Of fun times & good company

The excellent partnership of The Bellevue Hotels and Resorts (BH&R) bigwigs — chairman Johnny Chan, managing director Patrick Chan and The Bellevue Resort managing director Dustin Chan — and your columnist and event organizer brought together noted personalities from the diplomatic, banking, business and social circles recently. The occasion became an unforgettable night full of fun, laughter and good company at The Bellevue Resort in Bohol, one of the country’s premier and best five-star resorts.

The hardworking BH&R marketing and communications corporate director Ryan Chan, along with his wife Tamila and son Alejandro, joined yours truly in graciously welcoming guests that night. The VIPs in attendace included Italian Ambassador Massimo Roscigno and wife Agnes, former Chilean Ambassador Roberto Mayorga and wife Paulina, Portugal Consul Tony Rufino and Metrobank Foundation president Chito Sobrepeña and wife Anna Sobrepeña.

To start off the wonderful evening, everyone was treated to a sumptuous plethora of signature dishes made famous by Céna, one of the resort’s top-notch restaurants specializing in Western-inspired and Filipino fusion cuisine. These dishes were perfectly complemented by overflowing vintage wines and premium champagnes.

Meanwhile, The Bellevue Resort management and Jayelles team led by president Roselle Rebano made a special arrangement for the internationally-acclaimed Loboc Children’s Choir to perform that night. Everyone was truly mesmerized with the angelic voices of the talented kids under the baton of choir director Alma Fernando-Taldo.

As the night progressed, the otherwise conservative guests let their hair down by singing along with the Infinity Band while the jovial Ambassador Mayorga gave an entertaining solo number with his fantastic renditions of Spanish songs. After all the singing, guests then showed off their groovy dance moves — in couples and in groups — with the band playing a string of hits from the ‘70s, ‘80s and ‘90s.

Congratulations to the entire The Bellevue Hotels and Resorts team for yet another successful fete! The beauty of nature according to Ann Ong

The metro’s women A-listers all gathered to witness the unveiling of the stylish and beautifully-crafted pieces of award-winning designer and entrepreneur Ann Ong.

Among those who graced the chic event were art maven Dedes Zobel, Monaco Consul General Fortune Ledesma and trendsetters Mayenne Carmona and Suzette Lopez. Ann’s custom-made jewelry and accessories, which are inspired by nature, showcase how Mother Nature’s beauty and imperfection can be transformed into something fashionable and elegant. In addition, all of Ann’s creations are organic as they are made from indigenous and natural materials such as twigs, corals, shellfish, to name a few.

Congratulations, Ann, for this stylishly successful event!