New singing stars at the Bellevue Idol finals

A new singing star is born as The Bellevue Hotel concludes its videoke challenge, the Bellevue Idol, in front of avid supporters and regular partygoers of its 20/20 Entertainment Bar. Bellevue Idol grand champion Alvin Paul Almario, first placer Kaye Miranda and second placer Magella Protacio emerged victorious from the final 10 list of aspiring singers. The judges – balladeer Chad Borja, singer and theatre actress Pinky Marquez and Bellevue marketing and communications director Ryan Chan – had the difficult task of picking the best from among the finalists. Almario went home with P30,000 and a trophy, a Boracay holiday with roundtrip Asian Spirit tickets and accommodation at Fairways & Bluewater Resort Golf & Country Club. He also received a scholarship with Perfect Rhythms Music Center, one-month stint as Karaoke night host of 20/20, overnight stay in a deluxe room for two at The Bellevue Manila and Bellevue Classic Privilege Card inclusive of an overnight stay in a deluxe room for two. Watch out for more exciting events at Bellevue’s 20/20 Entertainment Bar!

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Cheers to the graduate

A happy occasion for the Oñate family was celebrated when Paolo Oñate, the son of Asian Spirit chairman Noel and his lovely wife Marianne Oñate, graduated from Fordham University in New York. The chefs at Le Bernardin, one of New York’s top restaurants, prepared a special seven-course dinner for Paolo’s family and friends. Congratulations to the handsome young man and more success to the Oñate family!

Friends old and new

Manila’s lovely hostesses who never fail to treat visiting dignitaries with the usual Filipino warmth and openness are at it yet again. Monaco Consul Fortune Ledesma and Gambian Consul Agnes Huibonhua hosted an excellent dinner in honor of their dear friends, Belgian Ambassador Gregoire Vardakis and Martine Raeymakers. The well-attended party gathered members of the media, top business decision makers and diplomats for a delightful dinner catered by The Plaza. Just goes to show that Filipinos are the best at making friends!

Happy birthday (again), palangga!

Everyone’s favorite charming palangga, the indefatigable Maurice Arcache, was honored with a festive merienda cena in a belated celebration of his birthday at the Manila Golf Club recently. Hosted by treasured friends May Neri, Nene Leonor, Nini Licaros, Consul Mellie Ablaza, Consul Fortune Ledesma, Fe Rodriguez, Karen Macasaet, Chit Salud and Consul Agnes Huibonhua, the affair gathered Maurice’s fellow social hobnobbers in an afternoon of friendship and laughter. With his many parties and equally stylish friends, the social icon definitely shows no signs of slowing down. Happy birthday again, palangga!

Raising funds for autism

The Catholic Women’s Club is holding a fundraising ball dubbed Midsummer Night’s Dream to celebrate its 85th foundation on Sept. 16 at the Rizal Ballroom, Makati Shangri-La Hotel. The sole beneficiary of the proceeds is the Center for Autism and Related Disorders (CARD). In photo are CWC ladies: (seated, from left) Malou Veloso, Nonie Basilio, Pitang Tiongson and Baby de Jesus; (standing, from left) Nini Layug, Yoly Ayson, Carrie Bautista, Lydia Reyes, Baby Ortiz and Marissa Fenton. More power to the hardworking and generous ladies of the CWC!