IN TOWN for the celebration of the 66th anniversary of the independence of the state of Israel were Ambassador and Mrs. Menashe Bar-On. They presided over an evening reception at the Marco Polo Plaza with the Honorary Consul of Israel in Cebu Emily Benedicto-Chioson. Very much around too were the consul's dad, Ambassador Francisco Benedicto and her supportive husband Honorary Consul of Portugal Samuel Chioson.
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It will be a golden celebration for Alfredo "Dodong" Villamor and Consuelo "Oling" Pilapil on June 6 when they celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary. The renewal of vows will be at the Manila Room of Marco Polo Plaza where the dinner reception will also be held.
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Zony Borromeo Escario invited close friends (mostly her high school classmates at STC) for dinner on her birthday. Venue was the family-owned Sta. Barbara Suites next door to Montebello Villa Hotel. Dancing attendance on her were loving husband, architect Ramon Escario and devoted daughter Janice Escario King.
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And speaking of birthdays, businessman Romy Hipolito is all set to celebrate his 77th birthday on Sunday, June 8, at the Roofdeck of the Insular Life Bldg. at the Cebu Business Park. The red letter occasion will start with Holy Mass followed by dinner.
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Glamorous young Moms and their kids took centerstage during the afternoon of fun and fashion at the opening of the flagship store of Petit Bateau at Ayala Center Cebu.
Kate Anzani, Christine Uy, Therese Ko, Maitina Borromeo with their daughters, and Laurice Chiongbian with her son Rafa paraded in the comfy and chic classic collections of Petit Bateau.
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Dr. Stephanie Tiro Sitoy is a dedicated pediatrician aside from being a known beauty.
She was crowned as Mrs. Philippines Globe 2014 a few weeks ago. During her student days, she was one of the Miss Cebu Tourism beauties. She is married to neurologist Dr. Apollo Sitoy.
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Balikbayans come and go, and they are always feted left and right by relatives and friends. Among the recent Cebu visitors were Raffy Angulo from New Jersey who used to design furniture here in the early 70s; Linda Logarta Gotardo Vasquez and daughter Rina from New Jersey who have been tasked to take care of the Logarta's heirloom "caro" for the Holy Week procession; and Dr. Erlinda Gambito from California who comes here regularly for rest and recreation.
On the other hand Canada-based couple Henry and Norma Casuga stay here six months of the year to escape the cold spell in Calgary. Before they left some weeks ago, they were honorees at a despedida dinner given by their good friends Vince and Lucille Colina at their beautiful Ma. Luisa home. Among the guests were Lexmark president and chief executive officer (CEO) RL Bandy and lovely wife Martha.
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It was Precious Heradura of Selrahco Management and Consultancy Services who asked us to try the specialties of Tonkatsu, the Japanese restaurant at The Terraces in Ayala Center. The restaurant has for its main offering fried pork cutlet (coated with fresh bread crumbs) or tonkatsu.
Its menu includes katsu sets served with refillable Japanese rice, shredded cabbage and hot tonjiru (miso soup with pork). Among the best sellers is the "Kurobuta Rosu Katsu" or deep fried Black Pork Loin made from 100 percent Berkshire pork. And not to forget, the yummy frozen green tea set on a Graham crust and topped with sweet and light meringue.