Champagne Birthdays & Warm Wishes

Ising Madrigal Vasquez, a consummate hostess with class and style, played host in a truly unforgettable dinner for three birthday celebrators: Entrepreneur and multi-papal awardee Chito Madrigal Collantes, Dr. Danny Vasquez and the superb ivory beauty and Jewelmer’s pride and joy Baby Cruz in the elegant and well-appointed North Forbes home of former secretary of foreign affairs Manuel Collantes and his wife Chito Madrigal Collantes.

Everyone who is anyone from the business, social, banking and diplomatic circles attended the birthday event of the year. In fact, one ambassador who requested anonymity mentioned that the guests that night surely represented more than 70 percent of the total Philippine economy!

La Tasca and Sugi went all out in preparing epicurean delights for discriminate guests. The impressive assortment of fine wines and champagne were in abundance as well.

As we sat down for the al fresco dinner, we were awed by the sights that surrounded us. A dreamy man-made waterfall was close by to add to the night’s allure. Interesting too, were priceless artworks from Juan Lunas to Amorsolos and Ming dynasty vases, antique golden Buddhas, even the antique harp that Chito used to play which were on display, all living testimonies of this refined lady’s impeccable style and innate love for the arts.

Air-conditioned tents were also set up to make the more than 350 guests comfortable and relaxed. Your columnist, however, did not need any air-conditioning. I just stood in front of overwhelmed guests whose mouths showered yours truly with exclamations of oohs, aahs and wows.

I am sure Manila will not be seeing a birthday bash of this magnitude for many years. I wish my dearest Chito, Danny and Baby a very happy and meaningful birthday, and thank you, Ising, for such a wonderful and memorable evening!