Dante Go, the affable and debonair president emeritus of the Chinese-Filipino Business Club, treated President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo as well as diplomatic, social and business luminaries to an elegant housewarming. Sponsors included Mary Ty; Elena Coyiuto; Carol Sy; Nina Garcia; Evelyn Tan; Luy Kim Guan; architect Ramon Antonio; and Francois Kellenberger.
Dante’s home is the magnificent result of the creative prowess of Ramon Antonio who was both its architect and interior designer. The Mediterranean-inspired garden was also created under Ramon Antonio’s direct supervision.
Led by Dante and his handsome son Randy; beautiful daughter Dana; charming mother Julita Yap-Go; and sisters Zenaida, Victoria, Elizabeth and Teresita Go formed the reception line in the receiving room.
Guests admired the classic blend of ancient Oriental and classical European designs, furniture and themed rooms.
Close to 250 prominent luminaries of all segments of Philippine society attended. Early arrivals were taipan Henry Sy; Chinese-Filipino Business Club president Aw Peng Lam; Copra King Luy Kim Guan; Ricardo Romulo; Peter Go; Andrea Domingo; presidential brother Buboy Macapagal; Chinese Ambassador Wang Chungui; steel taipan Lim Ka Thong; and Dennis Quinn, among others.
The highlight of the event was the arrival of President Arroyo who was given a personal tour by Dante and his family. The President had such an enjoyable time unwinding from her hectic schedule. She greeted guests, shook hands and chatted with taipans and diplomats while nibbling and enjoying delicacies prepared by the culinary genius Gaita Fores.Why, she even posed with members of Dante’s staff, visited the kitchen and greeted the chefs!
It takes a Dante Go, with his mild and gentlemanly manners and sophistication, to accomplish what one might consider impossible!
Congratulations, Dante for a truly magnificent evening!
Advanced birthday greetings to Fely Abaya, Tony Olbes, Antonio Garcia Jr., and Joanne Matschuck, Dec. 31; regal ladies Mary Prieto and Christina Ponce-Enrile, Jan. 1, 2003; FCCP’s Alice Briones, Jan. 3; and Dish’s E.J. Litton, Manny Maceda, Bulletin’s EVP-treasurer Paciencia Pineda, Offie Recto and Babette Aquino, Jan. 4.
Happy wedding anniversary to Manny and Lyra Maceda and Eric and Bea Puno, Jan. 2. May you both have many, many more years of wedded bliss.
So, how was your week?