The Cena brought together the Spanish-speaking community–residents, corporate executives and dignitaries from various countries. Conceptualized while he was still Makati Shangri-La manager, the Cena has become one of the most sought apres exclusive events.
Among the guests, palanggas, were Luis and Sarah Laya of Del Monte, Edgardo Caceras of Maritime Authority, Juan Carlos and Maria Isabel Negrette of John Hopkins U., Cemex’s Alberto Nuñez, Guillermo Torres of Panama Maritime Authority, James Beltran of MAA Phils., David and Marie Davies of Rolls Royce.
Pacita Gruba, the proud mother dahlings, was beaming with pride as her daughter’s dream finally became a reality. Seen during the opening night, palanggas, were Cathy’s husband Kenneth Tanso and kids Kris, Trisha and EJ, actors Piolo Pascual and Jao Mapa, Gill Westaway of the British Council with Nina Wiraatmadja of Indonesia, architect/interior designers of Salon West Raffy Perez and wife Hajji with Leah Perez, Suzanne Escudero and sis-in-law Bernadette Escudero of Figaro, Josephine, Benita and Liza Sy, friends in trends Ceferina Co and Vicky Lim, Beverly Ng, Jino and Mico Noel, the media gang of Tess Mapa, Noelle Boado, Chay Santiago, Imelda Cruz, Yeng Lim, Dolly Dy, Robert Tiu, Mr. Jess and Aidoo Santiago.
Senior stylists Allan Alex Mandawe and Rick Flores shared their artistry via a mini hair and make-up show that featured the summer forecast.