High-brow socializing in Monaco

"For last year’s words belong to last year’s language and next year’s words await another voice. And to make an end is to make a beginning." – T.S. Eliot

A jolly New Year to all of you, dear readers! May this year bring us an outpouring of more blessings, continued good health and happiness for all our families!

The pleasant and perky lady about town, the friendly socialite Fortune Ledesma, had the distinct honor of being invited to the recent enthronement of His Serene Highness Prince Albert of Monaco. Fortune, who is also Consul of Monaco to the Philippines, was not only invited to the prestigious affair but was also given a 15-minute private audience by Prince Albert in his office, just a few hours before the formal enthronement ceremony.

Accompanied by her husband Rene Ledesma, Consul of Bulgaria to the Philippines, Fortune joined dignitaries from the world over in a day of pomp, pageantry and revelry. The jetsetting pair witnessed a grand military parade in the Palais, attended a luncheon with diplomats and Monte Carlo Prime Minister Jean-Paul Prost, saw an operatic performance at an opera theater and attended a glittering cocktail hosted by the Prince. As if this was not enough, the next day Fortune met with Princess Caroline in a symposium, discussed business opportunities with Monte Carlo-based Filipino investment banker Eduardo Lacson and graced a Couples for Christ Monaco Chapter meeting. Such is the busy lifestyle of this lovely lady!

A splendid British reception

MFI, Europe’s No. 1 integrated kitchen retailer and manufacturer, recently took part in a splendid reception to launch the UK Show at the posh abode of British Ambassador Peter Beckingham, who was ever the gracious host. Attending were architects, businessmen and participants in the UK Show, the first-ever British-focused tradeshow in the country. Among those representing MFI were MFI representative Keith Hughes, Eurotiles VP for corporate sales and MFI operations Benedict Tan and Eurotiles GM Paquito Ngo. Their guests included architects Jonathan Gan, Conrad Erte, Robert Mirafuente with wife Veronique and Edward Tan. The tables were laden with scrumptious English canapés, pastries and cocktails.

A night of thanks

The Tower Club, the country’s premier by-invitation only business and social club, held an appreciation dinner for members of the US Embassy recently. It was a nostalgic event for the special guests who attended this exclusive dinner, because it reminded them of the traditional dinners they had back home. Tower Club GM Alain Peghoux welcomed the distinguished guests in a VIP table laid out with elegant table settings and a beautiful centerpiece of different-colored roses made to resemble the American flag. Having an enjoyable time at the appreciation dinner were (standing) US Embassy’s Legal Attache Stephen Cutler, Tower Club GM Alain Peghoux and your columnist with (seated, from left) Counselor for Management Affairs Sharon Ludan, Counselor for Economical Affairs Robert Ludan, DEA Chief Timothy Teal, Office of the Chief of Mission Personal Assistant Maria De Veyra, US Embassy Club president Willa Ogata and Regional Affairs Officer Reichel Ogata.

What a truly wonderful dinner that was!

Greetings

A prosperous New Year and birthday greeting to our celebrators today, regal ladies Mary Prieto and Cristina Ponce-Enrile.

Advance birthday greetings to my son EJ Litton, Manny Maceda, Manila Bulletin’s Pacencia Pineda, Offie Recto, Babette Aquino and Philippine STAR editor-in-chief Isaac Belmonte, Jan. 4; megastar Sharon Cuneta-Pangilinan and Cesar Gaupo, Jan. 6; Tess Litton, Rose Teodoro, Thelina Nuval, Apa Ongpin and Tootsie Eduque-Marco, Jan. 7.

So how was your week?

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