Air France’s well-respected general manager, les tres charmant Gerard Lanfrey, bid adieu and then said bien-venue to the airline’s new "Big Man," another super French charmer who hails from classy Monte Carlo, Monsieur Louis Vergeon.
The grand cocktail reception was hosted by Air France’s dynamic, cyber-smart and absolutely handsome sales manager, Bingo Braganza. He was assisted by dazzling station manager, beauty and brains Ma. Lourdes Reyes.
Naturellement, the event was well-attended by tons of friends from the travel industry. Among them were guests from our very own Philippine Airlines (PAL); British Airways; Saudia; Swiss Air; Board of Airlines (BAR); the European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (ECCP); Le Club; the French Embassy; as well as the business sector.
The always smiling Gerard Lanfrey thanked all who had supported Air France. He assured them that Air France Philippines "will definitely continue to provide the best service ever." Apres, the six-foot tall dashing new GM Louis Vergeon also thanked the invitees for their tres warm welcome. He also requested continued support for Air France.
Most touching, dahlings, was a special surprise prepared by Air France’s rah! rah! staff. It was a video featuring messages from Gerard L.’s close pals who all wished him "good luck" while also bidding him farewell. Then Rajah Tours’ Alice San Juan and PTAA’s Ricky Ordoñez presented plaques of appreciation to the outgoing GM.
Circulating with cocktail drinks in hand at the fully-packed Dusit Ballroom were such namedroppables as PAL president Avelino Zapanta; BAR chairman Felix Cruz, who delivered an inspiring speech for Monsieur Lanfrey; ECCP president Claus Sudhoff; well-loved French Ambassador Gilles Chouraqui; the French Embassy’s Consul Pierre Coquillat and Col. and Madame Philippe Groult; and Dusit’s admirable GM Chiyuki Fujimoto.
Socializing while nibbling on the sumptuous finger food buffet were Swiss Air’s Paul Schenk; Central Bank Gov. Rafael Buenaventura and his glamorous multi-faceted wife Marivic Rufino-B.; Le Club president Roguer Ferrari; PEE’s Jean Philippe Quercy; our very own Philippine STAR EVP Grace Glory Go; plus so many others like them too chi-chi to mention, dahlings.
Apres all the speeches and awards, Air France’s petite customer service manager Tessa de Guzman offered a toast of the bubbly champagne for the two general managers. The 800 or so guests joined her in saying "goodbye" and "hello" to the two fantastic French gentlemen.
It was a semi-private lunch with their closest pals from the media world. Chatting politics, naturellement, were Aida Sevilla Mendoza; glam lady of the Philippine STAR and PEOPLE Asia editor-in-chief Joanne Rae Ramirez; vivacious and interesting Ninez Cacho Olivarez; our palangga from way back Eggie Apostol; Manila Bulletin’s Deedee Siytangco; vibrant and adorable mega columnist Nelly Sindayan; our very own business-minded gent Boo Chanco; photo bug Mandy Navasero; elegant Domini Torrevillas; Rina David; Donnie Ramirez; Gilbert Perez; Manila Bulletin Lifestyle editor, moi dearest palangga, Ethel Timbol; Ellen Tordesillas; photographer Rudy Santos; and moi, naturellement.
It was great learning how Joe de V. – who might again become the Speaker of the House – plans to make life so much better for the underprivileged by launching his "747 economic take-off plan." He explained that it would promise a "seven percent growth for seven years," palanggas.
When Joe de V. (who has been moi pal for eons) moves, palanggas, he makes sure he achieves his goals, rather than just being "all-talk." Joe de V. to my knowledge is the only one who has it in black and white. He is the only one – if things turn out right – who can turn our sagging economy around while helping President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo achieve greater heights with his fantastic 747 plan.
Yes, Joe. Go for it, palangga!
Well, that was a hectic but happy week full of smiles for many personas.
Be happy. See you!