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Manila Bulletin devider devider The face of hope

The face of hope

Published Mar 11, 2018 12:05 am
By Tina Hidalgo Jacinto Dr. Norman San Agustin, a brilliant, down-to-earth man, is recognized as one of the top US East Coast surgeons with a dedication to his calling. His impassioned attitude to giving back has led Dr. Norman to be drawn back to his beloved Philippines. With several prominent businessmen, Dr. Norman’s newly opened Asian Breast Center in Makati, is the realization of an important calling: the establishment of the Philippines first freestanding ambulatory cancer care unit for the treatment and management of breast diseases. Dr. Norman strives to correct the fallacy among Filipinos that they are cancer-free after a mastectomy. He thus set up the ABC at Centuria Medical Makati, of which he is president and CEO, and is affiliated with the Cancer Program of Morristown Medical Center. He is founder and president of the Morristown Surgical Associates at the Morristown Medical Center in New Jersey, one of the top five hospitals in the East Coast area. The well-loved doctor, together with his gracious wife, Biba had decided to come home, to help Filipino women fight cancer, and thus, marked the beginning of a new chapter in their lives. Dr. Norman said: “The greatest tragedy is when a woman dies from a disease that is curable.” He is an advocate of lumpectomy with the state-of-the-art Inter-operative Radiation Therapy (IORT) and another first is the Molecular Breast Imaging (MBI), an innovative nuclear medicine technique that makes cancer cells highly visible. Recently the fun-loving spirit of the good life was evident at the recent birthday dinner of Norman, which he and Biba hosted at their posh residence. Norman emphasized: “Our daughter Nikki has become the face of hope of the Asian Breast Center.” The ABC is dedicated to their only daughter R, who met a tragic ski accident in New Jersey decades ago.” At the dinner, Biba immediately led us to the portrait of Nikki, which was prominently displayed in their living room, a touching moment for us, as Rupert had immortalized their late daughter with the portrait.  Norman told Rupert: “There is a very unique tie up designed by Divine Providence why Nikki wanted you to memorialize her with your pictures back in 1986. We now know that she will be the Angel of Hope that will be sent to help millions of women who will develop breast cancer. She will bring hope of a cure for all these women. And you helped create this beautiful image.”

A Princess Margaret-Inspired Lunch The ladies who lunched were donned in stylish hats befitting a Princess Margaret-inspired theme, for Albert Andrada’s fashion event.  The go-to haute couture designer was in the limelight once again with his fifth showcase, “The Margaret Collection,” held at Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila. The 14-signature looks were presented in conjunction with multi-awarded Spiral restaurant’s kick-off of its Le Grand Royal Brunch. Greeting the guests were charismatic GM Adam Laker with his beautiful wife Belinda, sales and marketing director Assia Daourova, and charming PR Yasmine Hidalgo. Arriving in fashionable “High Tea” attire, the guests leisurely savored Spiral’s Sunday brunch in style. For those who came without hats, the pop-up booth of Hat Momma featured a display of fascinators, which the guests gladly wore. After Adam’s welcome remarks, the fashion show commenced, and fashion went royal with the colors of the crown jewels including ultra violet, the pantone color of 2018.  Albert’s gowns showcased a sense of high style and drama perfect for its royal theme. The models walked through Spiral, bejeweled by Jewelmer pearls and with make-up by Guerlain. Creative director was Robby Carmona. Awards were given: Best-dressed with special gifts from Jewelmer and Tefal were lifestyle blogger couple David Guison and Vina Guerrero, King and Queen of Hearts with special gifts from Elizabeth Arden and Tefal went to model couple Hideo Muraoka and Fatima Rabago, Lady Guerlain Award to model-photographer Jo Ann Bitangol and Elizabeth Arden Lady Award was given to yours truly. There were gifts from Power Mac Center, Cuisinart. Musical entertainment was by Hans Dimayuga, and adding to the festivities of the day were a magic show, giant wall painting and Kids Corner with arts and crafts. The Le Grand Sunday Brunch with Spirals 21 dining ateliers including wine trolley and champagne shall run on April 29, July 29, and Oct. 28. Mark your calendars with Flavors of Korea in Spiral’s latest Flavors of the World Culinary series from March 12 to 17 02 832 6988; [email protected] www.tinajacinto.com
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