51 cheers

The Chamber of Pawnbrokers of the Philippines Inc. (CPPI) celebrated its 51st anniversary and induction of this year’s newly elected officers and directors. Now serving his ninth term as president of the CPPI, Luis Ablaza, Jr. of the Ablaza Group of Companies, gladly accepted the task once again as he was inducted into office by Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas managing director Corazon Guerrero. The speaker for the evening, British Ambassador to the Philippines Peter Beckingham, along with his beautiful wife Jill, honored the CPPI representatives and guests with their presence.

Seen at the affair were the gorgeous Consul of Guatemala Mellie Ablaza, former Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Gov. Jaime Laya, Sri Lankan Ambassador W.M. Seneverathna, former Rep. Maite Defensor, Anila Khan of Pakistan and Consul Evie Costa. It was truly an unforgettable evening with delicious food, delightful music and excellent company.

Congratulations!

Paul at the Martinis Bar

Multi-Kalakbay awardee Mandarin Oriental, Manila recently opened its elegant and classy new Martinis Bar. Spotted at the opening was the world-renowned Paul Potassy, recently named Best Magician in the "Oscars" for magicians in Europe, who posed for a picture along with several "Bond Girls," lovely ladies serving drinks wearing sleek dresses and very colorful wigs! Congratulations to the Mandarin Oriental, Manila for yet another well-executed concept! See you there!

Toast to stronger ties

A delightful dinner was hosted by the embassy of the United Arab Emirates recently to celebrate its 35th founding anniversary. UAE Ambassador Mohammed Ebrahim Abdullah Al-Jowaid played the gracious host, attesting to the good relations existing between his country and the Philippines. The ambassador recently received the Presidential Award of Distinction from President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo for the valuable economic contributions UAE has given, particularly the employment of more than 80,000 overseas Filipino workers.

Congratulations and may the strong ties between the Philippines and UAE grow even stronger!

Greetings

Happy birthday to our celebrator today, STAR Lifestyle columnist Tingting Cojuangco.

Advance birthday greetings to Malou Fores, Tessie Daza and Chito Lozada, April 30; Zita Feliciano, Sander Tantoco and restaurateur Louie Cruz, May 1; Remé Ramos, Miguel "Mikey" Cojuangco and Raul Daza, May 2; Katrina del Rosario, Ryan Cayabyab, New Voice founder Monique Wilson, Vickie Perez and Bb. Pilipinas Charities head Stella Marquez-Araneta, May 4; Conchitina Bernardo, Chita Lopez and Joysie Rufino, May 5.

Happy wedding anniversary to Consul General George and Ana Litton, May 2. May you both have many, many more years of wedded bliss.

So, how was your week?

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