Bohol Restoration Group lauded at benefit gala in UN

At the UN benefit gala for Bohol Restoration Group. @MONETTE RIVERA

UNITED NATIONS, New York – Diplomats and luminaries from the Holy See, UNESCO and UNICEF at a benefit gala applauded the work of an organization that restores and rebuilds disaster-torn historical churches and communities in Bohol.

“Rising Above the Ruins,” a benefit gala for the Bohol Restoration Group was held April 20 at the Delegates Dining Room of the United Nations.

Sculptor, artist and UNICEF awardee Seb Chua gave limited editions of “Sto. Nino de Palaboy” to H.E. Archbishop Bernardito Auza, Apostolic Nuncio and Permanent Observer of the Holy See to the United Nations, handed by NewYork Consul General Mario de Leon. UNESCO Representative to the United Nations Madame Marie-Paule Roudil handed Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose Cuisia Jr and wife, Madame Victoria Cuisia, their Sto. Nino.

BRG’s cultural heritage restoration projects currently focus on the totally collapsed heritage sites in the towns of Maribojoc and Loon. Rebuilding the structures will help alleviate poverty, engage local livelihood and education and restore community’s place of worship.

Major sponsors for the gala were AIG, Leuterio Thomas, The Path to Peace Foundation, Catholic World Mission, ANCOP, St. Teresa of Avila Parish, Ramos Law Firm, and Norman & Lourdes San Agustin.

Midshipman Giovanni Sessoms played both American and Philippine National Anthems on trumpet and Broadway artist Lydia Gaston gave a special performance of. A video presentation was made by DigiScript Philippines and production designs were by Josie Thompson and Rhea Dones. For more information, visit www.brg-usa.org.