MANILA, Philippines — “Mother” Lily Monteverde’s source of pride these days is her newest baby, the impressive Taal Imperial Hotel and Resort located in historic Taal, Batangas.

In operation for several months now, it was formally inaugurated last Feb. 6 with no less than Batangas Gov. Vilma Santos-Recto leading the ribbon-cutting ceremony, and with Msgr. Fred Madlangbayan officiating the blessing.

Governor Vi encouraged “Mother” Lily to put up the hotel and resort to help promote tourism in the province.

The blessing and inauguration should have been done a long time ago, but with Governor’s Vi’s hectic schedule, it had to wait. In fact, that day was originally slated for an important event with men in uniform in the province. “Ang nangyari, nailipat yong event na iyon, at ito na blessing and inauguration na pala ng Taal Imperial Hotel and Resort ni Mother Lily!”

But the long wait was worth it as Mother Lily also invited members of the entertainment press who were all close to the Star of All Seasons.

Mother Lily said, “What inspired me to give birth to this baby? Of course, one big factor is my admiration for Governor Vi’s accomplishments in Batangas. Ito po ay hindi sipsip. I’ve known her since she was young. She is like a daughter to me. Our relationship goes beyond business and profession.”

She added: “I would also like to thank Vice Mayor Pong Mercado for all the help and support he has given me and my staff. Lastly, I would like to thank my friends, family and members of the entertainment press who came all the way from Manila to be with me today.”

Among those who motored to Batangas were Manay Ichu Maceda (who Governor Vi referred to as her “second mother” who tried to dissuade her from going into politics “but look at me now”), Ethel Ramos, Girlie Rodis, Dolor Guevara and Malou Choa-Fagar.

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‘Fuerza Bruta’ At Manila Hotel

“Fuerza Bruta” is set to premiere at the historic Manila Hotel on Feb. 14.

Breaking free from the confines of spoken language and theatrical convention, “Fuerza Bruta” is an event where worlds collide and reality takes a back seat.

“We have had amazing success touring ‘Fuerza Bruta’ around the world, and after a very successful run in Taipei, we are excited to bring it back to Asia,” said Michael Cohl, chairman of S2BN Entertainment.

With famous clients and successful world touring shows including the Rolling Stones, U2, Pinky Floyd, the Bodies Exhibition and hit Broadway sensation “Spiderman: Turn Off the Dark,” Cohl has an impressive track record.

The Manila Hotel and Fox International Channels are the official sponsors of “Fuerza Bruta” in the Philippines.

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Faith Cuneta Opens For Engelbert

Faith Cuneta serves as curtain-raiser for the Engelbert Humperdinck Concert slated tonight at the Cebu Waterfront Hotel Lahug and on Feb. 15 at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum.

She will be performing with a big band with covers from the catalogues of Frank Sinatra, Dionne Warwick and Barbra Streisand among others.

“I am excited and at the same time nervous to open for Engelbert. I have opened for a lot of foreign acts (Swing Out Sisters, Boys2Men, David Pomeranz, Cascades). I know that people pay big money to watch the main artist and they have to stick it out with me while waiting for the main act. So I make sure that my performance is at par with the main artist,” said Faith.

Faith has an album available right now under PolyEast Records called “Twist of Faith” featuring the singles “Dito Sa Puso Ko” and “Paano Kaya.” Follow Faith on twitter “faithcunetalive” and like her on Facebook Faith Cuneta.

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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings Sunday, Feb. 12, go to Mrs. Alice Lacson, Mrs. Bing Atienza, Denise Ysmael Lacon, Tessie Sioson Roque, Elizabeth Manlongat-Carino, Joe Recio, Mitos Escalambre, Honey Hazel Lim, Noemi Rivera, Lourdes Calma Bisaya, David Ty Jr., US-based Lambert Santos, Madelaine S. Tabor, Joey Sermonia, Karvin Grace Gerilla, Baby Eric Slotta, and entertainment writers Marinel Cruz, Ambet Nabus and Nene Riego... Belated b-day greetings to Malou Sevilla, director of ABS-CBN’s hit comedy “Toda Max” (Feb. 11)…