Una fiesta Latina!

An unforgettable celebration of all things Latin America recently took place at your columnist’s “32nd anniversary of his 50th birthday” held at the majestic Grand Ballroom of The Bellevue Manila . Graced with the presence of the Ambassador of Panama Rolando Guevara Alvarado , Brazilian minister counselor Fernanda Soares dos Santos  representing the Ambassador of Brazil Rodrigo Do Amaral Souza , Ambassador of Venezuela Capaya Rodríguez González , Ambassador of Chile Jose Miguel Capdevila , Ambassador of Colombia Victor Hugo Echeverri , Ambassador of Mexico Gerardo Lozano Arredondo and Ambassador Designate of Argentina José Néstor Ureta  as well as The Bellevue Hotels & Resorts (BH&R) ’s visionary chairman Johnny Chan and his son The Bellevue Manila managing director Patrick Chan, the aff air was an extraordinary commemoration of Latin American culture as each country had an opportunity to showcase its fi nest music, traditional dance, and national dress. My friends from the diplomatic, government, business, and social circles enjoyed refreshing cocktails at the hotel’s elegant lobby as well as having their portraits taken at the colorful Latin American-inspired photo wall display. They were treated to a fun welcome dance, after which they were led upstairs to partake of the lavish cuisine catered by the hotel’s outstanding team of chefs and to witness the evening’s lineup of superb performances inspired by the diff erent Latin American countries. The festivity was truly one for the books and a worthwhile way to celebrate my birthday. Many thanks to everyone who made this event possible – the ambassadors, Titania Wines, Rustan’s, Beabi, Laneige and Afi cionado Perfumes and Personal Care. Thank you all for a wonderful evening and I will see you again next year!