The French Embassy in the Philippines played host to the vibrant celebration of the national day of France in remembrance of the historic storming of the Bastille, which marked the first step of the people of Paris to champion democracy. The celebration, symbolizing the end of the monarchy and the beginning of the Republic, was graced by more than a thousand well-wishers who were welcomed by French Ambassador Gérard Chesnel and his lovely wife Ning.
The Hotel Philippine Plaza’s Harbor Garden Tent bespoke of elegance that was a mixture of French and Filipino with an early ’30s ambience and music, an abundance of French wine and champagne plus dishes served to the delight of the attendees. Among the noted guests were Foreign Affairs Undersecretary for International Economic Relations Edsel Custodio and Assistant Secretary Erlinda Basilio, Dean of Diplomatic Corps Apostolic Nuncio Fernando Filoni, Supreme Court Chief Justice Artemio Panganiban, Senate President Manuel Villar, Sen. Alfredo Lim, former Sen. Leticia Shahani and Star publisher and chairman Max Soliven.
What a delightful and happy occasion!
Advance birthday greetings to Susan Aguado, Bonjin Bolinao, Smart Communications PR head Mon Isberto and artist-chef Claude Tayag, Aug 7; Carmi Martin, Aug. 8; Chit Montenegro, Peter Coyuito, Kevin Huang, Barbara Gonzales and Malaya’s executive editor Enrique "Pocholo" Romualdez, Aug. 9; Roman Azanza, socialite Edith Rabat, designer Criselda Lontok, Sharon Tan, Fairways and Bluewater’s Jennifer Alonte and What’s On & Expat president Butch Bonsol, Aug. 10; Dr. Lyra Ruth Clemente-Chua, Papal awardee Susan del Rosario, fitness expert Cory Quirino, tycoon John Gokongwei Jr., former Press Secretary Rod Reyes and Weejay Litton, Aug. 11; Georgina Lopez, Tito Tesoro, actor Aga Muhlach and Ramon Zaragosa, Aug. 12.
Happy wedding anniversary to Vincent and Cedie Lopez Vargas, Aug. 9. May you both have many, many more momentous years together.
So, how was your week?
(For comments or inquiries, please e-mail me at jjlitton@indanet.com)