A colorful Arabian night

"Our duty is to preserve what the past has had for itself, and to say for ourselves what shall be true for the future." – attributed to John Ruskin

The Westin Philippine Plaza’s Grand Plaza ballroom was filled with Arabian houses depicting the desert life, ice carvings of majestic towers and enchanting music recently. These are the highlights that gave spice to the Saudi Arabia National Day celebration, one of the highly-anticipated annual events in the diplomatic circle. Saudi Arabian Ambassador Mohammed Ameen Wali welcomed over a thousand guests to the red carpet affair. The Muslim community was well-represented, and the presence of diplomatic, corporate and political figures such as Former Vice President Teofisto Guingona, Foreign Affairs Acting Secretary Rafael Seguis, Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita, Senators Richard Gordon and Alfredo Lim, Former Central Bank Governors Jaime Laya and Jose Cuisia and BPI president Gigi Montinola, made this event a very special one.

A lavish spread of Arabian and international dishes such as baby camel, lamb, dates, Tabouleh salad and fish tandoori were prepared by the hotel’s culinary team. Overflowing Arabic coffee served as the perfect way to end an exotic Arabian night. With the success of this year’s celebration, everyone will be looking forward to the next Saudi Arabia National Day!

Boracay Regency: A taste of modern amenities with Filipino warmth

Boasting of the most number of rooms and the widest beach front, Boracay Regency Beach Resort combines modern amenities with the warmth and hospitality of typical Filipino townsfolk. All of 195 fully air-conditioned rooms with lanai overlooking the beach, the Regency has been home to famous celebrities, top politicians and international executives. It also has the island’s only convention center equipped with the latest audio-visual facilities, accommodating up to 650 persons for conferences or seminars. Thanks to Regency chairman and president Henry Chusuey and assistant GM Jade Estardo, Boracay-bound tourists can expect attentive service with hometown friendliness. Make Regency your home in Bora!

(For inquiries, call Boracay Regency at 523-8707 or 528-4706.)

It’s 60 for Mandy

San Francisco denizen Armando "Mandy" Reyes recently celebrated his 60th birthday in the land of his birth. The Penthouse of the Philippine Stock Exchange East Tower in Ortigas Center was filled with family and friends with whom Mandy has kept close contact through the years. The sumptuous dinner was provided by the Plaza. The evening was marked by good food, good music, good company and everyone enjoyed the endless dancing and good-natured roasting of the birthday celebrator by his chums.

Happy birthday, Mandy!

Johnny says, ‘Check This Out!’

Special shows happen on Nov. 2, 9 and 16 at Strumms in Jupiter Makati with favorite performers Nyoy Volante and His Mannos, and well-known band Hyperbeat who are back from a busy stint abroad. No cover charge.

See you there!

(For reservations, call 895-4636.)

Greetings

Advance birthday greeting to IT consultant Joe Rebano, Nov. 1; Lipa Mayor Vilma Santos, Nov. 2; Leopoldo Prieto Jr., actress-producer Armida Siguion-Reyna, Vintage’s Bobong Velez and Philippine STAR’s Antonio Paño, Nov. 3; Makati Medical Center’s big boss Dr. Raul Fores, Rome-based former Rep. Tomas Concepcion and PR wizard Edd Fuentes, Nov. 4; Jayelles EVP Bong del Rosario-Palma Gil and commercial model Alex Ortigas, Nov. 5.

So how was your week?

(For comments and inquiries, please e-mail me at jjlitton@indanet.com)