Spotlight on Indonesia

Guests from the diplomatic community, government agencies and Manila’s elite were welcomed by the gracious lady of the house, Caecilia Legowo, to the “Wisma Duta,” the official residence of the Ambassador of Indonesia to the Philippines in Makati City.

The afternoon served as a cultural presentation of sorts as Caecilia asked everyone to “step into our world and see for yourself what Indonesia was then and what it has become now.”

Indonesian Ambassador Yohanes Kristiarto Legowo was also present to greet everyone. Tran Thi Lan Hinh of Vietnam, the incumbent president of the ASEAN Ladies Foundation, Inc., also gave an update on the projects of the foundation. 

A highlight of the program was a fashion show showcasing one of Indonesia’s contributions to the arts and crafts — the batik. Guests were treated to a sumptuous lunch of authentic Indonesian fare, which was immensely enjoyed by everyone, including the guest of honor Gretchen del Rosario, the beautiful wife of Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario.

Congratulations to the Legowo couple!

A toast to the best

To acknowledge the success of its team and distributors in the Philippines, Utah-based Usana Health Sciences, a leading global developer and manufacturer of high-quality health and nutrition products, hosted an exclusive day-long grand celebration at the Mall of Asia Arena.  Over 7,000 of Usana’s 10,000 distributors attended the event, which culminated with a recognition dinner for its best performers in the Philippines.

Gracing the event were Usana president for the Americas, Europe and the Pacific Kevin Guest and vice president for the Pacific Region David Mulham. Guest recalled that the business in the Philippines took off rather easily compared with other countries. “There were a lot of people just waiting for Usana to come in. We did not have to introduce ourselves and court them.”  

Congratulations to the best of the lot!

A blessed May

The time-honored procession of Santa Cruz de Mayo, celebrated during the month of the Blessed Virgin, will be revived once again as The Society for Cultural Enrichment Inc. (SCEI), Intramuros Administration, Philippine Heritage Festival Inc. and the National Commission for Culture and the Arts will commemorate the neighborhood procession on May 26, Sunday, in Intramuros. The organizers of the event include (seated) Tess Castro, SCEI president and Angola Consul Helen Ong and Mimi Valerio; (standing, from left) Philippine Heritage Festival president Mita Rufino, Mars Lambino, Nenette Asiniero and Baby Antonio.

Hot and hectic summer at Plantation Bay

This season found Cebu’s Plantation Bay Resort and Spa bustling with activities.

The resort’s modern clay tennis court was the venue for the Fourth Davis Cup, where our very own Cebuana Lhuillier Philippine team won against Thailand. Another important activity held at the resort recently was the Star Cinema’s Creative Team planning session for future TV and movie projects, with the company’s big bosses in attendance. 

Plantation Bay’s amiable general manager Efren Belarmino was also proud to say that the very talented resort staff was invited to perform their Rockin’ USA revue at the Ayala Center Cebu. 

Summer is not yet over as Philippine residents and balikbayans have until July 31 for Plantation Bay’s Summer Frolix 2013. Book for three nights and get two more nights free, plus a 20 percent discount on your total food bill for the duration of your stay.

(For inquiries, call 6332-505-9800, e-mail [email protected] or visit www.plantationbay.com. You may also call its Manila sales office at 632-844-5024 to 25.)