Virlanie’s 18th Year Anniversary

It was one of those heart-warming events where you get to see people celebrate for all the years they’ve been together by helping others – especially children – in giving this world a better and brighter future for the next generations.

That’s what I witnessed on the 18^th Anniversary Celebration of Virlanie Foundation, Inc. at the Harbor Garden of Sofitel last July 17, 2010.

Lead by its founding leader, Monsieur Dominique Lemay, who also celebrated his 60^th birthday that night, this event was attended by Virlanie Foundation’s partners, sponsors and volunteers to simply share a night that was dubbed as “Debut: Celebrating Smiles and New Beginnings.”

It was such a great honor to be invited in this kind of event because other than the fact that you’ll get to enjoy an amazing party, you’ll also get a chance to extend your help in your own little way. And I, being invited as a blogger to witness this monumental event, and share to my readers about this wonderful organization is such a wonderful pleasure of mine to give back.

The party was themed as masquerade, and though it was my first time to attend a masquerade party for a cause, I had a great time seeing everyone dressed and ready for the night’s event.

There was a silent bidding held inside the party venue where these amazing paintings were displayed, and a pen and paper were placed in front for someone who wanted to bid for that piece. These artworks are done by professional artists and Virlanie children. Amazing, right?

There was also an exhibit that showed the achievements of Virlanie, simply reminding the attendees on how far this organization has gone through.

The night made more heart-warming when the kids of Virlanie Foundation showcased their singing prowess giving the place a heavenly feel with their angelic voices.

And together with this performance, the program which was hosted by RJ Ledesma and Chiqui Roa-Puno, was made glamorous by the appearance of Dawn Zulueta-Lagdameo who gave a wonderful opening remarks.

Hosts Chiqui Roa-Puno and RJ Ledesma

Dawn Zulueta-Lagdameo

KC Concepcion and Billy Crawford were also present and added a little fun light to the night.

KC Concepcion and Billy Crawford

And just before we fill our tummies with the amazing five-meal course prepared by the country’s most loved chefs, everyone was invited to sing a birthday song to Monsieur Dominique Lemay

And as we dug in to these appetizing meals, we were entertained by the wonderful voices of Francisco Rafael Chan, Michael Chan, Jose Antonio Chan, Coke Bilpata, Bino Cerudo, Bernie Pasamba Music Ensemble and Miss Toni Gonzaga.

Our dinner was prepared by Chef Florabel Co of Florabel, Chef Margarita Fores of Cibo, Chef Colin Mackay of Sala, Chef Vicky Pacheco of the Chateau Group of Restaurants and Chef Marko Rankel of Sofitel.

Bizu, Cupcakes by Sonja and Cafe Xocolat also shared their sumptuous offering for that night.

Starters

Bread
by Bizu Patisserie

Spiced Pumpkin Soup with Bacon Foam

by Chef Colin Mackay

Warm Truffle Mushroom Salad

by Bizu Patisserie

Entrée

Cannelloni of Gifts from the Philippine Sea

by Chef Margarita Fores and Chef Patricia Locsin

Intermezzo

Dalandan Basil Sorbet

by Chef Marko Rankel

Entrée

Beef Tenderloin

by Chef Marko Rankel

Baked Goat Cheese

by Chef Florabel Co

Dessert

Coffee Pie

by Chef Vicky Pacheco and Chef Claudette Cuares

Gourmet Brownies

by Cafe Xocolat

Cupcakes

by Cupcakes by Sonja

The funds in relation to the event and throughout the 18-month period will go to the establishing of L’Envol Home – the soon-to-be home of Virlanie kids that will prepare their young adults for a successful independent living outside the foundation.

This Virlanie’s 18th year celebration was co-presented by Sofitel and the Philippine Daily Inquirer and was supported by Star XPO Enterprise, Exile, Data One Asia, M Lhuillier, Cibo, Chateau Group of Restaurants, Florabel, Sala, Bizu, Cupcakes by Sonja, Cafe Xococlat, B&C Creatives, Geiser Maclang Marketing Communications, Inc. and Philippine Tattler.

Congratulation, Virlanie Foundation!

More power to you all and may you help more kids!

Keep up the good work!

to visit Virlanie Foundation
4055 Yague Street, Brgy Singkamas, Makati City
Tel number is +632 8955260
http://www.virlanie.org

to support Virlanie Foundation
for corporate donation you may call Francois Monat at +632 8953460
to volunteer you cam call Lyn Garcia at +632 8962289