The 47th annual ball of the Consular Corps of the Philippines reeled off at Conrad Manila after a two-year, pandemic-induced hiatus.
In attendance were dignitaries from Asia, Europe, and the Americas, government officials, society tastemakers, and industry leaders.
The event is an opportunity for consuls to get more acquainted with one another. This year, I got the chance to be more involved by organizing three tables.
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- Angola Consul Helen Ong. (Photographs courtesy of Agile Zamora )
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- The columnist and USA Ambassador MaryKay Carlson.
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- Nene Leonor and Nini Licaros.
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- Ambassador of Korea Inchul Kim and Ramon Orlina.
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- Grace and Consul Felix Ang.
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- Thailand Ambassador Tull Trisorat, Maria Urriste, Gisela Souza, Fausto Preysler, and Ambassador of Brazil Antonio Souza.
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- Cocoy Cordoba and Joni Dizon.
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- Israel Ambassador Ilan Fluss and his wife Gill Fluss.
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- Consul General of Monaco Fortune Ledesma and Consul of Montenegro Vanessa Pastor-Ledesma.
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- Jun Ablaza and Mia Borromeo.
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- Mozambique Honorary Consul Datu Seri Nelson, David Ackerman, Timmy Tan, and AJ Violago.
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- Amelia Ablaza and Lilibeth Campos.
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- Cory Navarro, Rose Ong, Emmy Gonzales, Virgie Monton, and Nelia Sarcol.
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- AJ Olpindo and David Lim.
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- Brenda Ngo, Ruby Tan, and Nikki Tang.
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- Jennifer Weigel, Shelly Lazaro, Eni Goal, Joy Rustia, and Ofelia Wadle.
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- Shilpa Tolani, Connie Haw, and Mache Torres.
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- Atty. Mike Toledo, Alice Samson, and Becky Garcia.
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- Maila Garcia and Carol Mercado.
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- Ningning de Ocampo, Merci Padolina, and Jet Capina.
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- Fanny Blanco and Marissa Fenton.
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- Tess Schoefer, Mayenne Carmona, and Len Olbes.
More than the fellowship, the Consular Ball helps support and uplift struggling Filipinos by raising funds for the Corps' social development efforts.
With fine food and spirits, engaging music by the Marcy David Band and Replay Band, and exciting raffle prizes from generous sponsors, the Consular Ball was a smashing success.
The affair's highlight was the turnover of leadership to Dean Javier Martin Garcia. Congratulations to event chair Helen M. Ong and co-chair Betty L. Ang.