A stately affair

“We make a living by what we get, we make life by what we give.”  — Winston Churchill

It was an evening of elegance and class as the prominent society couple Mely and Paing Hechanova recently hosted a private dinner in their fabulous new home to honor the members of the diplomatic and consular corps. Held at the opulent and exquisite manor of the Hechanovas in Forbes Park, significant personalities from the social-political circles as well as members of the diplomatic corps and business community took time off from their busy schedules to take part in this exclusive gathering. Guests during the splendid affair were recognizable faces including US Ambassador to the Philippines Kristie Kenney, Philippine Ambassador to the United States Willy Gaa and Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Franklin Ebdalin. It was a marvelous night as many of the guests stayed until the wee hours.

Mabuhay!

The multi-awarded performers of American jazz

Winning the world over with certified hits and highly-acclaimed recognitions, American artists Whitney Houston and Natalie Cole are undeniably iconic figures in the history of jazz. Houston’s single, I Will Always Love You, from the box office movie The Bodyguard, is the best-selling single by a female artist and the sixth best-selling song in the history of music while Cole’s latest album, Still Unforgettable, captured six Grammys, including Album and Record of the Year, and spent five weeks at No.1 and sold more than eight million copies in the US alone. Be there as jazz songstress Natalie Cole captivates the audience with her soulful music as she comes to Manila for a concert on March 11, 8 p.m. at the Araneta Coliseum. See you there!

(For ticket inquiries, call Ticketnet at 911-5555, 374-2222 or 374-9999.)

Johnny congratulates...

Bernadine Siy, the first ever woman president of  Manila Golf & Country Club, and her dynamic team for their splendid work that led to the Manila Golf & Country Club being selected as the gold winner in the international clubs category of the 2009 Golf Inc. Renovation of the Year Competition. Way to go, Bernadine! Congratulations to you and your team and to all of us members of Manila Golf & Country Club!

Greetings

Happy birthday greeting to our celebrator today, head of Smart’s wireless consumer division Bong Mojica.

Advance birthday greetings to Tessie Luz, Liding Oledan, Marlou H. Litton and Jorge Araneta, Feb. 16; Nanette Puyat and Sen. Jinggoy Estrada, Feb. 17; Loreto Cabañes, Feb. 18; STAR managing and Business editor Tony Katigbak and Lolita Villareal, Feb. 19; Chari Bagatsing, Leenie Laurel Castillo, Gina de Venecia and Jay Lopez, Feb. 20.

So how was your week?

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