A night of distinction

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January 10, 2026 | 12:00am

The Italian Chamber of Commerce in the Philippines, Inc. (ICCPI) hosted the glittering fifth edition of the ICCPI Leadership Awards held at the elegant Fairmont Makati in Makati City.

Distinguished guests and industry leaders applauded the remarkable achievement of awe-inspiring DMark Beauty Corporation and DermAsia Corporation CEO Nikki Tang who received the coveted Beauty & Personal Care Excellence Award. This prestigious honor, presented in the presence of Italian Ambassador Davide Giglio, celebrated the beautypreneur’s visionary leadership, her relentless drive for purposeful innovation, and her transformative influence on the beauty landscape.

A dreamlike journey

Still in its 56th season, Ballet Philippines (BP), under the leadership of hardworking president and CEO Kathleen Liechtenstein, continues to give audiences a fascinating look into the world of fantasy with a dazzling and delightfully inventive full-length production of Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland. Under the masterful direction of BP artistic director Mikhail Martynyuk, the well-known whimsical tale was turned into a mesmerizing dance spectacle, with performances combining breathtaking choreography with playful pantomime and transforming Wonderland into a vibrant, dreamlike world where imagination knows no bounds. Audiences were swept along as Alice navigated magical doors, curious creatures, and incredible surprises, each scene more visually stunning and emotionally engaging than the last. This enchanting presentation was a joyful celebration of creativity, courage, and the timeless charm of storytelling on stage.

A night of pride & gratitude

A warm and elegant Thanksgiving dinner was lovingly hosted by the always thoughtful Dr. Elsie Pascua and her husband former undersecretary Ted Pascua, in honor of their newly minted physician, Dr. Leo Pascua, at the refined Uma Nota Manila restaurant at Shangri-La The Fort, Manila in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City.

The intimate gathering was filled with pride and affection, as close relatives and dear friends gathered to mark Leo’s inspiring academic journey, from his formative years at Ateneo de Manila, to his Human Kinetics degree at the University of the Philippines (UP), and finally earning his medical degree from the University of the East Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Medical Center (UERMMMC). It was a gracious evening of family, gratitude, and well-deserved celebration, made all the more special by the Pascuas’ unmistakable warmth and joy.

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You may email me at jjlitton@indanet.com. Follow me on Facebook and YouTube: Johnny Litton by Jayelles PH and on Instagram: @jayellesph.