Celebrating the 36th annual Consular ball

To my Chinese colleagues and dear readers, may we all attract prosperity and peace this Year of the Tiger. And may we all bigheartedly share the warmth of love with the people around us every day of our lives. Kung Hei Fat Choi and Happy Valentine’s Day!

Hundreds of dignitaries and ambassadors from the diplomatic community as well as eminent personalities from society and media recently filled the Ballroom of the Makati Shangri-La Hotel to take part in the annual highlight of the Philippine international community diplomatic-consular calendar — the 34th Annual Consular Ball. The successful event was organized by the ball committee headed by chairman Marc Ablaza, Guatemala honorary Vice Consul, and vice chairman Dr. Juan Pena, Estonia honorary Consul General. More than 600 guests filled the ballroom, beautifully decorated with rich English garden floral arrangements, setting off the delightful ambience for the entire evening. During the affair, Consular Corps outgoing dean Hidenobu Sobashima, Japan Consul General, and Minister-Deputy chief of mission, delivered his valedictory remarks thanking the Executive and Advisory boards, all committee chairmen and members for their support in Corps activities during the year. Meanwhile, Guatemala honorary Consul Mellie Ablaza, corps vice dean, delivered her acceptance remarks as incoming dean of the corps for 2010 and presented outgoing Dean Sobashima with a Testimonial Award for leadership of the Corps in 2009. It was indeed a rare gathering filled with merriment as members and guests were treated to a delectable menu and a premium selection of wines, non-stop dance music and a fantastic array of plum raffle prizes including airline tickets and resorts gift certificates. Congratulations!

GREETINGS

Happy birthday greetings to our celebrators today, Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile, TV star Kris Aquino, Princess Monjierra Disini and ace photographer Mandy Navasero.

Advance birthday greetings to head of Smart’s wireless consumer division Bong Mojica and Gina de Venecia, Feb. 15; Tessie Luz, Liding Oledan, Marlou H. Litton and Jorge Araneta, Feb. 16; Nanette Puyat, Sen. Jinggoy Estrada and Col. Oscar Lopez, Feb. 17; Loreto Cabañes, Feb. 18; STAR managing and Business editor Tony Katigbak and Lolita Villareal, Feb. 19; Chari Bagatsing and Jay Lopez, Feb. 20.

So how was your week?

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