The Friends for Cultural Concerns of the Philippines (FCCP) celebrated its 33rd anniversary with a dinner/concert last month.
A well-heeled crowd packed the Rizal Ballroom of Makati Shangri-La to watch Lea Salonga perform, accompanied by the orchestra conducted by her brother Gerard.
In 1979, when FCCP was founded by a group of musically inclined ladies for the development of young and talented Filipinos, Lea was first introduced to a select audience in the musical “Annie,” which was FCCP’s first fundraiser.
The annual ball, FCCP’s major fundraising event, was headed by its dynamic president Nene S. Leonor, director Nene Pe Lim and chair Nonie Basilio.
Proceeds of the event will go to the FCCP’s scholars from the UP College of Music and Fine Arts, outreach programs for public schools and rural communities, heritage and cultural trips, and other arts and culture activities.
Major sponsors were BPL Group of Companies (platinum sponsor), PGA Cars, DMCI Homes and Imelda Ongsiako Cojuangko (gold sponsors), Cats Motors (silver sponsor), Ambassador and Mrs. Tonet Lagdameo, Anita Magsaysay Ho Foundation, Carlo Caparas and Donna Villa, Ernie Yu (Pagoda Philippines), Jun and Nene Leonor, Paing and Mely Hechanova, Sally Maliuanag, Wilcon Depot, Joel Cruz (bronze sponsors).
Donors were Consuls Luis and Mellie Ablaza, Ching Cruz, Chit Salud, DN Steel, Edna Lhuillier, San Miguel Corp., Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile, Rep. Linabelle Villarica, Jackie Hess, Cristina Caedo, Letty Hahn, Karen Macasaet, Rosita Lesaca, Rose Marie Lazaro, Danny Dolor, Fe Rodriguez, RCBC Corporate Group, Milagros O. How, Nini Licaros, Helen M. Ong and Marissa Fenton.