A night of music & artistry

The awe-inspiring expanse of First Pacific Leadership Academy ( FPLA) campus greeted guests for an exhilarating night of music and cinematic artistry recently.

The FPLA grounds were bedecked with soft, glittering lights strung across the towering trees while a string orchestra played lovely tunes that brought romance in the air. There was also a buffet dinner prepared by Tipulo Modern Filipino Cuisine. Guests wined and dined under the stars, and savored the crisp evening breeze.

After the exquisite dinner, the red carpet was rolled out going to Griffins Hall for the exclusive screening of Ang

Larawan, the film adaptation of National Artist for Literature Nick Joaquin’s play, A Portrait of the Artist as a Filipino. The screening gathered icons of the entertainment industry, society’s crème dela crème like “Pop Diva” Kuh Ledesma, maestro Ryan Cayabyab, Celeste Legaspi-Gallardo, renowned pianist Ingrid Sala Santamaria,

Regal Films matriarch Lily

Monteverde and former Budget secretary Butch Abad. Cacai Bautista, China Gonzalez, Brian Llamanzares with Angelica Alita were also seen gracing the event.

The grand event was the first of many events scheduled for the year to mark FPLA’s milestone anniversary.

Since breaking ground five years ago, FPLA, the f irst corporate university in the country headed by it s chai rman Manuel V.

Pangilinan, has grown to become a leader in further education. The respected academic institution has also become a renowned haven and premier venue for concerts, weddings, events and conferences with its lush surroundings and state- oftheart facilities.

“We are privileged to kick off the Academy’s fifth anniversary by celebrating excellence and greatness in Philippine artistry,” FPLA general manager and executive director Roy Agustin Evalle said before the screening of Ang Larawan. “The world has celebrated timeless pieces like The Wonde r ful World of the Brothers Grimm, How the West Was Won and The Sound

of Music. It is high time that we also take bold steps to showcase to the world our very own. Ang Larawan is, indeed, a cultural treasure that must never be forgotten — even in the years to come,” Evalle added. Ang Larawan features Rachel Alejandro, Joanna Ampi l, Celeste Legaspi-Gallardo, Nonie Buencamino and Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo, with music by National Artist for Theater and Literature Rolando Tinio and maestro Ryan Cayabyab.

(From left) Ricky Concepcion, Vivien Arnobit and FPLA GM Roy Agustin Evalle with Jin and Ryan Gregorio.

(From left) Former Trade attaché Simeon Hernandez and wife Regina with Sonia Roco and San Beda College’s Rev. Fr. Abbot Eduardo Africa, OSB.

(From left) Norman Morte, maestro Ryan Cayabyab, Eugene Villaluz, FPLA head for marketing Butch Peña and Riza Severino.

(From left) China and Giulia Go, Celeste Legaspi- Gallardo, Mei-Tzi and Kazumi Go with Girlie Rodis.

Lily and Roselle Monteverde with Girlie Rodis.

(From left) Nantes Amistoso, Rossanne Columna Lim, Dulce Simbulan Amistoso, Roy Lim and Joselito Sibayan.

(From left) PLDT’s Lisa Sichon, IASA Inc. president and GM Jenny Dayrit, Chug Sichon and Christine Heiss.

(From left) Aurora Rebortira, Mr. and Mrs. Joey Sison with Gemma Cruz-Araneta.

(From left) Sonia Roco, Celeste and Nonoy Gallardo with director Loy Arcenas.

Former Budget secretary Butch Abad with Butch Africa.

Ingrid Sala Santamaria and Celeste Legaspi- Gallardo.

Butch Peña, Louie Reyes and Ding Mercado.

Roy Agustin Evalle and Globe Telecom’s Renato Jiao.

Angelica Alita and Brian Llamanzares.

Kuh Ledesma.