A pleasant surprise

Happy Three Kings to all my dear readers!

Pleasant surprises leave their mark on your memory – and such was the case in a surprise birthday party for the dapper Joe Vincent Madrigal de Leon. RJ’s Bar in Makati was filled with friends and family for the affair with their joyful wishes for the birthday celebrator. The look on Joe’s face made all the preparation of his lovely wife, the ever-beautiful Marybeth, as well as Ramon and Frannie Jacinto, all worthwhile. Iñigo and Miguel, Joe’s two tall and dashing sons, greeted the guests and attended to their father’s every need. Guests danced the night away as they walked down memory lane to RJ’s beautiful renditions of songs from yesteryears.

Happy birthday Joe! May you have many more to come!

Johnny congratulates...

...the Friends for Cultural Concerns of the Philippines (FCCP) for their very successful 27th Anniversary Ball, held at the Shangri-La Makati Hotel. It was an evening of glitz and glamour as the elegant ladies dressed their best for their theme "Timeless."

In the photo (from left) are Annabell Aduana, Marietta Guanzon-Holmgren, Baby de Jesus, your columnist, Baby Tan, Connie Guanzon-Garcia and Lita Goño. More power to the FCCP!

...the new managers of the Marco Polo Plaza Cebu, the premier business destination in the Queen City of the South. They have been instrumental in making the Marco Polo Plaza the hotel of choice for multitudes of Cebu visitors. Well done and keep up the hard work! In photo (from left) are reservations manager Jude Pangan, director of sales Vicky Magsino, banquet and catering sales manager Vina Rasmo and PR manager Carlo Borromeo.

Seer of Sea and Sierra

Ed Angara: Seer of Sea and Sierra, the book on the life and times of Sen. Edgardo Angara, was recently launched at The Loft in Rockwell, Makati. Among the prominent personalities who graced the book launching were President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, Senate President Manny Villar and Speaker Joe de Venecia. Loved ones and close friends, as well as members of the Laban ng Demokratikong Pilipino (LDP), judiciary and the diplomatic corps, were all present to show their support. The well-received book was written by the late National Artist for Literature Nick Joaquin and one of his last works before he passed away.

Get your copy today!

Johnny’s Wine of the Week

This week, your columnist recommends Alexis Lichine & Co. Chateau Laroque St. Emilion, possessing a deep ruby color with a complex bouquet of spices, roast and with subtle aromas of cinnamon. Its silky tannins are heightened in the palate by a fresh hint of liquor and menthol leading to a smooth and velvety finish. It goes well with red meats and cheeses. Exclusively imported and distributed by BestWorld Beverage Brands.

(For more info, call 637-8491 to 94 or e-mail bbbi@pacific.net.ph)

Greetings

Happy birthday to our celebrators today, Tess Litton, Rose Teodoro, Thelina Nuval, Apa Ongpin and Tootsie Eduque-Marco.

Advance birthday greetings to Dr. Jaime Laya and Benjamin Yap, Jan. 8; Paz Tanjangco, Jan. 11; Jayelles Holdings (Philippines), Inc. vice president Allan Litton and Gen. Ismael Villareal, Jan. 12; Cynthia Santiago and Conrad Calalang, Jan. 13.

Happy wedding anniversary to Paing and Mely Hechanova, Jan. 8. May you share many, many more cherished years together.

So, how was your week?

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