SPARKLING LIGHTS WELCOME THE HOLIDAY SEASON

ANGEL THOUGHTS

He who receives a good turn should never forget it; and he who does one should never remember it.

—Charron

I love this season! The glorious star that showed the way to the shepherds and magi where the Holy Babe lay in a straw manger signifies hope and the beauty of the divine birth.

It’s a beautiful season and lights of all kinds, from the humblest string of cheap lights to the most extravagant display of lights (thanks to the Ayala Business District and Manila City Mayor set our hearts on the right path.

The Grand Dame of all hotels, the Manila Hotel, had a spectacular ceremony to light up their giant cylindrical callado tree under the lovely chandeliers at the grand lobby.

the hotel’s artistic designer, had a Filipino “Pasko Pasko” motif including a replica of an Iloilo mansion to greet guests and embroidered piña fabric for decorations shaped like shimmering stars and Christmas balls around the lobby.

The “rock star” Manila City Mayor Isko Moreno graced the ceremonies with his vice mayor Dr.

at the Manila Hotel. His popularity is truly amazing but he

Cuna, Lacuna Isko Moreno), Honey Rachy

calendars on Nov. 24 as you can do “around the world” shopping through the 53rd International Bazaar at the PICC Forums 1, 2, and 3 at the CCP complex, from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. This pre-Christmas bazaar is organized by the International Bazaar Foundation (IBF), in cooperation with the Department of Foreign Affairs, Diplomatic and Consular Corps., and the Spouses of the Heads of Mission.

According to of Swedish ambassador and SHOM President, the proceeds of this cosmopolitan bazaar will benefit local charities such as the 41 scholars in colleges and universities in Metro Manila; the Ayala Foundation that conducts outreach projects in Mindanao, Palawan, and Mindoro; the Habi Textile that restores the fine art of inabel or abeliloko; the Pilak Silvercraft that trains silversmiths in Baguio City; the Our Lady of Peace Hospital in Paranaque City; Bogo, Cebu Provincial hospital; the Missionaries of Charity; the Little Sisters of the Poor; the feeding program in Pasay City, the Steps Mission Foundation; and the Sayaw Foundation that teaches out-of-school youth to learn ballet skills.

Entrance tickets to the bazaar are just for R150 while donor cards cost R250. These are sold at Tesoro’s Store in Makati City, at the DFA main building on Roxas Blvd., and at the PICC gate on the day of the bazaar.

Susan Fries, Harald Fries

spouse