The celebrated event, which was held in the huge NBC Tent, started on a serious note with a solemn thanksgiving mass officiated by Father Bienvenido Nebres, Ateneo de Manila president and close friend of Manny. Immediately afterwards, merrymaking became the mode of the night!.
The efficient NBC staff of Marco Borlongan made sure that the evening’s fare had mouthwatering appetizers of crabmeat and mango canapes, caviar pie on toast, poached shrimp with tomato coriander dip, and chorizo mozarella sticks were divine; a sumptuous buffet of assorted greens, spaghetti with shrimp and crabfat sauce, and lapu-lapu with lobster bisque with pandan rice served as the delectable main course. Wonderful crepes filled with colorful fruits and canonigo topped off the feast.
After the hearty dinner, the Pangilinan family members posed with Manny for a family group picture, which included sister Tess Pangilinan delos Reyes and husband Ogie, their children, and cousin Ditas Villareal.
PLDT bigwigs also came in droves to greet the charming boss, including Butch Meily, Corporate Communication Head Menardo Jimenez, e-PLDT’s Ray Espinosa, and Smart’s Communications marketing head Boy Martirez. Also spotted in the vibrant crowd were Philippine Ambassador to Washington Albert del Rosario and Energy Secretary Vince Perez. Even towering players from Talk n’ Text champions such as Asi Taulava personally gave their heartfelt birthday greetings.
Manny, happy birthday and more power!
Dapper as usual, and the ultimate gentleman even when he was a hardcourt heartthrob playing for the UST Goldies and the Philippine team, Paing cut a smart figure beside his wife Mely, who was clad in a well-cut red cocktail dress. The hallmark of any Hechanova social event is the active participation of Mely and her children. Regarded as one of Manila’s best hostesses, Mely, along with bosom chum Rica Gonzalez-Garcia, meticulously planned the event. Mely and daughter Renna Angeles persevered through no less than eight food tastings until the polo club food met Mely’s high standards. Rica Garcia coordinated with Toni Parson’s 517 to achieve the elegant centerpiece of large maroon candles surrounded by a square wreath of maroon, yellow, and blue flowers.
Mass at the turf room was followed by a sumptuous dinner at the ballroom. Co-Makati Rotarian Willie Soong emceed the short program commencing with a simple tribute for Paing by golfing buddy and monetary board member Nonoy Alindogan. Paing was then toasted by Mely and children Renna, only son Raffy and his wife Gina Galbadon, Raissa and her husband Monet Posadas, and youngest daughter Riana and her hubby Ramon Trajano. This was followed by a rousing disco number from the Makati Rotarians and an Elvis Presley rendition by former Solicitor-General and co-Rotarian Frank Chavez that simply wowed the crowd. The evening ended in the wee hours with many guest gyrating to the music of Nonoy Lopez and his band.
More to come, Paing!