GETTING married by the sea, with stretches of sky and sand as witnesses, has become an “in” thing for couples today. The captivating Sea Wind Beach Resort on the island of Boracay, in fact, has played host to many of these modern-day nuptials.

A recent ceremony was held for flight attendant Maristela “Mayet” Cu and band member Darwin Mabasa. The young pair exchanged vows in a very private affair with only their immediate families in attendance. Either barefoot or clad in sandals, the whole entourage relished the cool sea breeze and powder-fine sand as they witnessed the once-in-a-lifetime profession of love at the beachfront of the world-renowned beach resort headed by Sea Wind president Boy Jarantilla and his charming wife, Ruth.

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Meanwhile, the Friends of Cultural Concerns of the Philippines (FCCP) celebrated its 32nd anniversary with a grand ball at the Makati Shangri-la Hotel. Led by its president Nene Leonor, director Grace Palma-Tiongco and chairman Thelma Gana; together with co-chairman Karen Macasaet, Rosita Lesaca, Nene Pe Lim, Gilda Salonga and Rose Basa, the affair was a big success.

The Rizal Ballroom was transformed by talented decorator Junjun Ablaza into a royal court reminiscent of the days of chivalry, fair ladies and knights in shining armor.

Entitled the “Royal Ball”, this elegant and magnificent celebration of music and dance, attended by well-heeled guests, featured Michael Williams and Menchu Lauchengco Yulo who sang excerpts from Broadway hits, Camelot, The King and I and My Fair Lady. The FCCP members and their grandchildren also performed with the artists to the audience’s delight.

Thanks to the benevolent sponsors like former President Joseph Estrada, Madame Imelda Cojuangco, Ester Vibal, Cebuana Lhuillier, Goodwill Organics, and Equity Homes, among others, the FCCP can continue its scholarship projects, as well as other activities related to arts and culture.