gandhi
It was indeed a rare opportunity to discover the culture and floral elegance of 10 unique countries as the ambassadors’ wives recently took pride in showing their typical gardens created in the large hall of Hotel Okura during the 11th World Gardening Fair in Tokyo. Participating embassies were the Philippines, the United States, Greece, Norway, Jamaica, Morocco, Cambodia, Samoa, Bulgaria and Jordan. Affable Kay Siazon, wife of dedicated Ambassador Domingo Siazon Jr., Philippine envoy to Japan, showcased a one-of-a-kind country garden with bahay kubo, which turned out to be the most popular exhibit throughout the five-day event. Princess Takamado, the passionate patron of the exhibition, graced the highly-successful affair. Mabuhay! Women with a cause
In celebration of Earth Day, members of the Catholic Women’s Club (CWC), led by its president Rose Marie Lazaro, together with Arroceros Forest Park caretaker Winner Foundation and Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim, joined hands to replace the trees destroyed by typhoons Pepeng and Ondoy. A Mass celebrated by Fr. John Leydon was followed by the development of the “Perfume Garden” in Intramuros in cooperation with the Intramuros Administration headed by Anna Marie “Bambi” Harper. The team planted about 700 fragrant shrubs.
Cheers to these wonderful women! The commander’s glory
To commemorate the late commander Domingo Leonor as the first ever Filipino provincial commander of the Philippine Constabulary, a bronze monument was unveiled in Davao City by his daughter Ruby Aboitiz, represented by children Marissa, Domingo “Jun” and Bobby Leonor. Jun Leonor, the eldest son, gave a welcome speech and led the ceremonies with senior superintendent and acting city director Rene Aspera while Rev. Fr. Alfredo Macua officiated at the blessing of the camp. Among those seen during the event were Rotarians from Forbes Park Makati president-elect Peter Kawsek, Insurance commissioner Jun Ranada, Frank Adriano and City Tourism officer Emmanuel Galdan.
Truly, commander Domingo Leonor deserves this honor. GREETINGS
Happy birthday to our celebrators today, Glenda Baretto, Jerry Barican and Mary Jane Ortega.
Advance birthday greetings to Robinsons Land sales and marketing senior vice president Raoul Littaua and Budji Layug, May 31; Mandy Eduque, Eva Abesamis and Dr. Loi Ejercito Estrada, June 1; Dusit Thani’s Cora Auste, June 2; Ramon “RJ” Jacinto, June 3; Karen Macasaet, June 4; former Sen. Ramon Magsaysay Jr. and Camille Cobankiat, June 5.
So, how was your week?
(For comments or inquiries, please e-mail me at jjlitton@indanet.com)
