Biz Buzz: Mellowing with age?

Her friends and foes alike will attest that Philippine Stock Exchange director Vivian Yuchengco does nothing in half measures.

And so it was when the stockbroker known as the “dragon lady” threw a mega party at the fancy Valkyrie nightclub in Bonifacio Global City to celebrate her 65th birthday last Monday.

And what a party it was. The who’s who of the country’s business and high society circles were all in attendance, from the Sy siblings—Tessie, Hans and Harley—to the banking industry’s Panlilio brothers, Roberto and Victor, to PSE brass Jose Pardo and Hans Sy, Margarita “Tingting” Cojuangco and Greggy Araneta, to government officials like Bangko Sentral Governor Amando Tetangco Jr.

All were treated to great food (catered by Gaita Fores) and a night of entertainment by Gary Valenciano, South Border and Arnel Pineda—all of whom sang dance hits from the 1970s to cater to the relatively more senior party crowd. And whenever they broke out into dance music, a platoon of dance instructors (male and female) would fan out into the crowd to bring guests to the dance floor.

For once, Valkyrie’s dance floor was overflowing with middle-aged people (OK, maybe a little more than middle -aged), dancing with abandon. Even Tessie Sy—the primus inter pares of the wealthy Sy siblings, cut loose on the dance floor when Earth Wind and Fire’s “September” was played by the band. And while the older guests were going wild on the dance floor, the younger set were left sitting on the couches, for once.

But is Yuchengco, the feared and feisty woman, mellowing with age?

At the party, Biz Buzz saw no less than Internal Revenue Commissioner Kim Henares dancing away a mean swing with her husband Danby—despite the tax chief and Yuchengco having locked horns ferociously many times over tax issues and policies governing the country’s capital markets. But there they were, sitting at the same table and posing for pictures, all smiles.

Also seen at the party was former Accra managing partner Francis Lim, who was also once the president of the Philippine Stock Exchange. It was during his stint as PSE chief that he had violent (figuratively, of course) policy disagreements with Yuchengco, and both parted ways eventually. Yet there he was at Vivian’s party, schmoozing away comfortably.

Perhaps Vivian Yuchengco really was mellowing with age, some observers at the party quipped. Perhaps. But perhaps she hasn’t mellowed enough yet to invite another person she has been at odds with for some years now—Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima. Well, who knows? Maybe that will change soon enough.  Daxim L. Lucas

Health buff’s loss

It looks like Men’s Health Philippines, the local version of the popular US-based magazine brand, has totally ceased publication in the country.

We’ve all heard the unfortunate news that Men’s Health Philippines, published locally by the Gokongwei group’s Summit Media, ran its last print edition in December last year.

Readers were told that they could still view content on its website and on various social media platforms.

But it appears the magazine, known for informative articles on one’s physical well-being, fashion and even relationship advice all tailored to the Filipino market, has ceased its online presence as well.

The company’s old web address now links to the international edition. Moreover, its popular social media pages—its Facebook page has close to 200,000 followers—have stopped adding new content in recent weeks.

Sad for both its staffers and readers, many of whom were banking on its useful exercise and body sculpting tips just as the sweltering summer season enters full swing. Miguel R. Camus

E-mail us at [email protected]. Get business alerts and a preview of Biz Buzz the evening before it comes out. Text ON INQ BUSINESS to 4467 (P2.50/alert).