Bravo, Bobby and the Century! - OH YES, IT’S JOHNNY!

Attempt the impossible, in order to improve your work. – Bette Davis

Century Park Hotel proved itself to be the center of exciting premier events in the Metro Bay Area when it again hosted the Johnnie Walker Mentor Dinner, an elegant and exclusive affair feting only the most accomplished men and women.

GM Bobby Carpio, still fresh from his much-talked about hosting of the first Johnnie Walker Journey of Taste affair, topped himself overseeing this unique event – from the special invites to the liveried staff, to the incredibly exquisite course prepared exclusively for that evening, and the breathtaking ice sculpture of the Johnnie Walker Striding Man icon.

Select gentlemen and women guests were led by Stuart Pratt, Dan Keller and Michael Newbill, Consuls of the US Embassy; Fumio Ohkohara, president, Nippon Bldg. Enterprise Co.; Goro Kadowaki, VP-Treasurer of the Century; Kris McCahon, US Vice Consul; Grant Batsumyo, general manager ACS Pacific Limited, who came with his charming wife Kim; Nguyen Bannerman, US Federal Aviation Admin. Asst.; Chris Geiger of Boracay’s Paradise Garden; Sonny Busa, chief of Passport and Citizenship, US Embassy; Richard Benke, Regional Services representative; Vittorio Callea, managing director, Ambrocio Gourmet Food and Wine, and many more who complete 33 exclusively invited guests

"Impeccable" describes the Century’s seafood session and crab croquant with lemon myrtle dressing, followed by Idaho potato and watercress puree with roasted pine nuts float. These were followed by snails ragout in brioche with herbs and burgundy cream.

Main course was the marvelous chicken roulade filled with mango and saffron-fragrant rice and veggies. Dessert consisted of Cointreu, marinated fresh fruits with double cheese ice cream, topped with a sip of the world’s finest and velvety smooth Johnnie Walker Black Label, naturally. All these culminated with members and guests of the Century’s Cigar Club savoring their prized stogies.

Bravo, Bobby, for this spectacular encore, and to the Century, here’s a Johnnie Walker toast for upping your already spectacular record as the premier venue in the Bay Area. Truly a superb evening!

Neny to wed soon

Neny Montinola, meanwhile, is a woman on the threshold of a wonderful transition in her life. The daughter of Serge and Ching Montinola, Neny celebrates this remarkable passage as bride-to-be to Mandy Boy Eduque, son of the tall, dashing and sartorial gentleman Armando Eduque and elegant and statuesque former Baby Serrano.

For this momentous moment in the life of Neny, Menchu Concepcion and daughter Rica Concepcion-Araneta tendered a bridal shower at Menchu’s posh and exquisitely appointed residence in North Forbes Park.

Those who came to wish the bride-to-be and mother Ching were family and friends such as that picture of elegance and energy, Josie Lichauco, former DOTC Undersecretary; Baby and Rica Araneta; Boling Reyes; Olivia Romulo; Marilen Concepcion; Pilar Garcia; Tessie Yupangco; Tereret Tambunting; Triccie Sison; Isabel Wilson; Madeleine Lim; and Marilen Espiritu.

Seen chatting were Nenita Bangzon, Pilar Garcia and Titang Montinola. Spotted too were Conchitina Ladao, Josie Sy, Offie Recto, Josie Bantug, Mercy Tuazon and Rosanna Fores.

Well-wishes were shared with Neny who was radiant as any woman on the verge of a celebratory passage.

To Neny and Mandy Boy, here’s to a life ahead rich in happiness, health and everlasting love. Well done on the superb shower, Menchu and Rica, kudos, indeed!

Tropical blooms at Donnie’s bash

It was off to the tropics during Donnie Ramirez’s recent bash. The much liked PR wiz and man-about-town celebrated his big day amidst a revelry of colors and island grooves ala South Pacific in a party hosted by Ernie Liwanag, the soft-spoken mega-businessman renowned for his taste in fine antiques.

Guests came to Ernie’s exquisitely appointed home lavishly decorated by Bobby Borja with spectacular tropical floral prints reflecting Donnie’s exuberance.

Spotted in animated chats and seen enjoying island specialties like grilled prawns, barbecue ribs and crispy lechon sent by Mayor Elenita Binay were Letty Syquia; Mellie Ablaza; Fortune Ledesma; Tereret Liboro; Myrna Borromeo who were veritable exotic island princesses in their garb; and vivacious Lorna Quisumbing who gamely grooved with Nonoy Lopez’s one-man band.

The gents dressed accordingly in Hawaiian shirts – PR man extraordinaire Bob Zozobrado; fashion czar Pitoy Moreno; former Meralco top man Warner Valdez; bon vivant Bobby Formoso; and New York-based author Ronnie Alejandro.

Joining in the bash were embodiments of elegance Len Olbes; Susan Campos; Jennie Zamora; Lilibeth Campos with hubby Paqui; Gunter and Joanne Matschuck and the incomparable First Lady of Ballroom Dancing Becky Garcia with devoted Henri Muzarelli, of course.

Donnie, here’s wishing one of the industry’s finest PR man and a good friend to many, a truly wonderful and continuously blessed life. Happy birthday!

Greetings

Happy birthday to our celebrator today, Ramon "RJ" Jacinto.

Advanced birthday greetings to Maribel Dario and Francisco Delgado, June 4; Sen. Ramon Magsaysay Jr. and Benjie Oriondo, June 5; Tessie Fernandez and Eduardo Lopez Jr., June 6; Bert del Rosario, June 7; and Tara Litton, Marivic Concepcion, Antonio Madrigal, Miguel Vargas, Lilibeth Pecache and Nards de Belen, June 8.

So, how was your week?