Philippine Italian Association celebrates 55 years with a ball & silent auction
Today, July 29, the Philippine Italian Association (PIA) celebrates 55 years of cultural exchange between the Philippines and Italy.
Conceptualized and founded in Manila in 1962 by Philippine Ambassador to the Vatican Proceso E. Sebastian and Italian Ambassador to Manila Eugenio Rubino, PIA has passionately worked to foster mutual understanding in culture, art, music and language.
One of the outstanding PIA presidents from a long line of distinguished past presidents, from 1978 to 1986, is incumbent president Nedy Tantoco’s father, Ambassador Bienvenido Tantoco, former ambassador to Rome,
PIA’s story began with Italian language courses for children of Italians residing in Manila. It has since evolved into one of the most important and recognized institutions that represent the partnership between the two countries. Cultural projects touching all aspects of music, art, language and culture have punctuated PIA activities over the last five and a half decades. PIA has also engaged in bringing Filipino language, culture and heritage to Italy, benefitting not only the Italians but also Filipinos who have made Italy their home.
PIA’s dinner-dance celebrates its successes and blessings in the last five and a half decades. The ball will be held tonight at 6:30 p.m. at The Peninsula Manila Ballroom. Guests are requested to come in cocktail dress and jacket for gentlemen. PIA also bids farewell to Ambassador Massimo Roscigno, whose tour of duty ends in August. His many achievements will be recognized and followed by a piano tribute by Dr. Raul Sunico.
A special silent auction of exquisite art pieces from Rustan’s art gallery department will be on display as well as sculptures by Murano glass master Andrea Tagliapietra from iPhor Trading Inc., paintings by Ramon Diaz (Galleria Duemila), Al Perez, Paulina Luz Sotto and sculptures by Benjamin Dailo. There will also be a live auction of a Ducati Monster 797+ sponsored by Ducati Philippines and a miniature metal Ferrari car containing grappa friulana by Distillerie Buiese from iPhor Trading, Inc.
A raffle be held with the first prize being a round-trip ticket to Italy from Etihad with VIP shopping package at Fidenza Village; an iPhone 7 from Globe Telecom; an executive checkup at St. Luke’s; a three-day, two-night stay for two at Astoria, Palawan; gift certificates from ResToeRun, Puccini, Cibo, Lusso, Asta, Dario, L’Opera, Prego, Seda, Caruso and Ferrari Spumante.
Major sponsors are Rustan’s, The Peninsula Manila, Synergy88. Media Partner is Platinum List. Silver Secrets and Premier Wine & Spirits, Barista and Coffee Academy of Asia are also lending their support.
Tickets are at P2,500 per person, which includes dinner and one raffle ticket. Additional raffle tickets at P500 will be available during the event. For inquiries, call the PIA secretariat, Marissa Ronquillo, at 815-1310 or email philippineitalianassociation@gmail.com. Log on to https://philippineitalianassociation.org and on Facebook @philippineitalianassociation.