Soaring high

The hardworking and tireless immediate past president of Friends for the Cultural Concerns of the Philippines (FCCP) Minerva Tanseco fell in love at first sight — that is with The Bellevue Hotel’s Phoenix Court and the ultra-chic Vue Bar. Known as Alabang’s first and only fine dining Chinese restaurant located at the hotel’s luxurious Tower Wing, Phoenix Court was one venue for the affable Minerva Tanseco’s recent series of birthday celebrations, which was marked by a delectable line-up of authentic Chinese dishes prepared by the brilliant Phoenix Court executive chef Cheong Kwan Loong including an unlimited dimsum smorgasbord that had all her guests praising the exceptional and bountiful feast. Aside from the overflowing sumptuous Chinese treats, the birthday party was filled with glee as Minerva’s ever joyful close friends and relatives enjoyed the luncheon and merry-making that appeared to last forever. It seemed like no one wanted to part ways with the intricately designed Phoenix Court as all the guests and the celebrator adored the elegant interiors of the restaurant plus the gigantic phoenix mural that served as a focal point of the dining haven. Minerva’s dearest friends also made the most out of the celebration at the sophisticated Vue Bar where they had a great time over crisp cocktails and immersed themselves in the beautiful view of the metropolis. Minerva’s family, Chat and Hugo Lozano with their son Rocco, doctors Ed, Luci, Miguel and Cherrie Fores were among those who had an extraordinary time at The Bellevue.

Happy birthday to you, Minerva!

Picture-perfect Batanes for a cause

Renowned photographer, columnist and mentor Mandy Navasero led a group of eager participants to an amazing photo safari and adventure trip to the picturesque land of Batanes. Recently, they came out with a breathtaking photo exhibit entitled Beautiful Batanes Isles at the Gallery of Greenbelt 5 in Makati. The event featured 20 magnificent photographs and 10 essays by the members of the group who called themselves “Batanes 11.” Proceeds of the exhibit will be used to benefit the Ivatan pupils in Batanes and the Gig and the Amazing Sampaguita Foundation (GASFI). Seen gracing the affair were former Department of Education Undersecretary and Philippine Normal University (PNU) officer-in-charge and an Ivatan, Dr. Fe Hidalgo and SEAIR president Avelino Zapanta.

Congratulations!

Make way for the ‘Best Dressed Women’

The Best Dressed Women of the Philippines, a premiere charity event slated on Sept. 21 at the Rizal Ballroom of the Shangri-La, Makati for the benefit of the Philippine Cancer Society’s programs, proudly announces the list of its awardees for this year. With top names such as Manila Rep. Naida Angping, movie producer Via Marquez Hoffman, fashion icon Apples Aberin, Dr. Anna Palabyab Rufino, Camarines Sur’s Lara Villafuerte, Salome Uy, restaurateur Beng Dee, businesswoman Happy Ongpauco-Tiu, Dr. Susannah Salvador, Baby Santiago Handl, Cebu’s pride Maria Iris Fernan Arcenas, Carole Cuasay, pharmacist and entrepreneur Charade Galang, Betchay Santos Monserrat and Heloise Romualdez, the 7th Awards Ball, sponsored by CATS Motors, Inc., will surely be filled with elegance as these ladies receive their coveted trophies.

See you there!

(For tickets and sponsorships, call Zeny Avila at 734-2127 or 0917-8428063.)