Waltzing with the debutantes
MANILA, Philippines - The Johann Strauss Society of the Philippines presented an evening of music and dance last Feb. 20 at the NBC Marquee in Fort Bonifacio with Manila’s top debutantes and their escorts taking a bow with three Viennese dances.
Agnes Huibonhoa led the invocation and a prayer for the late Chit Gohu, a JSSP member, while welcome remarks were given by chairperson Fortune Ledesma, Kay Siazon, and founder Wilhelm Donko, Ambassador of Austria.
JSSP president Olga Martel said every peso from the ball proceeds would go to the beneficiaries, namely, Arts for the People Program of the CCP, Bayanijuan sa Calauan re-housing project, Childhope street education program, Marillac Hills Duyan Rehabilitation Centre for abused girls and the Virlanie Foundation’s Mother & Child Project.
Master of ceremonies Johnny Litton invited Dr. Ernest Hoetzl, the Austrian conductor of the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra for the evening, to take the stage. Guests were treated to a world-class concert with soloists — flutist Marianne Hoetzl, baritone Andrew Fernando, tenor Lemuel dela Cruz, and soprano Rachelle Gerodias.
The highlight of the evening was the presentation of debutantes in their lovely white ball gowns, who, with their escorts, danced the polonnaise, polka and valse, expertly choreographed by Jeremy Vallejo and Katarina Mackh.
Three debutantes — Alessandra Adina, Kyle Tinga and Francesca Valdecañas — were flung into the air and on to the shoulders of their escorts. The other debutantes forming a beautiful tableau were Cristina Afzelius and Sheree Chua, Anna Guingon, Monica Manganti, Katrina Salao, Grace Singson and Gwenaelle Zamora. Escorts were Paulo Agcaoili, Juan Andaya, Harley Bangayan, Sayton Duque, Luigi Guingon, Edric Kintanar, Jed Kintanar, Rafael Liboro, Raul Runes and Kaiser Sy.
The opera ball was a unique event, taking a famous European tradition and making it the Philippines’ own, thus reflecting a long historical and cultural relationship.
Agnes Huibonhoa thanked the sponsors — the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra, BA Securities, Milleum Travel, Universal Harvester, Ambassador Francis and Mrs. Betty Chua, Ponds Flawless White, Imelda Cojuangco, CATS Automobiles, Pagcor, Prudential Insurance, San Miguel Corp., SM, Waterfront Container Port, First Life Insurance and Pulse Yoga.
Cristina Belton thanked the debutantes and escorts, and their parents. She said the young people had warmed her heart with their hard work and selflessness. “They embody the best of the Philippine spirit of adaptability, good humor, and caring for others.”
After enjoying the gala dinner prepared by chef Jessie Sincioco, guests joined the debutantes and escorts in dancing Viennese waltzes accompanied by the full Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra. Everyone was treated to gifts of Pond’s White Beauty and Age Miracle products and Zen Zest fragrances.
