The Big 5-0

In true Grant Hill form, super-smart mega businessman Butch Albert, president of FILA Phils., dahlings, "changed the game" when he celebrated his BBB, as in Big Birthday bash! when he turned the Big 5-0, which could be a big worry for others, but not for Golden Boy Butch, who chose to celebrate the occasion Big Time!

Another fabi reason to celebrate was that FILA’s mother company in Italy just granted Butch and FILA Phils. a solid 25-year contract to sell and operate the brand in the country, including sub-licensing and sub-franchising. So our celebrator gathered pals and famille and superstar basketball endorsers to an evening of great food, fun and music.

Having a great time was, naturellement, FILA’s first lady and VP, stunning Cris Abad Santos A. and son Carlo, her dad Antonio Abad Santos, mom Wanda Louwallien, FILA endorser Jojo Lastimosa with wife Butchie, Greg and Thess Yang, socialite with the 4 Bs (as in beauty, brains, breeding and bucks) Marivic Vasquez, Geny and Lhianna Bautista, Sebastian and Ronald Walker and Cris’ best pals Margot Yulo and Irene Razon, Philip Tan and Jerry Reyes, plus so many other namedroppables, palanggas!

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The untying of silk ribbons launched the Filipino-Thai Food Festival during a full moon at the tres popular Dusit Hotel Nikko, held to commemorate the 52nd anniversary of diplomatic ties between the Philippines and Thailand. The opening ceremonies featured a Muslim dance back to back with traditional Thai dance. Hotshot guests of honor included Thai Amb. Lt. Ravee Hongsaprabhas, Makati Administrator Nicanor Santiago Jr. and Thai Airways new GM Chertchai Methanayanonda.

The Cafe Restaurant offered excellent lunch and dinner buffets of Filipino and Thai delicacies. Live entertainment featured a Filipino guitarist and Thai dancers who performed both at The Cafe and at Benjarong Royal Thai Restaurant.

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Remember, palanggas, "The greatest joy on earth is the sure prospect of heaven with our Lord Jesus Christ." Smile. See you.