Bulgari’s night of heart and glitter in Cebu

Cebu City First Lady Margot Osmeña sadly noticed, some years ago, that there was not a single detention center in the entire country for erring minors run by dedicated guidance counselors, complete with the necessary paraphernalia and facilities. She vowed for a timely change and soon began to seriously plan the all-important undertaking.

Back in 1995, the Cebu City Task Force on Street Children (CCTFSC), together with the Rotary Club of Lahug, initiated a series of well-attended and excellently supported fund-raising events. The ultimate goal was the construction of a detention center for minors, aptly called Operation Second Chance.

Help and assistance – both unselfish and at times unsolicited – began to pour. The province of Cebu generously donated a 5,504 square meters parcel of land in Brgy. Kalunasan for the project site. Realizing the urgency of the commendable task ahead, the Cebu Contractors Association and the Cebu chapter of the United Architects of the Philippines, volunteered their expertise and time. Both the City Government of Cebu and the Cebuanos wholeheartedly rallied to the noble cause.

Meanwhile back in the Capital City, the concerned individual with a heart Mario Katigbak had his own dream, as well. He desperately wished to showcase the innovative designs and captivating styles of contemporary Italian jewelry that is Bulgari on an island outside of Manila. He simply could not have found a more ideal spot like Cebu, the travelers’ all-time favorite and the investors top choice , the place where many have gainfully relocated to and called home.

His long-time good friends, the civic-oriented Chari Aboitiz, who is a firm believer in the preservation and conservation of our heritage, and publisher Eva Gullas, the energetic organizer of relevant happenings for the soul, promptly heeded his call and readily extended their far-reaching hands in full cooperation.

It was suggested and agreed upon that the CCTFSC would be the sole beneficiary for the gala evening. So preparations were underway and mountains started to move.

The lady who is constantly bursting with beautiful ideas, Teresin Mendezona, artistically decorated the ballroom of the Shangri-La Mactan Island Resort as only she could, with each table centerpiece uniquely different from the next.

Food and beverage director of the award-winning resort, Mark Kirk, made certain that the multi-course dinner was done to perfection and the service impeccable. He confidently delivered to the delight of the attendees that included Cebu’s loyal and active supporters of projects with a purpose. Among them were the Aboitizes, Louie and Annie, Josephine and Knox Booth, Mikel and Robin, Ernie and Mari, Paqui and her constant companion, sister Quina Melendrez, and Jon who only had praises for everyone.

They came dressed to the nines. Marisa Fernan, who is always on-the-go and due to the nature of her job is most comfortable in smart corporate attire, even rose to the very formal occasion and donned an elegant one-sided gown created by Philip Rodriguez.

The evening seemed effortlessly choreographed and styled to what wonderful dreams to be cherished are made of, except and only except… Oh no, I wonder how many faces have turned red out of embarrassment as their uncontrollable insides twirled in disgust, for the entertainment which was I must agree downright a misnomer. Most of the guests were not amused to say the least at all. It did not meet their expectation and approval and taking an abrupt early leave from the party was the best alternative. But all that in itself is another story.

I just sincerely hope the Cebuanos will not easily forget the very reason why they shared an evening with friends – to take a peep at the lifestyle that is exclusively Bulgari, and to be of assistance to the completion of the much-needed equipment and necessary facilities of the Operation Second Chance, the detention center, the very first step for temporarily lost kids and teenagers before they re-join the challenging world.