An evening of national pride

“Work for something because it is good, not just because it stands a chance to succeed.” — Vaclav Havel

Big dreams, ambitious foray and sheer hard work came in full circle as The Herma Group of Companies proudly launched M/T Matikas, the first all-Filipino made double-bottom, double-hull petroleum tanker built in record time of only 18 months by the Herma Shipyard Inc. in Bataan. Held at the posh multi-Kalakbay awardee Mandarin Oriental Manila, this magnificent feat was celebrated in grand fashion.

The Herma Group chairman and CEO Herminio Esguerra, Herma Shipyard president George Cottrell and Herma Shipping and Transport president Enrico Cavestany shared this outstanding milestone with their colleagues in the maritime, petroleum and shipbuilding industries. Personalities gracing the event included former President Fidel Ramos, Transportation Secretary Leandro Mendoza, Trade Secretary Peter Favila, Thai Ambassador Kulkumut Singhara Na Ayudhaya, Bank of Commerce president Raul de Mesa and Marina administrator Vic Suazo.

This launch also marked the Philippines’ entry into the international market for tanker construction. The internationally classed M/T Matikas is a 3,710-deadweight-tonne (DWT) petroleum tanker chartered to Petron Corp. It is just the first of many vessels yet to come for this multi-million peso conglomerate. It was an honor to have emceed this momentous occasion. To Hermie Esguerra and his lovely wife Herma Corp. president Malou, Mabuhay!

Birthday cheer

It was a memorable day at the CAV Wine and Cafe in the Fort as the lovely Frannie Jacinto recently celebrated her birthday with an intimate lunch party. Hosted by Jojo Zabarte, Marybeth de Leon, Jenny Leviste and Therese Santos, the energetic birthday girl had the biggest smile as a gaggle of family and friends was in attendance. The birthday surprise came by way of her endearing husband Ramon “RJ” Jacinto serenading the celebrator with a song entitled Frannie.

Happy birthday, Frannie!

Johnny congratulates...

The recent election of District Governor of Lions Club International District 301-A1(Manila) Leonida “Baby” Bayani Ortiz as First Lady National President of the Council of Past Lions Governor (CPLG) of the Multiple District 301 Philippines. The CPLG serves as the eminent body of past Lions District Governors all over the Philippines. She will be formally inducted on Aug. 8 at the Fiesta Pavilion of the Manila Hotel.

Congratulations, Baby!

GREETINGS

Happy birthday to our celebrators today, society photographer Baron Patrick de Koenigswarter and Store Specialists’ Nedy Tantoco.

Advance birthday greetings to Corito Galvez de Claro and Oli Laperal, July 21; Mita Rufino and Mimi Valerio, July 22; William Ko and Barbie Atienza, July 23; Quitos Bengzon, July 24; jet-setter and STAR columnist Mayenne Carmona, Ambassador Ramon del Rosario Sr. and Tats Manahan, July 25; FCCP’s Annabelle Adriano and Anna Maria Tirol, July 26.

So, how was your week?

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