Happy and blessed at 60!

“Life is like a coin. You can spend it any way you wish, but you only spent it once.”  — Lillian Dickson

Reaching 60 becomes a truly joyful experience especially when you’re surrounded by special people in your life. Energetic Climate Change Commission consulant and Zonta officer Dandy Gomez recently celebrated her birthday surrounded by her loving family and good friends at the Kalayaan Hall of Club Filipino in San Juan. Supportive husband Arlu and children Arlu Boy, Maria Cristina and Anthony Cospito prepared a program just for the celebrator. Siblings lawyer Nelson Santos, Chona Lazaro and Lit del Rosario as well as niece Rina rendered rousing performances. Meanwhile, friends from different groups surprised her with song and dance numbers. The program capped off with Arlu serenading Dandy with a song entitled II Mondo, and expressing his love for her.

Angola Consul Helen Ong with newly-appointed Philippine Ambassador to Italy Virgilio Reyes.

What a memorable celebration indeed! To Dandy, a toast to another 60 years!

Meet the new envoy to Italy

It was a heartwarming celebration like no other as the affable Angola Consul Helen Ong recently hosted a cocktail party in honor of the newly-appointed Philippine Ambassador to Italy Virgilio Reyes and his wife Marie. Prior to his appointment, the ambassador served as head of the office of the Middle East and African Affairs. Held at her Forbes Park residence, the intimate gathering was attended by close friends as well as members of the diplomatic and consular corps and the media. Guests came in droves, wishing the honoree all the best in his new assignment. The splendid evening also had everyone enjoying great food, fine wines and excellent camaraderie.

Congratulations, Ambassador Virgilio and good luck!

GREETINGS

Happy birthday to our celebrator today, Chiquita Trapaga.

Advance birthday greetings to Sea Wind GM Joebert Cocjin and Peping Cojuangco, Sept. 19; philanthropist and two-time Papal awardee Imelda “Meldyco” Cojuangco, Tony Carag and Maridol Mabanta, Sept. 20; Steve Psinakis, Marilou Guingona, Baby Paterno, Jake Ramirez and Marc Aguado, Sept. 21; Odi Rufino, Maripaz Garcia and socialite Nene Leonor, Sept. 22; Liza Bengzon, Sept. 23; Ernie Pantangco, Sen. Edgardo Angara, restaurateur Emma Lagoc, Benetton’s Leslie Moncupa Severino and Ditos Alcain, Sept. 24.

So, how was your week?

(For comments or inquiries,

please e-mail me at jjlitton@indanet.com)