Which celebrity encounter do you remember the most?

Some people are lucky to run into famous people — and luckier still that they have a camera in their bag to commemorate the encounter. Here are some personalities remembering their most memorable celebrity encounters.

Joe Assad, honorary consul, Republic of Lebanon to the Philippines

Mohamad El Harake, our new non-resident Ambassador of Lebanon to the Philippines. Based in Tokyo, Japan, he is an extraordinary Lebanese who is French-educated, tri-lingual, and a lawyer who went to both schools in Lebanon run by the Jesuits and the La Salle brothers.

Something about having gone to both of the best schools makes a man special and much more tolerant of all human beings. Ambassador Harake is a fascinating, humble, self-effacing diplomat who has made my life working closely with him richer in every way.

His views on local, regional and world affairs are always insightful and eye-opening — like Visine for the brain. One who goes to two rival schools gets the best self-education in tolerance, diplomacy and fairness that are not in the curriculum, and ends up with the revelation that all men are created equal, and develops a love for both schools that is true and from the heart.

And if you know the Philippine Secretary of Foreign Affairs, Albert Romulo, who also studied at Ateneo and La Salle, you will know what I’m talking about.

Rose H. Libongco, director, sales and marketing, Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila

As we waited for her arrival, I was nervous while standing in the welcome line, as I knew her to be a strong personality. All apprehensions were erased at the sight of her entering our lobby. She shook my hand as I welcomed her and expressed how honored we were to have her stay with us.

She had a direct but quite friendly gaze and replied, “I am glad to be back in Manila.” She then made her way to the rest of the hotel executives with no evidence of haste or hurry. Flashbulbs from cameras erupted and lit up around her, further illuminating her scintillating presence. She was a superstar and I was absolutely charmed! I sent the Time magazine edition that carried a feature of her and her full-page profile to the Imperial Suite and made sure I attached my business card. I was rewarded with her autograph addressed to me that read “Rose, best wishes. Hillary Rodham Clinton.”

Anton San Diego, editor in chief, Philippine Tatler

Over the years, I was fortunate enough to have met several celebrities and personalities, from the likes of Tom Ford to Beyoncé and Bon Jovi.

But the one that I enjoyed immensely was meeting Giorgio Armani. Back in 1997, I worked as the men’s buyer and store manager of Emporio Armani, which was then located in Glorietta. I happened to be in Milan for the Armani fashion show along with Doris Ho, Anton Mendoza and Margarita Forés. When the show was over, we saw Armani milling around, meeting guests.

He did not speak English and we were in luck as Doris spoke Italian and was able to ask if we could get a photograph with him. He obliged. I was a little surprised when I gave my camera to his bodyguard and Anton Mendoza was already standing right next to him and posing cheek to cheek. I managed to stand next to Doris. Today, of course, we laugh about it but then I was peeved.

The meeting with Armani was made more special (despite the lack of communication) because I worked for him and the fantastic company I was with. The day after the show, Doris, Margarita and I were joined by Katrina Panlilio-Craig and we drove to Verona to watch an Italian opera, visit the home of Romeo and Juliet, and eat some gelato. Twelve years later I still remember the fun time we had and meeting Giorgio!

Carla Guevara Laforteza, performing artist

I have encountered many famous personalities, especially when I was living in New York, such as Sean Puffy Combs, Drew Barrymore, and Ashlee Simpson.

But my most recent one was when I was working as the manager of Serafina restaurant on 57th and Broadway in November 2005 where there was a special party to honor Richard Gere. So, as the hostess, I had the pleasure of welcoming him when he got to the restaurant.

He greeted me with a warm smile and a kiss on the cheek. As if that wasn’t enough “love” coming from Richard Gere, I had to complete my Pretty Woman fantasy and inform him that since Serafina was an Italian restaurant, and in Italy (though only pretending to be Italian), we should kiss each other on the cheek — twice. So we did! Unfortunately, I don’t have evidence of that particular encounter, but what I do have is an encounter with two other huge Hollywood stars.

In 1996 at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane in London, it was the first time I ever played the role of Kim in the musical Miss Saigon. As I walked out of my dressing room, I was greeted by my director Matt Ryan and musical director Steve Brooker, and behind them was the most gorgeous man in the world, Antonio Banderas, along with his new stunning bride, actress Melanie Griffith.

They had watched the show and had gone backstage to congratulate me and the cast personally. Did I get their autograph? Nope. They asked for mine!

Rajo Laurel, fashion designer

I have had several wonderful encounters with famous personalities.

However, more often than not I am not able to capture the moment on film.

My most recent encounter (with a picture at that) was with one of my most favorite chefs in the world, Mario Batalli!

I actually pay pilgrimages to his restaurants. I was so excited when I finally saw him on a recent trip to New York.

He was eating brunch in Morandi, a really cool restaurant in the Village. I asked him what was good to order and he was kind enough to tell me that I should have the ham and eggs. So I did, and he was absolutely right!

Christian Espiritu, fashion designer

Kapamilya’s Ann Curtis.

This was during the “Slims Retro,” which we both attended.

After taking a few shots of her, I asked if we might be photographed together and she obliged.

Marga Larrazabal

When we bumped into Lionel Richie last November at the posh Beverly Hills Hotel in California, we were awed by his humility.

In spite of his standing in society and his many accomplishments, he told us how he admired our country.

He said, “I have so many stories about your country.” He was very humble to go out of his way to meet us and accommodate us with our request to pose with us for a photo. He is one-of-a-kind and a real nice gentleman!