Changing of the Guard

It was one of those sad yet fun, hello and good-bye kind of affairs, palanggas, when Shangri-La Plaza threw a party for its new magnum chairman Tom Zita Jr. and former vice chair and president el simpatico Fernando Gaspar, who moves on to higher pursuits. GM Lala Fojas and her rah! rah! team of Jolyon Tiglao and Mary Ann Dizon welcomed guests like mall tenants and directors, namedroppables like magnate P.L. Lim, Benjamin Ramos of National Bookstore, Vic Muñoz of Body Shop, Jun Lagman and Cynthia Bautista of Brioni, James Cu Unjieng of Hugo Boss, Tony Garcia and Michelle Yasay of the tres successful Boutique Mango, Ed Buenconsejo of True Value, Yoye Tanseco of Figaro, Vida Estrella and Michael Gonzales of Rustans, plus so many others of the Shangri-La famille, dahlings.

Strategic partners in the artsy scene included director Freddie Santos, Saturday Group’s Malang and Cris Cruz, Magoo Valencia, Ben Infante and King Verano.

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What better way to introduce the newest boutique hotel in town than to throw a colorful Caribbean bash, dahlings, set 23 storeys above the ground with a panoramic view of the metropolis? Cosmo Manille’s hip set flocked to the open air Roofdeck Bar and Grill of City Garden Hotel in Makati, palanggas, in vibrant attires of blooms, instantly transforming the deck into an island paradise away from the bustle of the concrete jungle below.

Among those enjoying themselves til the wee hours were STAR columnist and TV host Johnny Litton, society chroniclers Donnie Ramirez, Resty Vergara and Tim Yap, socialites Carmina Pavia and Tina Ferreros, journalists Chay Santiago and Frank Evaristo, Abbie and Mark Guanco, Rustan’s Malu Francisco, Harry and Marites Limtong and the "Mad Man" himself Martin Nievera, who thrilled the hotel staff with his friendliness.

A high profile social arbiter once opined that "Manila will never run out of places to go to". The City Garden Hotel Makati, dahlings, is the latest to add to your "must see and try" list.

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Remember, palanggas, "Because Jesus Christ gives us all we need, we should give to those in need." Smile. See you.