A round of congratulations

"When life sometimes gets stormy, remeber to anchor deep. Say a prayer and hold on. Don’t be surprised if someone walks across the water to give you a hand." –Anonymous

My most heartfelt congratulations to...

... Ernesto Baltazar Rufino Jr. who was recently elevated to the rank of Knight Grand Cross of Magistral Grace of the Philippine Association of the Sovereign Hospitaller Order of Saint John of Jerusalem of Rhodes and of Malta.

He received the honor in solemn convectual ceremonies at the Villa San Miguel, officiated by the Archbishop of Manila, His Eminence Jaime Cardinal Sin, who is also Bailiff Grand Cross of Honor and Devotion, SMOM.

The distinction conferred on Ernesto is given only to a privileged few in the Catholic Church. Among the recipients was Eernesto’s father Don Ernesto Baltazar Rufino Sr. whose service to the marginalized sectors, including patients in eight leprosaria, was truly laudable.

To Ernesto, congratulations for this well-deserved honor. It is a testament to the character of the man who has dedicated himself to the service of the less privileged.

... The Mandarin Oriental Manila’s Helmut Gaisberger and socialite/philanthropist Rose Marie "Baby" Arenas who hosted a unique dinner in honor of Middle East diplomats and dignitaries to mark the Islamic New Year.

Traditional incense like "oud" and a special menu was prepared especially for the evening.

Among those who were feted were Saudi Arabian Ambassador Saleh Mohammad Al Ghandi; Ambassador Ahmed Rezk of Egypt; and Ambassador Saleh Ibrahim Al-Kuwam of Qatar who sampled exquisite preparations of Moutabel with smoked duck breast and lentil soup served in sour dough bread as well as quaint attractions such as the smoking tea pot and green tea sherbet, compliments of executive chef Norbert Gandler.

Ambassador Werner Baumann, French Ambassador Gilles Chouraqui and Malaysian Ambassador MH Arshad were among those who were visibly delighted with the impeccable arrangements that evening. They were also enthralled by the music of Leo Valdez, fresh from his Miss Saigon stint and violinist Jay Cayuca’s excellent string renditions.

Baby Arenas personified elegance in her orange chiffon gown and wrap. Daughter Rachel was svelte in her metallic ensemble. Marilen So-Guisande came in a beaded black classic. No less than the Mandarin’s director of sales and marketingAlu Suarez and director of communications Charisse Chuidian attended to the evening’s superb arrangements.

Helmut and Baby, this was certainly another display of impeccable hosting as only you two can pull off! And to the Mandarin Oriental, kudos once again!

... The dynamic husband and wife team of June and Tita Dualita for the opening of their second Banzai restaurant outlet. Located at the E-center building along E. Rodriguez Ave., Banzai is the place to go for Japanese food enthusiasts of all ages.

Greetings

Happy birthday to our celebrators today: Meralco top honcho Manolo Lopez and restaurateur Doray vda. de Limjoco.

Advanced birthday greetings to Gonzalo Puyat II and STAR Mode assistant editor Ann Montemar-Oriondo, May 21; Andy Jacinto, Lito Puyat, Lulu Tinio and Ambassador to the Sovereign Military Order of Malta Ike Syquia, May 22; Ping Valencia, May 23; Oli Laperal Jr., May 24; super artist Anita Magsaysay-Ho, restaurateur George Sison and writer Beth Day-Romulo, May 25; Enrique "Iking" Araneta, lifestyle editor Lita Logarta, May 26.

Congratulations to our newest legal eagles Butterball and Princess Sales who recently passed the Bar Exams!

Happy wedding anniversary to Sen. Ed and CCP Chair Gloria Angara, May 24. Here’s to many more years of wedded bliss.

So how was your week?