Arnold Co of ATIN Global, the group that brought Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel: The Exhibition to the Philippines, signaled a most wonderful evening when he welcomed and thanked the distinguished guests and celebrities who attended the exhibit’s VIP reception.
The guests of honor were President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and the First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos. The A-1 list crowd of top government officials, dignitaries, cultural enthusiasts, art patrons and the social set of Manila included Secretary Benhur Abalos, Menchie Abalos, Secretary Gibo Teodoro, Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto, San Juan City Mayor Francis Zamora, Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte, Justice Artemio Panganiban, Nedy Tantoco, Tokie Enriquez, Ching Cruz, Dr. Joven Cuanang, Alfred Ty, Francis Kong, Maritess Pineda, Paul Soriano, Gary and Angeli Valenciano, Bela Padilla, Ella Pangilinan and Donny Pangilinan.
The guests enjoyed the impressive performances of the Manila Symphony Orchestra led by Marlon Chen and the Virlanie Voices Choir. MSO’s Odin Rathnamalso rendered a violin solo. Tim Yap enthusiastically hosted the affair.
(FROM left) Dr. Joven Cuanang, Susan Joven, Maritess Enriquez, James Freney, Nedy Tantoco, Ching Cruz and Leo Espinosa.
‘Sacrifice of Noah,’ Michelangelo 1508-12.
A nice touch of the evening was when the MSO played the favorite song of BBM and FL Liza, “I’m Yours,” by Jason Mraz.
The star of the night was, of course, the exhibit itself, which transported guests back to the Renaissance period. Interestingly, the VIP night featured historical characters through actors and models dressed as 16th-century nobles, priests and Swiss guards. Even the celebrated artist, Michelangelo, made an appearance!
Hors d’oeuvres were served by chef Jessie Sincioco, whose famous restaurant opened a pop-up outlet for the dining pleasure of viewers throughout the run of the exhibit.