‘Xposed!’

Sometimes, an event is so grand that it takes more than one way to celebrate it.

Such was the case with BMW Philippines and its recently concluded XPO 2003 which was so exciting, it took four days to host the event. But then again, what else can you expect from the leader in the premium automotive industry?

The BMW XPO 2003 marked the largest dealer-based promotion ever hosted by BMW Philippines since it officially entered the Philippines in 2001. The four-day series of activities were held in five exclusive authorized BMW dealers nationwide. In Metro Manila, these are Autohaus BMW in Libis, Quezon City, Prestige Cars BMW in Makati and PGA Cars BMW in EDSA, Mandaluyong. And with an exclusive client network all over the country, BMW was able to offer something for those with varied tastes.

The occasion was also the perfect chance to showcase the newly- refurbished BMW dealerships. BMW and its dealers and principals spared no expense to deliver upgraded facilities now at par with the very best the world has to offer.

Autohaus BMW (formerly Prestige Cars, Inc., Libis) kicked off its celebration with a golf tournament, one of the dealer qualifying events held as part of the BMW Golf Cup International. Golf-loving clients of Autohaus BMW gathered at the prestigious Forrest Hills Golf Club with hopes of making it to the 2003 World Finals to be held in Lisbon, Portugal.

Guests were later welcomed to Autohaus BMW where the traditional blessing and ribbon-cutting ceremonies took place led by Sen. Raul Roco, BMW Philippines managing director Mark Gilbert and Autohaus BMW president Antonio Modesto Aquino. A night of music and cocktails then followed as top clients, business partners, club members and special friends enjoyed partying and knock-out performances by celebrities.

Those present at Autohaus BMW included top names in both public and private sectors such as former Sen. Letty Ramos-Shahani; Rep. Jules Ledesma and the stunning Assunta de Rossi-Ledesma; the hilarious Vic Sotto; music man Orly Ilacad; PSC chairman Eric Buhain; and Ayala Land’s Juanito Rosales. Members of the Eighth Congress also arrived in full force, including Tarlac’s Hermie Aquino and colleagues Edno Joson, Boji Cabochan and Rene Dragon.

Across town in PGA Cars BMW, the opening night began with a cocktail party complete with a live string quartet. A fashion show by Singapore’s Serena Mazu followed to the delight of the crowd, which included businessmen Archimedes King Paolo Martel and part-time DJ Anton Ramos of Music One. Also there were Fitness First International’s Andrew Philips, Christopher Tang, Joaquin Roces and Macario Te.

Not to be outdone, Prestige Cars BMW had its own celebration, hosted by chairman Jose E.B. Antonio. Prestige Cars BMW president Jose Alvarez Jr. and his lovely wife Maricris graciously entertained guests with delicious food and drinks. Soothing music provided by the Fish Trio added to the friendly atmosphere.

Spotted at the Prestige Cars BMW affair were Greggy Araneta, Emer Remulla, hot actress Victoria London and Joel Tantoco. Also seen catching up on the latest tidbits were Malou Fernandez and Crickette Tantoco.

To emphasize the importance of the BMW XPO, managing director Mark Gilbert made the rounds of all the dealerships with his management team, including Baudouin Denis, Alex Thorwirth and Lito German. He also presented all dealers with a beautifully crafted display of the various BMW logos through the years.

The BMW XPO was aptly titled since it exposed and emphasized what many have known all along – that BMW not only makes great cars but also knows how to throw a great party!

President Arroyo Honored

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo was recently conferred the first Rotary Leader of Distinction Award at the Ceremonial Hall of the Malacañang Palace.

The award, conceptualized by Rotary Club of Makati-Urdaneta president Celia Cuasay, recognizes leaders of nations or organizations who have distinguished themselves by exemplifying Rotary’s ideals of service through extraordinary accomplishments.

District 3830 governor and Undersecretary of Department of Transportation and Communications Jose Cortes Jr. said that through this award, the Rotary International (through the Rotary Club of Makati-Urdaneta), recognizes the exceptional leadership shown by President Arroyo in her fearless effort to pursue peace and reconciliation at the local, regional and international levels.

The award also recognizes the President’s relentless pursuit to resolve the country’s social and economic problems. She has consistently given importance to human concerns and unfailingly placed these at the center of all her programs.

A hundred Rotarians attended the affair, among them past district governors led by past Rotary International director Paing Hechanova and Rotary International direct-elect JocJoc Bolante.

Carry on the good work, Rotary and congratulations to you, Madame President!

Robles-Ligon Nuptials

What is the best way to seal one’s love? Why, get married of course! Which is exactly what sweethearts for over three years, Jon Victor Robles and Leilani Ligon did.

Leilani, a Finance graduate of St. John’s University in New York, was resplendent in a Rajo Laurel butter-yellow satin faced taffeta bouffant gown that was enhanced with a back bustle train. The gown featured an off-the-shoulder neckline and fully beaded illusion tulle three-fourth sleeves. It had Murano glass droplets and sugar crystals. Jon Victor, who obtained his MBA at the New Hamsphire University in England, was dapper in a barong tagalog.

Also looking noticeably "brilliant" during the affair were the entire entourage wearing a profusion of festive colors of reds, tangerines and fuchsias, with fit bodies, draped necklines and overskirts, enhanced by copper and gold beading; Leticia Pasion Ligon, the mother of the bride, who wore an amethyst-colored silk chiffon ensemble, fully beaded with silver and platinum flat sequins and Swarovski crystals; and Nora San Buenaventura Robles, the mother of the groom, who wore a monochromatic silk chiffon gown in tones of lavender, lilac and violet featuring beadwork patterns inspired by French tapestry of the late 18th century, which were encrusted with Swarovski crystals, sugar beads and silver sequins.

Msgr. Julio Xavier Labayen solemnized the wedding assisted by Fr. Tony Rosales at the Santuario de San Antonio Forbes Park in Makati.

Principal sponsors included former Education Secretary Raul Roco, Manuel Lazaro, ESQ., lawyer Wilfredo Chato, architect Jaime Zapanta, Charles Uy, Rene Emilio Rodriguez Jr., lawyer Linda de Leon, who proxied President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, Erlinda Tiangco, Amelita de Leon, Rita Geronimo, Teresita Rodrigo and Frida Robles-Evangelista.

Also there were groom’s and bride’s parents, lawyer Rodolfo Robles and Nora San Buenaventura Robles and Renato Ligon and Leticia Pasion Ligon; best man Paul Melvin Robles, maid of honor Judith Marie Zapanta and matron of honor Lillyette Ligon-Brino; groomsmen Eugenio San Buenaventura III, Allen Clement Librojo and Rolando Villavicencio; bridesmaids Melissa Flores-Montaner, Jocelyn Zapanta and Margretha Michelle Mata; junior groomsman and bridesmaid Lorenze Anthony Ligon Torres and Mireille Nicole Pio de Roda; secondary sponsors Alfredo Antonio Barretto and Yvonne Manahan-Camacho (candle), Denis Raymund Rodriguez and Maria Maricar Enriquez (cord), Renato Ligon Jr. and Millie Anne Robles (veil), ring bearer Thomas Rene Ligon Brino, coin bearer Carlos Agustin de Guzman, Bible bearer John Matthew Luis Chipeco and flower girl Nicola Simone Yap.

The reception was held at the Rizal Ballroom, Makati Shangri-La Hotel, where ace wedding photographer Patrick Uy took more pictures.

To newlyweds John Victor and Leilani Robles, may you have countless years of togetherness and a happy married life ahead of you!