Dancing among the stars

Everyone is still talking about the success of The Philippine StarBall 2009 organized by Michaela “Pinky” Puno at the Shangri-La Makati. Competitors from 27 countries came to participate for this glorious and challenging event of the year. It was a star-studded affair in the world of ballroom dancing as all the top dancers all over the world arrived to compete. The event was emceed by World Dance Champion Gary McDonald and for the TV airing on ABS/CBN, Wilcon’s complete man Edu Manzano co-emceed with international renowned dancer Charlotte Jorgensen. Manila’s dance aficionados were there cheering for their favorites. Organizer and ballroom dancer Michaela Pinky Puno and her partner Slava Sergiev opened the event with an American Smooth dance, Adagio, a slow fox-trot number. Pinky’s husband and number one supporter, Interior and Local Government Secretary Ronnie Puno, and other members of the Puno clan looked on with pride. They really should have danced all night.

Congratulations!

Authentic Venetian art

In the tradition of the finest Italian culture and artistry, a by-invitation-only art and glass exhibit was recently unveiled at the Captain’s Bar of the multi-Kalakbay awardee Mandarin Oriental Manila dubbed, “Il Veneto in Piazza-Venetian Culture, Art and Murano Glass.” Organized by Sandie Poblador, the exhibit featured works by Loris Albert Vendramin, an accomplished authentic Venetian painter who studied at the Academy of Fine Arts and Architecture of Venice. Aside from neo-renaissance masterpieces, the exhibit included Murano glass works. Special guests of honor were Italian Ambassador Rubens Anna Fidele and Zenaida Tantoco of Rustan’s who led the ribbon-cutting ceremony. Bravo and congratulations!

Visuals and Verses

It was a splendid affair with a romantic flair as brilliant artist, newspaper columnist and business executive Marivic Rufino recently wowed Manila’s high society as she showcased her exceptional masterpieces during her exhibit Romanza at The Peninsula Manila. Known for her ethereal “Dreamscapes” paintings, Marivic went beyond the traditional as she expressed her artistry with three dimensional pieces like furniture and bags, and even supplied captivating artworks for Romanza, the poetry book by National Artist for Literature Virgilio Almario, which was also successfully launched at the exhibit. Congratulations!

An artsy celebration

Amid the verdant landscape and the elegant fountain of his palatial mansion in Antipolo, famous artist Tam Austria chose to promote art and spirituality during his recent birthday celebration. His loving wife Divine was on hand to welcome elite guests who were feted to a delightful evening of merriment replete with ballroom dancing, excellent musical entertainment and spectacular fireworks display. Among those who graced the affair were Ambassador to Czechoslovakia Rafael Gonzales, Helen Gan and Marilou Co. Happy birthday Tam and many more to come!