A night of appreciation

Boracay Regency Beach Resort & Convention Center, the first AAA-rated establishment along Boracay’s white beach, recently held a grand Appreciation and Awards Night dinner for its partners in the tourism industry. The Pacific Ballroom of the Pan Pacific Hotel was brimming with travel agency executives and sales people from around the country and even from Korea. Boracay Regency Beach Resort & Convention Center chairman Henry Chusuey gave thanks to everyone present for helping the resort with its outstanding performance. Hosting the event was the bubbly G. Toengi, who gave an entertaining song-and-dance number to the delight of the audience. Several lucky guests won exciting raffle prizes such as tickets to Boracay courtesy of Asian Spirit along with accommodations at the resort.

Way to throw a party!

* * * A Grand Celebration In Makati

Makati’s treasures are infinite, but none are more priceless than its indefatigable and devoted Mayor Jejomar Binay. Along with his wife Dr. Elenita Binay, the mayor continues to elevate the country’s premier city to greater heights.

For their recent birthday celebrations (the couple’s birthdays are just two days apart), the Binays were feted by the city of Makati in a series of sensational events. A grand and ceremonious occasion dedicated to Mayor Binay was the Handog Pasasalamat 2004, a cultural celebration of Makati and its people. It was held at the historic Sts. Peter and Paul Church, home to the miraculous image of the Nuestra Señora de la Rosa. After a mass celebrated by the Rev. Fr. Jaime Bautista, the Makati Chamber Orchestra, under the baton of Francisco Feliciano, gave a beautiful performance. Noted classical singers and musicians performed, among them violinist Alfonso "Coke" Bolipata (Meditation from Thais by Massenet). Soprano Ana Tirol (Tonight from West Side Story), tenor Jonathan Velasco (in a duet with Tirol, singing Constancio de Guzman’s Maalala Mo Kaya), soparano Thea Perez and tenor Ronan Ferrer (singing All I Ask of You from Phantom of the Opera), the renowned Philippine Madrigal Singers with choirmaster Mark Anthony Carpio, and progressive singer Noel Cabangon with a special music offering.

The hugely successful concert, attended by Makati’s leading lights and common folk alike, was produced by the Makati Museum and Cultural Affairs Office to reflect the cultural renaissance of Makati, embodying the city government’s promotion and preservation of Makati’s historical sites.

Happy birthday, Mayor and Dr. Binay!