A birthday dance

A formal dinner-dance party celebrating the birthday of one of Manila society’s hardworking ladies, the charming Nene Leonor, was held recently at the posh Manila Polo Club. The happy fete filled with gaiety and dancing was well-attended by a happy mix of public officials and personalities from the private sector. Of particular note, too, was the lavish food – sinful and pleasing to the palate, as always – which Nene is very well known for. The venue was swinging until early morning because Nene’s friends couldn’t get enough of the thrilling dance music. More birthdays to come, Nene!

Up close and personal

A very flamboyant celebration took place at the Manila Diamond Hotel on the occasion of Marissa del Mar’s birthday party. The beautiful host of the four-year-old TV show Up Close and Personal with Marissa del Mar welcomed a horde of famous personalities from the business, government and private sectors. The party, which also served as a thanksgiving to the show’s loyal supporters, including the very hardworking pair, Noel and Eileen Gonzales of Muebles Italiano, showcased Marissa’s dancing prowess as she swayed to tango, swing and cha-cha. Here’s to more years to come, Marissa!

Investment talks

Members of society’s well-heeled set were recently spotted at the Citibank Investment Outlook Briefing, an exclusive gathering that featured investment strategies dished out by some of the business community’s brightest minds. The event was held at the elegant Tower Club, where ultra-efficient and hardworking general manager Alain Peghoux made sure that everything ran smoothly. The featured speakers were Citibank Asia Pacific head of research communications for investment strategies Lim Ai Meun, who flew in from Singapore, and Citicorp Financial Services and Insurance Brokerage Phils. Inc. research and portfolio strategy head Ramon Tejero. Congratulations on a successful event!

Art and technology at the Lopez Museum

Internationally acclaimed filmmaker Kidlat Tahimik treated artists and art aficionados to an ethnic-inspired performance at the recent opening of the Lopez Museum’s Zero-In exhibit, Fuzzy Logic: Art and Technology. Venerable Lopez Group chairman Oscar Lopez was present to formally open the event with the Zero-In consortium partners of the Lopez, Ayala, Ateneo, Museo Pambata and Bahay Tsinoy museums. Hardworking Lopez Musuem director Cedie Lopez-Vargas welcomed guests to the exhibit, which featured works from the collection of the Lopez Memorial Museum, including paintings, sculpture and video installations from talented contemporary artists. Congratulations for a successful opening and let us keep on supporting the arts!

Tracing the wind

The launch of Tracing the Wind, a book made up entirely of photographs taken with the Sony Ericsson K800i, was a bewildering affair that celebrated the development of photography. The exciting event led by Sony Ericsson GM Dennis Manzano featured the collaboration of influential photographer Jun de Leon and his heir apparent, his son Lee. Shot in London, Dubai, Tokyo, Los Angeles, Hong Kong and the Philippines, the pictures were executed using various subjects, visual elements, design principles and shooting techniques. Even the guest of honor, Sen. Mar Roxas, was thoroughly impressed with the capabilities of this amazing new phone. The launch was graced with an interesting mix of artists, media personalities and society figures. Congratulations for such a great achievement!

Interesting conversations

A pleasant dinner that lasted until the wee hours was recently hosted by Bert Villanueva, Jr. and his radiant wife Lucille at their lovely home. They were joined by cousins Maitos Teves-Aldeguer and Manolet Teves from Dumaguete, as well as Sen. Serge Osmeña with lovely wife Bettina, Ambassador Philippe and Edna Lhuillier and Jerry and Marybeth Kilayko. After interesting conversations about Philippine politics that lasted until morning, the group proceeded to The Pen for breakfast, where they were joined by Rep. Tony Boy Floirendo. It was a happy gathering filled with much laughter and enjoyment!