A triple celebration at the Opera!

Three milestones paved the way for the recent staging of the world-renowned opera The Barber of Seville in Manila — the 65th anniversary of Philippine-Italian diplomatic relations, the 50th anniversary of the Philippine-Italian Association and the 60th anniversary of the luxury retail group Rustan’s. The last two events were efficiently managed and headed by Nedy Tantoco. Two performances of the greatest comic opera of all time were held at the Cultural Center of the Philippines to mark the three events. A distinguished cast of Filipino and Italian talents brought the varied characters to life on stage. Among those seen at the glittery gala were Vice President Jejomar Binay, Italian Ambassador Luca Fornari, Argentine Ambassador Joaquin Daniel Otero and Israeli Ambassador Menashe Bar-On with their respective spouses, former Philippine ambassadors Isabel Caro-Wilson, Lani Bernardo and Tonet Lagdameo, retired Supreme Court Chief Justice Artemio Panganiban, Morocco Consul General Rico Tantoco and Judy Araneta-Roxas.

No such thing as too many friends

Celebrator Minerva Tanseco (standing) with her guests: (From left) Angola Consul Helen Ong, Dr. Jaime Laya, Beng Fores, Cristina Caedo, Chuchi Pascual and Mars Lambino.

The ever-bubbly Minerva Tanseco found herself literally in a tight squeeze during her birthday party held at Va Bene Pasta Deli in Makati City. (The restaurant is unusually located inside a gas station on EDSA cor. Pasay Road.)

Minerva did not think that most of her always-on-the-go friends would come and spend the afternoon with her. Over a gourmet lunch of fresh handmade pasta and other Italian dishes served in a warm ambiance, Minerva enjoyed the camaraderie of her close friends and her equally vivacious sister Beng Fores. One can’t ask for anything more! Still another joint birthday party for Minerva and co-celebrator Pitang Tiongson awaited the next day at another venue, which was hosted by the Friends for Cultural Concerns of the Philippines.

Buon compleanno, ladies!