A musical get-together

“Love is a great beautifier.” — Louisa May Alcott

Vibrant shades of red, green and gold were all around when the stylish and gorgeous Tessie Amparo hosted a merienda get-together at her tastefully appointed residence in Bel-Air. The ladies present were also treated to a wonderful bonus when singer Jose Mari Chan rendered a few songs for everyone’s enjoyment.

What a wonderful party!

Johnny says, ‘Check this out’

Over 70 universities and colleges will compete in the prestigious 9th Intercollegiate Finance Competition of the Financial Executive Institute of the Philippines (FINEX). The Meralco Theater will be the official venue of the Luzon leg of the competition, while the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas will be the official site of the finals on Oct. 15.

Good luck to all competitors!

Animal lovers galore

It was a furry and fun afternoon at the opening of Animaland, the new haven for stuffed toy lovers at the Fort Bonifacio High Street. The store was colorfully dressed up in forest scenery, complete with real and stuffed animals all around. A fashion show, games and a mini zoo delighted the children who attended the event, which was organized by hardworking Animaland owner Belinda Dy. Also at the exciting affair were representatives of the Philippine Association of Wildlife Veterinarians Inc. (PAWVI), a group of animal doctors whose advocate is the protection of our country’s wildlife. Animal welfare advocate Kim Atienza was also present.

Congratulations on a successful launch!

Welcoming royalty

A classy cocktail reception was recently held at the posh Grand Ballroom of the Dusit Hotel Nikko, one of the most elegant hotels in the Makati area, in honor of His Serene Highness Prince Alfred of Liechtenstein. The dashing Prince was in town recently to launch the first ASEAN-wide event series Bridges — Dialogues Towards a Culture of Peace. On hand to make sure the event was a success were dynamic Philippine Hoteliers president Gerhard F.H. Kropp, hardworking Dusit resident manager Frank Grassmann and director of sales and marketing Melotte Mondelo.

Congratulations to Dusit, the hotel of choice for foreign dignitaries!

GREETINGS

Happy birthday to our celebrators today, Marissa Concepcion, Marissa Araneta and Exequiel Garcia.

Advance birthday greetings to Archie Lacson, Mark Dayrit, Guilly Rufino and banker Eirvin Knox, May 28; Ali Sotto-Bsaies, Celia Diaz-Laurel, Inno Sotto and Century Park Hotel F&B director Angel Yatco, May 29; Angie Magbanua, Glenda Baretto, Jerry Barican and Mayor Mary Jane Ortega, May 30; Budji Layug, May 31.

So, how was your week?

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