Ambassador Antonio L. Cabangon-Chua, chairman emeritus of Fortune Life Insurance (FLI), and his son, Arnold A. Cabangon, Fortune president, launched a campaign on hard work and discipline with the Department of Education and Marylindbert International.
Also in attendance were Evelyn T. Carada, Fortune Life EVP and GM, and Linda Santiago of Marylindbert.
Education Undersecretary Yolanda S. Quijano was seen chatting with Ambassador Chua and Arnold Cabangon.
“This is our way of giving back to our country and the value of hard work and discipline, because our family, our business culture and Fortune Life are latched on to these basic principles and keys to success,” Arnold explained.
“Our role model and inspiration is the ambassador whose life story, discipline, determination and unparalleled love for his mother, Dominga, propelled him to be one of the country’s formidable tycoons,” Carada explained.
The happening got on a roll with the hand over of the inspirational books on hard work and discipline to Undersecretary Quijano for distribution to students.
Vilma Labrador, former education undersecretary and chair of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts, brought to the affair the talented children’s violin ensemble under the guidance of Lino Inovero to serenade the ambassador and the rest of the audience with love songs.
Meanwhile, Carada sang a beautiful ditty and soon everyone in Fortune Life, DepEd, Marylindbert and the invitees joined in, including Albert Rosal and Stephane Chatonsky, naturellement.
Happy birthday, Alex
Photography is a noble profession, dahlings. It is very demanding and tough, but with its own perks and rewards.
As for my closest pal, Dutchman Alex Van Hagen, who gave up teaching to become one of our town’s in-demand lifestyle photojournalists, no matter the difficulties, photography is decent and virtuous: it’s worthwhile livelihood.
Because of the stress of his work, his friends snatched him out of his busy schedule to surprise him on his birthday with a party, celebrated at the gorgeous sprawling house of Nini Licaros.
Aside from Nini, hosting the afternoon get-together were other women-friends of Alex such as Nene Leonor, Chit Salud, May Neri, Mellie Ablaza, Nonie Basilio, Fortune Ledesma, Mabel Abaño, Annabelle Adriano, Mimi Valerio, Karen Macasaet, Helen Ong and Baby de Jesus.
Among the invitees were friends of Alex who came to wish him, “well and more power”; they included Vicky Zubiri, Ching Cruz, and Baby Cruz; Consuls Agnes Huibonhoa and Evie Costa; Dr. Elenita Binay; Nini Layug, Pacita de Guzman, Fe Rodriguez, Princess Dissini, Robert Castañeda, Jaime Laya, Pitang Tiongson, Chloe Periquet, Lydia Reyes and Tess Castro, plus many others, dahlings.
It was a wonderful mix of guests, especially socialites who were into charity and fund-raising for good causes and, of course, figures from the world of politics.
Another year passes for our King for the Day, Alex Van Hagen. But it is hoped the blessings would continue to be showered on him, including the blessings of friendship very evident during the bash. Alex can surely look back with fond memories at the smile and laughter that have always made his life meaningful and fulfilling.
Here’s for more success in life, Alex! Cheers, palangga!
Cathay Pacific in Chicago
Cathay Pacific has added another global address to its list, Chicago, the “Windy City.” It’s windy and cold there during winter. I should know, I got my college degree there at Evanston University.
For the inauguration, Cathay Pacific took invitees on a “one-night tour of the city” with a glittering bash at the chi-chi Manila Polo Club. Guests were treated by Cathay Pacific to Chicago’s attractions.
Naturellement, the highlight was the city’s distinct lifestyle—its entertainment, dining, and cultural must-see’s—from Michelin-starred restos to fashion (Chicago is home to over 400 fashion designers, mind you), neck-breaking skyscrapers, shopping centers, and museums, plus the famous Michigan Lake.
“Razzle dazzle ’em,” Richard Gere sang in the film. “Chicago,” which is totally the effect of the city on members of Cathay Pacific’s loyalty program, the Marco Polo Club, palanggas.
That night, everyone welcomed newly appointed Cathay Pacific Philippines country manager, the young and dynamic Martin Xu, while saying “bon voyage” to dapper and always charming outgoing country manager Ed Higgs, who’s heading back to Hong Kong after three memorable years in the country, dahlings.
And hey, why not take Cathay Pacific’s new business class, which redefines what a long-haul flight should be like, n’est pas?
Yes, palanggas, I can rightfully say après my four years in the “Windy City” that Chicago is definitely awesome!
