Around town
It was a golden celebration of service and music when Zonta Club of Cebu 1 marked its 50 years of existence with a concertfor-a-cause featuring Jose Mari Chan who is incidentally celebrating 50 years in the music industry. Dubbed “Celebrate Life: Golden Years of Service and Music,” the benefit show unfolded at the Pacific Grand Ballroom of Waterfront Cebu City Hotel last week. Frontliners were the hardworking Zonta 1 ladies led by its president Isabel “Chabeng” Garcia; project chairpersons Emily Chioson and Barbara Tan; event chairperson Tess Chan; and program director Mila Espina, who as usual put everything together. Graciously in attendance were Zonta International District 17 governor Primitiva Perez and treasurer Leia Bautista who came all the way from Manila; vice area director (Area 3) Stella Bernabe; and past Area 3 director Anita Sanchez.
Joe Mari was in his element, charming his audience with songs he composed through the years, dishing out hilarious jokes, and sharing interesting asides. He is definitely a total entertainer. He proudly introduced his three sons ( Jose Antonio, Michael Philip and Francisco Rafael) who came up with a beautiful blend of voices a capella; chips off the old block, of course! Finale was the well-loved “Christmas In Our Hearts” with his boys and guest performer Joie Catamora who took the place of his absent daughter Liza. With wifey Mary Ann in the audience, he was totally inspired.
Taking part in the show as front acts were Cebu talents Anna Fegi-Brown (she also did two duets with Joe Mari) and students of Brown Academy of Music; Bessie Villamor; Clifford Gawchua; the Knapsack Dancers; University of San Jose-Recoletos’ Drac Larks and the Nightingales; and performers from Benedicto College. All That Glitters is a jewelry company that prides itself in its collection of 24 karat gold-plated 925 sterling silver pieces embellished with authentic precious and semi-precious gems. Its 2017 Holiday Collection was displayed at 32 Sanson Lounge in Lahug during the HIMO: A Space+Making Fair a few weeks back. Owner/designer Amanda LuYm shared that, “The designs were made to recall a time of elegance and glamor.” Her associate Cacay Moras Server added, “Our pieces will surely step up any modern-day ensemble with their intricate designs.” The collection veers away from today’s casual post-modern look and brings to mind a period of refined fashion and couture. The Rustan’s Beauty Addict affair was an afternoon of fun and games, treasure hunting and make-overs, and more. It was a huge success with people of all ages flocking in to see the items offered at the different make-up counters. And yes, the beauty consultants had their hands full!