Enter the finest of FINEX

The Financial Executives Institute of the Philippines (FINEX) recently held the induction of its 2007 officers and directors with President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo as the guest of honor and inducting officer. In her own words, President Arroyo described the FINEX as "the country’s foremost finance organization that has greatly contributed to the achievement of our recent economic gains." Seen at the affair were PCCI chairman Donald Dee, FINEX past and present officers such as hardworking president Abelardo Cortez and dynamic EVP Grace Tiongco, Indian Filipino Chamber of Commerce in the Philippines president Ram Sitaldas, French Chamber of Commerce in the Philippines president Bernard Flour and American Chamber of Commerce in the Philippines president Roger Dallas, among others. Carrying out their theme for the year, "Be ahead in a globalized economy," FINEX continues to be a responsible catalyst for vital changes in the country’s financial and capital markets.

Congratulations!

The convention center of choice in Boracay

With its capability to accommodate large groups, first-rate conference services, highly trained staff and numerous leisure and dining options, Boracay Regency Beach Resort and Convention Center remains the obvious choice for visiting companies who wish to hold conferences, business meetings and team building seminars in the island paradise.

The 600-capacity convention center has been host to many government functions, sales drives, special family occasions and even international conventions. Recently, it was the site of the "Discon 2007 sa Boracay," a gathering of Rotarians led by the Rotary International District 3850. Boracay Regency chairman and president Henry Chusuey welcomed his fellow Rotarians and acted as a generous host.

Congratulations and more power to you!

An Easter getaway in Cebu

Spend a restful and renewing Easter weekend at the Marco Polo Plaza, Cebu City’s finest hotel. Treat your family to a Great Easter Getaway Package and enjoy a two-night stay at P7,900 or a three-night stay at P10,900 inclusive of daily breakfast plus a choice of either a buffet dinner or Sunday brunch for two. Join the Visita Iglesia on Maundy Thursday, the Way of the Cross at Cebu’s famous Celestial Gardens on Good Friday and the Salubong and Easter Mass at the Lobby on Easter Sunday. Fun activities also await your children with film showings, cookie-baking and pizza-making with the chef, Arts & Crafts by Crayola and Egg Painting Competition, and an Easter Egg Hunt. The package is available from April 4 to 9.

(For reservations please call 845-4574 or (032) 253-1111. See you there!)

Strauss reborn

A revitalized Johann Strauss Society of the Philippines (JSSP) will be relaunched on July 12 with a dinner dance at the multi-Kalakbay Awardee Mandarin Oriental Manila. The group will refocus its objectives and zero in on the development and enhancement of the appreciation and love for the arts, dance and music. Among the officers are chair Letty Syquia, president Fortune Aleta Ledesma, VPs Olga Severino Martel and Helmut Gaisberger, secretary Agnes Huibonhua and treasurer Alice Briones. Board members include Cristina Belton, Eddie Yap, George Yang, Rod Cornejo, Mike Varela, Chit Gohu, Fanny Blanco, Mila How and your columnist.

Long live the Johann Strauss Society of the Philippines!

High stakes and fine wines

A game of espionage with high stakes and glamorous festivities took place as the James Bond-themed Orlando-Wyndham 2007 Brand Seminar gathered importers and distributors worldwide for an extraordinary experience. Edna Diaz, president and GM of BestWorld Beverage Brands, Inc., had a first hand feel of this grand adventure through trips to Marlborough, New Zealand and the vast Barrosa Valley in Adelaide, Australia. Visiting the famed Montana vineyards, producers of great tasting Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir grape varieties and Jacob’s Creek, the ideal location for growing the spice tinged Shiraz grape variety, was concluded with the clink of crystal glasses and a blissful toast. Truly a most enjoyable experience!

(For more information on these wine brands, contact BestWorld Beverage Brands, Inc. at 637-8491 to 94.)