EASTER PARADE
The Society for Cultural Enrichment Inc.’s recent ‘Easter Parade’ dinner dance celebrated individualism. It was an event that expressed fashion geared towards one’s sense of style. Upon entering the Rizal Ballroom of Shangri-la Makati, we were amused by the model-ladies in their Amir Sali gowns joyously taking selfies of one another. They all looked beautiful with Sali‘s magic which spans figures and generations. With its twofold program of the ‘Patron of the Arts’ awards and the Amir Sali Collection, the gala was a resounding success.
Adored and loved by her Best Dressed family, SCEI Chairman Consul Helen Ong possesses an exceptional soul and sensitivity. I had the pleasure of sitting beside her at her table, and she mentioned to me that she and her team pulled everything off, both the award ceremony and the fashion show in a month’s time. She is an inspiration; and her energy, humor and her view of life makes her most fascinating. Despite her gilded lifestyle, she always leads a cause that benefits others, which according to her is the best thing to do in one’s lifetime. Together with Dr. Jimmy Laya at the helm, the project supports SCEI’s objectives: the scholarship of public school students of Sayaw Foundation and likewise the co-sponsoring of art, culture and history exhibits in museums and schools. The Award Presenters were: Liza Macuja Elizalde, Raul Sunico, Korina Sanchez Roxas and Ramon Orlina. The Patron of the Arts Awardees were: Joy Rustia, Elsie Pascua, Jennifer Sarmiento, Flora Chua, Ofelia Wadle, Salome Uy, Carolyn Tan, Ann Ong, Mags Cue, Nikki Tang and Virginia Lane.
Amir Sali boasts an impressive roster of clients that includes princesses in Saudi Arabia’s Royal Palace, and has been dubbed by one of the Saudi Arabian princesses, as “the Prince of Beads”. The members of the SCEI took pride as fashion models, as they walked and sashayed down the runway with aplomb. Standouts were: Carolyn Tan, Sheree Chua, Jacqueline Michelle Lim, Crystal Jacinto, Prescy Yulo, Mhel Pechera, Merci Padolina, Dr. Elsie Pascua, Agile Zamora, Lynette Guzman, Maru Go, Nikki Tang, Dr. Jennie Diaz, Georgette Wilson, Manolyne Taylor, Mags Cue, Maila Garcia King, Cecille Asprec, Rose Basa, Bo Muralla, Joel Cruz with his children.