FCCP at 23

The Friends for Cultural Concerns of the Philippines (FCCP), dahlings, celebrated its 23rd anniversary with a fund-raising dinner dance at the ballroom of the Shangri-La Hotel, with the theme "In celebration of friendship".

The program started with a mime invocation by the black theater team of the Makati Rotary Inter-Actors Group, followed by a brother-sister duet by Nichola and Jo-B Manalo Sebastian, apres which songs about friends were belted out by the young and energetic FCCP New Generation singing group. They were later joined by Bea and Jas Syquia (children of Letty and Ike Syquia) and Mio Nuguid and Jacqueline Ong (grandchildren of Helen and Sonny Ong).

The highlight, dahlings, was the presentation of bouquets of roses to FCCP presidents led by founding chairman and chairman emeritus Chito Madrigal Collantes and subsequent presidents like Tessie Luz, Nori Ongsiako, Letty Syquia, Olga Severino Martel, Ces Manalo, Nellie Bengzon, Celing Batungbacal and Thelma Gana and current president southern lady Chloe Periquet. Missed that evening was high society’s philanthropist, tres elegant Meldy Cojuangco, who was indisposed.

Bottles of champagne were popping at the table of Olga and Joe Martel as it happened to be Olga’s birthday. Celebrating with them were Ambassadors Umberto Colesanti of Italy, Ulf Hakansson of Sweden, Paul Moe of Norway, Theo Arnold of the Netherlands and their ladies. Chloe and Peping Periquet played host to Bal and Tessie Endriga, Jimmy Laya, Pepe and Lulu Rodriguez, Amb. Raimo and Piiju Antolla.

Everyone had fun and danced till the wee hours of the morning. It was a tres successful celebration of friendship which we hope will flourish and lead to more programs for the development of art and culture as envisioned by those hard working socialites who care, the FCCP no less.

Remember, palanggas, "Spend time with the Lord and your day will surely be well spent." Smile, see you!