“Time does not change us. It just unfolds us.†– Max Frisch
Initially, we had a problem looking for a venue for a social gathering featuring a good mix of VIP guests that included members of the diplomatic corps, business and media personalities.
Trusting the expertise of Mandarin Oriental Manila hotel manager Oliver Kreuzer and communications director Charisse Chuidian, our choice was unanimous, the Roxas Room at The Tivoli. For that evening, a special menu was created by the very talented Tivoli executive chef Rene Ottlik.
The affair was bittersweet as it also served as a farewell party for our guests of honor, Canadian Ambassador Christopher Thornley and wife Catherine. Christopher is set to leave the Philippines shortly for another post.
Enjoying the superb cuisine, premier service and fabulous company were Australian Ambassador Bill Tweddell and wife Chris, Costa Rica Consul General Fausto Preysler Jr. and wife Ane, PeopleAsia publisher Babe Romualdez, Swiss Ambassador Ivo Sieber and wife Gracita, Ugong Trade & Holdings Inc. president and CEO Susing Pineda with his wife, vice president Maritess Pineda and Ditas Laurel.
Bon Voyage to Christopher and Catherine Thornley!
For being generous to a fault
Our two good friends Annabelle Adriano and jewelry businessman Faico were named Paul Harris Fellows by the Rotary Club of Forbes Park (RCFP).
RCFP charter president Alex Ledesma and president Frank Adriano awarded the Paul Harris Fellow certificates to the two honorees during the charter anniversary held at Alex Ledesma’s residence.
For non-Rotarians, lawyer Paul Harris is best known for founding the Rotary International in downtown Chicago in 1905.
Congratulations to Annabelle and Faico!
GREETINGS
Happy birthday to our celebrator today, Jaja Ledesma.
Advance birthday greetings to Sea Wind president Boy Jarantilla, Lita Carlos and tycoon Eduardo “Danding†Cojuangco, June 10; FCCP’s Mars Lambino, June 11; Lilibeth Virata, June 12; Tony Boy Dela Rea, Robinsons Land president and COO Frederick Go, Isel Litton, June 13; Caruso Ristorante co-owner Dario Gardini, June 14; Jullie Yap Daza, Sam Eduque, FCCP’s Letty Syquia, Allure columnist Michelle Dayrit-Soliven, Margot Fragante, Amalie Azanza, Carrie Bautista, Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago and Margot Rodriguez, June 15.
Happy wedding anniversary to Joe and Marivic Concepcion, June 15. May you have many, many more years of wedded bliss.
So, how was your week?
(For comments or inquiries, please e-mail me at jjlitton@indanet.com.)