By Tina Hidalgo Jacinto
The Society for Cultural Enrichment Inc.’s recent “Easter Parade” dinner dance celebrated individualism. It was an event that expressed fashion geared toward 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 make 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 with one’s life. 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 at 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 of an impressive roster of clients and princesses in Saudi Arabia’s Royal Palace are among them. One of the Saudi Arabian princesses calls him the “Prince of Beads.” The members of the SCEI took pride as fashion models, walking and sashaying 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, and Joel Cruz with his children.
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