One lovely evening with friends

"It takes a long time to grow an old friend." — John Leonard

The affable and grace ful Ambassador Isabel Wilson tendered an enjoyable dinner party recently to the delight of her many friends in the diplomatic and social circles. Guests milled about and engaged in pleasant conversations over homemade specialties and fine wines, as the charming Isabel went around the room and made sure each one has an agreeable time.

Cheers and good health!

Pawnbrokers’ meet

The Chamber of Pawnbrokers of the Philippines held its annual National Convention and Election at the Quezon City Sports Club. More than 300 member-delegates from all over the country came to grace the event. CPPI director Marc Thomas Ablaza facilitated a talk about the future of the pawnshop industry, where he was joined by Bangko Sentral director-in-charge of the supervision and examination department Fernando Caballa and Asian Institute of Management Professor Jose Jesus Roces as panelists. Congratulations to the CPPI for helping the pawnshop industry flourish!

A Filipina shines in New York

A young Filipina achiever, Carissa Villacorta, launched her book Surreality before captive audiences in New York, Washington DC and the Philippines. Carissa is the first author of Filipino descent to launch at a Borders bookstore, even managing a very impressive turnout and display at Borders. Her book, a collection of essays on contemporary life in New York, reveals relatable timeless truths like matters obscured by people’s deluded quest for money or shoved aside by mundane priorities. The launch had more than 200 people lining up for copies and was attended by prominent members of Filipino community in the US.

Congratulations and keep making us proud, Carissa!

Ilustrado opens at Serendra

Good news, dear readers! I chanced upon a good spot to dine and relax at The Fort — Ilustrado at Serendra. Frequented by royalty, business, political and religious leaders, it has a fantastic ambiance, attentive service and most especially, its great cuisine is heaven for food lovers and gourmands. During my recent visit there, I had Roast Duck L’ Orangerie and other Ilustrado specialties. I also had a delightful chat with Bonnie and Rose Pimentel, my old friends from the L’ Orangerie days, who are bringing back the mouthwatering dishes that we love! Check it out!

Greetings

Happy birthday to our celebrators today, Asia’s fashion czar Pitoy Moreno and Tess Colayco.

Advance birthday greetings to Louie Locsin, German Club past president Dr. Gunther Matschuck, Raymond Garcia, Louie Galvez and equestrienne Mikee Cojuangco Jaworski, Feb. 26; Doña Bea Zobel and Biboy Enriquez, Feb. 29 (March 1); FCCP’s Lulu Castañeda, super beauty Nikki Prieto Teodoro, Juan Carlos del Rosario, Prime Events’ Olive Sy and Gasthof’s Bot Gersbach, March 3.

To my loving wife Tere, a happy, happy wedding anniversary, March 3. May we have many, many more cherished years together.

So, how was your week?

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