Girl Scouts raise P12 million for Camp Escoda 

The dazzling evening of the “Girl Scouts of the Philippines Dinner Dance for a Cause” defied the gloomy weather, raising an astonishing initial sum of over P12 million in charitable contributions.

(Standing, from left) Baby Ortiz, Ellen Choi, Minda Pama, Frieda Hizon and Yves Mendoza. (Seated) Senator Cynthia Villar and First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos.
First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos (right) and Marivel Soriano Carandang.

This remarkable gathering was graced by First Lady herself, Liza Araneta-Marcos, currently Chief Girl Scout, and Senator Cynthia Villar, along with 500 distinguished guests, including Girl Scout delegations from all corners of the nation.

SUSAN Tiu and Albert Tiu.
(SEATED) Carmen Tan, Manny Nogado, Liza Quirolgico. (Standing) Jojo Silvestre, Emmy Gonzales and Jorge Hizon.

At the helm of this noble endeavor were  Nina Lim Yuson, the esteemed National President of the Girl Scouts of the Philippines, and  Leonida “Baby” Bayani Ortiz, the indomitable chairperson of the organization’s fund development committee. This working pair orchestrated this grand soirée at the Philippine International Convention Center, all in pursuit of a noble cause — the transformation of the sprawling 27-hectare Camp Escoda in Palayan, Nueva Ecija, into a state-of-the-art haven. This camp, bearing the hallowed name of the Girl Scouts of the Philippines founder, Josefa Llanes Escoda, is set to become an exemplar of excellence.

FRIEDA Hizon, Baby Ortiz, Manny Negado, Cory Navarro, Jorge Hizon and Emily Manzano.
OSCAR del Rosario, Fortune Ledesma and Rudy Bediones.

As the evening unfolded, young Girl Scouts delighted the gathering with enchanting dance performances, casting a spell of youthful exuberance over the audience. Alvin David and his band added a harmonious touch to the proceedings, with their male and female vocalists serenading the audience with Broadway classics and soul-stirring classical melodies, which in turn elicited thunderous applause.

FLORENCE Monzon
GEORGE Sarakinis

The pièce de résistance was delivered by none other than the Jukebox King of the 70s himself, Darius Razon. With his chart-topping hits and infectious dance beats, he conjured an irresistible spell that lured everyone to the dance floor, transforming the convention center into a whirlwind of rhythm and joy.

Under the guidance of skilled dance instructors, the ladies in attendance took to the floor and danced the night away. The presence of the accomplished winners of the Dance Sports of the Philippines, both nationally and internationally, further elevated the event’s prestige.

MALU Breuer and Darius Razon.

In the end, this enchanting evening emerged as a resounding success, leaving an indelible mark not only in the hearts of those who attended but also in the noble cause it championed. The Girl Scouts of the Philippines Dinner Dance for a Cause proved once again that when compassion meets dedication, miracles can happen.