Lea Salonga

Upon the initiative of Western Union, 20 internationally renowned Filipinos from all over the world have shared inspiring sayings that have constantly motivated overseas Filipino workers (OFWs). These inspiring quotes come in the form of individual book marks for distribution to OFWs.

The Western Union sponsored initiative – “Inspirations: A Collection of Quotes – from 20 of our Best” commemorates the company’s 20th anniversary in bringing Western Union®Money TransferSM services to the Philippines through its Agent network. It is aimed at motivating the modern-day heroes, the Filipino Bagong Bayani, to fulfill the aspirations of their families and themselves.

Contributors include Lea Salonga, Tony award-winning actress and singer; Loida Nicolas Lewis, CEO, TLC Beatrice International Holdings, Inc.; Rico Hizon, international news anchor; Myleene Klass, UK-based TV presenter; MiG Ayesa, Filipino-Australian rock vocalist; Lesley Mobo, London-based fashion designer; Oliver Tolentino, US-based fashion designer; Charmaine Clamor, jazz vocalist; Robin Tomas, US-based fashion designer; Whilce Portacio, US-based comic book artist; Kiwi Camara, attorney and youngest Harvard Law graduate; Justino Arboleda, multi-awarded agricultural engineer; Charito Basa, humanitarian; Joy Rojas, first Filipina to run across the US; Rachelle Gerodias, premier soprano; Yasmine Hidalgo, hotel PR and marketing professional; Mary Jane Alvero-Al Mahdi, distinguished chemical engineer; Peach Buencamino, architect; Victor Franco Calanog, economist; Reinabelle Reyes, astronomer.

Lea Salonga shared: “It’s always a worthwhile endeavor to strive for excellence. There’s nothing like the satisfaction you feel knowing you did something to the best of your abilities.”

From Myleene Klass: “I am so proud of my heritage. The only time success comes before work is in the dictionary. The only limitation one has are the ones you put on yourself.”

From Rachelle Gerodias: “A great artist demands perfection. Perfection requires discipline. Discipline requires sacrifice.”

Rico Hizon: “Wherever we are nationwide, the Filipino is a cut above the rest. We are smart, hardworking and talented. Be proud you are Pinoy!”

“Western Union is honored to play a role in communicating these inspiring messages to our hard working Filipinos as they achieve their own goals,” said Patricia Riingen, senior vice president, Pacific & Indochina, Western Union.

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Family Jewels

Miladay Jewels celebrated recently its 45th anniversary at the Rigodon ballroom of The Peninsula Manila where it also launched its newest eye-catching collections. Many guests and wellwishers showed up in support for the Dayrit siblings who have taken over the business from their late parents Mila and Ting Dayrit.

The highlight of the evening was the 45-minute jewelry fashion show with movie themes from Hollywood to Bollywood, participated in by Miladay’s esteemed clients, friends and family. As the five Dayrit siblings – Jaqui Boncan, Michelle Soliven, Mark Dayrit, Christine Dayrit (Cinema Evaluation Board chairman) and Yvonne Romualdez – walked down the ramp to the tune of “Diamonds Are Forever,” the audience broke into wild applause, some even teary-eyed to witness such love and camaraderie among the siblings.

The third generation – Christel Dayrit Boncan, Alexandra and Samantha Dayrit and Vincent Soliven – also pumped up the ramp with their energetic numbers.

Also on hand to welcome the guests were the Dayrit siblings’ spouses and their children: Boom Boncan with daughters Nikki and Christel; Benny Soliven with son Vincent; Mylene Dayrit with children Alexandra, Samantha and Matthew; and Pael Rodriguez with kids Carin and Cito.

“Thank you very much for celebrating this sparkling moment with us, our 45th anniversary,” said Miladay Pres. Michelle Dayrit-Soliven. “You are Miladay’s treasures.’’

Michelle said that part of the jewelry fair’s proceeds would go to the education of the more than 200 students of the Divine Healer Academy in Cabid-an, Sorsogon.

(The House of Miladay is located on Jupiter St., Bel-Air Makati, with branches in Alabang Town Center, SM Mall of Asia, The Podium, Glorietta, SM Taytay, SM The Block, and TriNoma.

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Kapamilya stars on primetime bida

Aside from Angel Locsin and John Lloyd Cruz, who topbill the toprating “Imortal,” which turned out to be a phenomenon on its pilot week, there are other Kapamilya stars on Primetime Bida. In “Kokey@Ako,” Toni Gonzaga and Vhong Navarro lead the cast, and in the toprating “Noah,” Piolo Pascual and Kristine Hermosa topbill the series together with Zaijian Jaranilla.

Of course, another toprater, “Magkaribal,” stars Bea Alonzo, Derek Ramsay and Ms. Gretchen Barretto as a fashion icon. “Idol” has Sarah Geronimo, Sam Milby and Coco Martin; while “Kristine” stars the oftentimes controversial Cristine Reyes, and hunks Zanjoe Marudo and Rafael Rosell.

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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings today, Oct. 26, Viva’s big boss Vic del Rosario, Janet Arnaiz, Rusty Salazar, California-based realtor and producer Gina Nolasco, Victor de Vera, Jose Israel Bravo, Jennifer B. Ongkiko, Priscilla P. Tuazon of California, Grave Velasco, photog Jhervy Santiago, and Sonny Bustamante of New Jersey, USA… Happy wedding anniversary to Santiago and Cecille Villareal…