M“It is not the honor that you take with you, but the heritage you leave behind.” — Branch Rickey
akati Shangri-La, Manila’s Rizal Ballroom was filled with ladies and gentlemen from the diplomatic, business and social circles for the charity fundraising event of the Society for Cultural Enrichment Inc. (SCEI). The event was led by SCEI chairman and president Angola Consul Helen Ong and vice chairman Jimmy Laya. The well-attended event featured Amir Sali’s world-class haute couture, modeled by the beautiful ladies of Manila’s high society, as well as a Patron of the Arts awards ceremony for SCEI’s staunchest advocates. Guests came together to support SCEI’s objectives to help preserve our culture and to inspire the youth, particularly the less privileged, to realize the importance of arts and culture in our society.
Congratulations to Consul Helen Ong and the Society for Cultural Enrichment Inc. for a successful fundraising event!
Society for Cultural Enrichment Inc. (SCEI) vice chairman Jimmy Laya and chairman and president Angola Consul Helen Ong with award presenter Korina Sanchez.
(From left) Brazilian Ambassador Rodrigo do Amaral Souza and wife Lais, Dr. Kieu Phung of Denmark, Jayelles’ Roselle Rebano, Panamanian Ambassador Rolando Guevara Alvarado and Wang Qi of the European Union.
Patron of the Arts awardees Flora Chua, Dr. Elsie Pascua and Salome Dy.
Patron of the Arts awardees Ofelia Wadle, Eimee Cragun and jewelry designer Ann Ong.
Patron of the Arts awardees Carolyn Tan, DMark Corp. CEO Nikki Tang and Virginia Lane.
(From left) Jimmy Laya, Marian Ong, Nikki Valerio and Eni Alba.
(From left) Grace Gobing, Sheree Chua, fashion designer Amir Sali, Consul Helen Ong and Carolyn Tan.
(From left) Bert and Nonie Basilio, Raul Sunico, award presenter Lisa Macuja-Elizalde and Mimi Valerio.
Award presenter Raul Sunico, Patron of the Arts awardee Mags Cue and Jimmy Laya.
(From left) Maru Go, Milo Bondoc, your columnist, Linda Lugtu and Arlene Jacobo.
(From left) Tara Rustia, Patron of the Arts awardee Joy Rustia, Keana and Joel Rustia.
(From left) Yoli Ayson, Nini Licaros, Evelyn Frazer and Ditas Posadas.
Ann Puno and husband, lawyer Rene Puno with Gilda Salonga.
Arlene Chan, Josie Go and Chona Ko.
Cory Quirino and Tanzania Consul Betty Chua.
Josie Yu and Agile Zamora.
Mayenne Carmona and award presenter Ramon Orlina.
George Sarakinis and Becky Garcia.
Gambia Consul Agnes Huibonhoa.