Keeping our heritage alive

Cebu’s first business library was recently  unveiled at the topmost area of the Bank of the Philippine Islands’ main branch in Cebu.

The building, a neo-classical structure designed by noted architect Juan Arellano,  has now been converted to a repository of reference books on economics, finance, management and trade. It includes a section especially dedicated to Cebu culture and a designated reading area for children upon the request of Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama. The library will also serve as a venue for regular workshops to update the community on the goings-on in the business and finance world.

With a concept and design by the Filipinas Heritage Library, the library will be managed by the University of San Carlos. 

Also launched at the event was the coffee table book Salapi, the first of its kind ever to be produced in the country, written by Jose Eleazar Reynes Bernales and Carlos Ledesma Apuhin, who contributed photographs as well with Fr. Generoso Rebayla Jr. SVD. The 280-page tome reveals in full detail the fascinating history and evolution behind the coins and banknotes of the Philippines. A Wicked evening

The musical Wicked in Manila just finished its run this month and people miss it already! Many of my friends still ask me if the cast would come back as they would like to see it again.

To show its appreciation to some of its corporate clients and partners, Citi Philippines hosted an exclusive appreciation night and treated them to the Broadway musical at the Cultural Center of the Philippines.

Wicked is the latest award-winning musical to play before the Filipino audience. In the past, Citi sponsored a series of well-loved Broadway shows including Mamma Mia!, The Phantom of the Opera and Cats.

Before watching Wicked, guests and Citi executives convened at the second floor foyer of CCP’s main hall where they enjoyed cocktails and free-flowing wine served by Diamond Hotel.

Among the captains of industry who attended the event were Ayala Land’s Tony Aquino, BDO’s Nestor Tan, Jollibee’s Ato Tanmantiong, Megaworld’s Andrew Tan, PASAR’s David Halley, Philam Life’s Rex Mendoza and RCBC’s Lorenzo Tan.  All of them were welcomed by Citi’s corporate and investment banking head Usman Ahmed, ASEAN markets head and country treasurer Arcus Fernando, consumer business manager Bea Tan, securities and funds services head Tet Reyes and corporate affairs director Aneth Lim.

Based on the Gregory Maguire novel, Wicked has garnered over 50 major awards including the Grammy Award and three Tony Awards, and was declared “The Best Musical of the Decade” by Entertainment Weekly and “A Cultural Phenomenon” by Variety. Keep the extra weight off permanently

So many figure-conscious individuals resort to investing on diets that fit their lifestyle, like the Cohen diet.

At a lunch held at Greenbelt’s Carmelo’s Wagyu Steaks restaurant, directors of the Cohen’s Lifestyle Centre (CLC) warned the public against “versions” spawned by the huge success of the Cohen’s Lifestyle Program, a rapid weight loss solution through nutrition based on a person’s unique blood profile. According to them, there is only one real Cohen. The one that lets you lose up to eight to 10 lbs. a month and keeps the extra weight off permanently.

As CLC CEO Barbara Young said,  “Success in losing weight can only be achieved through the tried-and-tested scientific, systematic and sustainable approach of the real Cohen.”

According to CLC executive director Dr. Angel Bandola, CLC develops a personalized eating plan based on every client’s unique blood profile and teaches him or her the right eating and sleeping habits. Because of this, copying other people’s programs, and opting for Cohen food deliveries and unauthorized Cohen cooking classes can bring serious health risks.

Meanwhile, CLC CFO Regina Chuavon explained that the Centre conducts a rigorous process to ensure safe and effective weight loss of its clients — from the comprehensive medical screening, to coordinating with their primary physicians and monitoring their progress and blood parameters monthly.

At the event, seven Cohen diet graduates came to flaunt their bodies that have remained slim even after finishing the program. From last year’s batch came Jamee Padilla who lost 71 lbs.; Gerry Francia lost 75 lbs., Erika Avancena lost 104 lbs., Elizabeth Abela lost 29 lbs., and Roger Rosales lost 89 lbs. Also present were Joy Marcelo who shed 41 lbs. in 2012, and Digzy Umali who lost 65 lbs. back in 2010 as one of the Cohen’s Lifestyle Program’s first graduates.

All of them talked about their dramatic weight loss stories — along with their “before and after” photos. Most importantly, they happily shared inspiring anecdotes about their weight loss journey, and the fruits of embracing a lifestyle change espoused by the Cohen program: fit bodies, greater confidence and a passion for healthy living —  results only the real Cohen can deliver!

(For best results, consult your doctor.)

Haiyan international fundraising art exhibition

On April 6, a consortium of international and Filipino artists will open the “Haiyan International Fundraising Art Exhibition 2014.” This exhibition features artworks from over 40 international and 17 Filipino artists.

“Haiyan International Fundraising Art Exhibition 2014” was conceptualized by Singapore National Artist Goh Beng Kwan and Filipino artist Florence Cinco. Alongside Goh and Cinco, artists participating in the exhibition include Ilseon Ryu (Korea), president and art director of Ecorea Biennale Committee and president of the Asia-Pacific Institute of Art and Research; Grete Marstein (Norway), president of the Norwegian Artists Copyright Association and international vice president of the International Association of Art (UNESCO); Trinh Tuan (Vietnam); Daniel Houle Jayd (Canada); and Wattanachot Tungateja (Thailand). The exhibit is organized and curated by Cinco, Red Mansueto and Aimee Villas Adalla.

Each of the artists participating in the exhibit has contributed an artwork in support of the ongoing relief and reconstruction efforts in the Visayas region. All proceeds from the art works sold during the exhibition will go to MyShelter Foundation, whose Liter of Light program provides low-cost, simple solar lighting to disaster-stricken areas, creating local jobs, teaching green skills, and empowering local communities.

“Haiyan International Fundraising Art Exhibition 2014” runs from April 6 to 26 at Galleria Duemila.

(For more information on Galleria Duemila, call 831-9990 and look for Thess Ponce or Mark Arvin Patiag or visit www.galleriaduemila.com.)

(For information about “Haiyan International Fundraising Art Exhibition 2014,” visit Haiyan International Art Fundraising Exhibition 2014 on Facebook, www.aliteroflight.org or e-mail [email protected].) (Follow me on Instagram @pepperteehankee.)