Thursday, June 19, 2008 Utzurrum: On the cultural, culinary and social front By Chinggay V. Utzurrum The scene
OF great interest to music and book collectors, especially to Theresians, is the forthcoming album and book launching of ‘Songs in the Web of Life’ By Sister Ofelia C. Ibanez, ICM.
This historic and memorable event is one of the Diamond Year (75 years) celebration of St. Theresa’s College (STC) Cebu City, to be held on Saturday, June 21 at 9 a.m. at the STC Chapel.
Theresians, be there and be counted!
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Also on Saturday, June 21, is the joint induction ceremony of the Cebu Bonsai Society and the Cebu Suiseki Society. It will be held at Chika-an restaurant, Salinas Drive, Lahug, at 4 p.m.. We’d like to congratulate incoming prexy Linda To for the Bonsai group, and Lito Alansalon, for the Suiseki.
Let’s welcome more green thumbs to our society!
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Dr. Mila C. Espina, tourism chairperson for the Tourism Congress of the Cebu Business Month (CBM) greets us with the opening salvo of Excel Cebu! It starts on June 25 at 8:30 a.m. at the Plenary hall of the Cebu Internatinal Convention Center.
Following this is the Department of Tourism (DOT) lunching at 12 noon and the workshop from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
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Its only Shangri-La that can gather three of the country’s foremost lady chefs under one roof for a one-of-a-kind food fest called Pagkaing Pinoy. And so, in celebration of the country’s culinary traditions, Shangri-La’s Mactan Resort and Spa invited chef and author Glenda Barretto and multi-awarded Chefs On Parade authority Myrna Segismundo to highlight the flavors of the north. There’s also Jill Sandique, whose specialty are desserts. She will grace the festival at the Tides Restaurant.
Savor these mouth-watering concoctions: lechon paella, bistek Tagalog, Batangas bulalo, etc. Down dessert alley, feast your taste buds on canonigo, tocino del cielo, peanut ksses sansrival, etc.
The food fest started last June 8 and will last till the June 21.
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There never was a love story like theirs.
Riza Ina Manalo Joseph was only four years old, and Luke Simon Olivera Yuhico, nine, when they first met at the Alabang Country Club baby pool. He was the classmate of her older brother Robi.
Fast forward to 13 years later when Riza was driving by Luke’s grandparents’ house and he happened to run into her. After recalling the years that passed, both decided to see each other at the gym, and from that initial meeting, discovered they had many things in common, one of which was a love for Broadway music. They would sing while commuting to and from the gym. Soon, they fell in love.
Their relationship, like many, had many twists and turns including a separation when Riza took her accountancy studies abroad, and Luke pursued a medical degree at University of Santo Tomas (UST).
Tried and tested after five years, they decided to raise their relationship to a higher, loftier level.
Their dream wedding took place recently at Sanctuario de San Antonio church in Forbes Park, Makati. It was officiated by Msgr. Gerry Santos and Fr. Matthew Fernandez with their beaming parents, Bobby and Ina (Manalo) Joseph, and Delfin and Ditas Yuhico, witnessing the momentous event.
‘Twas a very musical ceremony with the UST Choir and String Ministrels providing heavenly echoes.
Reception was at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel, which started with cocktails. It culminated with a grand entrance to the ballroom which carried the Broadway theme, “Measure Your Life In Love.” Wedding tones were in black and red, with black table linen, tall crystal vases, and red, red roses as far as the eyes could see. Roses played a major role in the couple’s relationship. Luke promised himself that whoever received his dozen red roses would be the girl he’d marry.
And this was none other than Riza.
As we end the wedding, and as the new couple will start their life as One, we’d like to quote excerpts from Luke’s vow to Riza,
“Riza, you make it all worth it. You’re not just all I have wanted, I realize you’re who God wanted for me…..”
And Riza had this poignant vow:
“My dearest Luke, I thank God everyday for giving me his greatest gift in you. I will love you unconditionally…..”
And, of course, they will live happily every after, with God at the center of their lives.
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Debonair banker, dedicated Rotarian, avid golfer and former Cebu resident, Jed Reyes just Turned Golden recently and decided to hold his birthday among his golf buddies in Cebu.
Ever at his side was loving better half Amyfaith who’s now a judge at RTC, Pampanga. Spotted at the bash held at Sideline Restaurant were Chris Barranda, Serge Romero, Aljim Jamandre and wife Jamie, Fred Agor, Joe Palma, Gilfer Alvarez, and Mari Cañizares.
