I can’t believe, dahlings, that it’s been five fruitful years since the Belo Medical Group opened its branch at Ayala Malls Cebu.
For its recent anniversary celebration, the dermatology and cosmetic surgery center held a Mardi Gras-theme party that drew the Queen City of the South’s A-list crowd.
Tirelessly welcoming each guest was Dr. Vicki Belo, who flew in from Manille with her close pal and consultant Jojie Dingcong, as well as Julie Jalandoni Boshi, Glenna Fernan-Guidicelli and Grace Palaganas.
As an added treat, Dr. Belo sponsored Cebu’s talented young fashion designer Mia Arcenas’ Spring/Summer 2014 collection which was unveiled that night with support from Cebu’s magazine of the rich and famous, Zee Lifestlye, published by my palangga, Eva Gullas.
The 23-year-old Arcenas, who graduated summa cum laude at Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising in San Francisco, exhibited magnificence in her show. Her dresses, which evoked confidence and sophisticated femininity, were enhanced by gold, crystal and pearl embellishments.
Take a bow, dahling, you deserve all the applause.
Arcenas’ shop is at The Showroom, Ferimar Bldg., Nivel Hills in Lahug, Cebu City; tel. (032) 2314275; www. miaarcenas.com.
All-Filipino production
The night we watched Resorts World Manila’s production of the Tony Award-winning musical “Priscilla, Queen of the Desert,” the opening number with Bituin Escalante, Pinky Marquez and Menchu Launchengco-Yulo rendering “It’s Raining Men” got everyone dancing and singing along.
The all-Filipino production—which has loads of glitz, glam and endless laughter—stars Leo Valdez, Red Concepcion, Jon Santos (who practically stole the show that night), Lani Ligot, Timmy Canlas, Michael Williams.
The fabulous costumes, including over-the-top headdresses, were designed by Edgar San Diego.
Spotted among the audience were Mayenne Carmona, Marissa Chan, Tina Limjuco, Dr. Nunie Fernandez and his wife Len, Letty Ruiz, Laarni Enriquez, Lilibeth Romero and Mariquita Yeung.
I must say that this Philippine version is a lot better than the London production that I saw.
“Priscilla, Queen of the Desert” runs until July 13, with performances every Thursday and Friday at 8 p.m., Saturdays at 3 and 8 p.m., and Sundays at 3 p.m. Call 9088833. Visit rwmanila.com/priscilla.
Europe Day speech
Ambassador Guy Ledoux, head of the European Union delegation to the Philippines, presided over the recent Europe Day celebration at Makati Shangri-La’s ballroom.
In his welcome speech, Ledouz said: “Tourism has been a sector of growing importance for both the EU and the Philippines, a major anchor for stronger, long-term relations between the country and the bloc.
“Recently, United Kingdom’s Daily Telegraph cited the Philippines as ‘one of its top 20 destinations for 2014,’ with Panglao Island, Malapascua, Donsol, the Cordilleras and Palawan as some of the must-visit destinations for European tourists…
“Filipinos are known worldwide for their amazing hospitality… I have personally experienced it many times…
“Guided by the World Tourism Organization’s Global Code of Ethics for Tourism, the EU and the Philippines will continue to work together to develop tourism in a sustainable way…”
Guests nibbled on yummy dishes from different countries, with the event lasting way past the protocol time of 10 p.m.
Visit https://eeas.europa.eu/d elegations/philippines/index_ en.htm.
