Grandiose Times Two for Don Ado

MANILA, Philippines - “The only way to live is to accept each minute as an unrepeatable miracle, which is exactly what it is: a miracle and unrepeatable.”  – Storm Jameson

 The hardworking and brilliant Villa Escudero Plantations and Resort president and general manager Don Ado Escudero recently had one the most memorable birthday celebrations this year with two gatherings in his famous resort. Closest friends of the celebrator gleefully took the two-hour drive down south of Manila to be part of the festivities. The first party was a formal seated dinner for friends and family at Don Ado’s residence were they had a feast of authentic Thai dishes prepared by Thai chefs who flew in to the country courtesy of Thailand Embassy’s ambassador to the Philippines, His Excellency Kulkumut Singhara Na Ayudhaya. The next celebration started from sunrise and lasted until sunset as Don Ado’s comrades started to arrive for breakfast and celebration of the Holy Mass. More of Don Ado’s friends came in by lunchtime to greet the celebrator a blessed birthday at the resort which was transformed into a majestic Thai party place where sumptuous luncheon was served. Taking advantage of the gathering, Don Ado appealed to his guests to support him in his latest project, a fund-raising concert for the benefit of the ongoing restoration of San Pablo City’s St. Paul the First Hermit Cathedral. Seen at the two-part birthday party were Alenaire chief executive officer and president Alfredo “Jun” Lagman, Jr., legendary Philippine fashion icon Patis Tesoro, Quezon Province 2nd district board member Gary Estrada, Tiaong, Quezon vice mayor Rolando Preza among many others. Happy birthday, Don Ado!

An Inspiring, Silver Celebration

Celebrated fashion designer Dita Sandico-Ong recently celebrated her 25 years with a captivating show aptly titled “High On Silver” at A. Venue in Makati. It featured her impressive 50-piece gala collection inspired by the challenges and creative opportunities that Typhoon Ondoy brought to her atelier. Helping revive the weaving traditions of her beloved home province Ilocos Sur, Dita also showcased wearable ensembles from beautiful Ilocano handwoven textiles. Prior to the show, there was an Ilocano cultural exhibit of the locale’s famous products. The country's prince of pop-opera Jonathan Badon even serenaded guests with well-loved Ilocano love songs. Gracing the affair were staunch cultural advocate Irene Marcos-Araneta, Ilocos vice governor Deogracias Victor Savellano, and civic society leader and educator madam Helena Benitez, among others. Congratulations!

Greetings

Happy birthday to our celebrator today, Sea Wind’s general manager Joebert Cocjin, Don Peping Cojuangco.

Advance birthday greetings to philanthropist and two time Papal awardee the ever elegant Imelda “Meldyco” Cojuangco, Tony Carag, and Maridol Mabanta, Sept. 20; Steve Psinakis, Marilou  Guingona, Baby Paterno, Jake Ramirez, and Marc Aguado, Sept 21; Odi Rufino, Maripaz Garcia and socialite Nene Leonor, Sept. 22; Liza Bengzon, Sept. 23; Ernie Pantangco, Sen. Edgardo Angara, restaurateur Emma Lagoc, Benetton’s Leslie Moncupa Severino, and Ditos Alcain, Sept. 24; Cedie Lopez Vargas and Sen. Bong Revilla, Sept. 25.

So, how was your week?

 (For comments or inquiries, please e-mail me at jjlitton@indanet.com)