Viva España!

“All the art of living lies in a fine mingling of letting go and holding on.” — Havlock Ellis

The magnificent Forbes Park home of Spanish Ambassador Luis Arias and wife Soledad Laviña was recently opened to a select group of guests for the celebration of the National Day of Spain. Touted as one of the most awaited social gatherings in Manila, the event was well-attended by the most prominent personalities in today’s society, who all thoroughly enjoyed the authentic Spanish food, wines and merry-making.

Feliz día nacional de España! Salud!

A joyful occasion for the Syquias

(Seated, from left) Fr. Jocis Syquia and his mom Letty with Archbishop Edward Joseph Adams and auxiliary bishop of Manila Bishop Bernardino Cortez; (standing, from left) Czarina, Jofe, Tess, Joel, Betty and Tommy Syquia.

In 2000, Jose Francisco “Jocis” Syquia, the son of highly respected Letty and the late Ambassador Enrique Syquia, was ordained to priesthood by the late Jaime Cardinal Sin on the feast day of St. Padre Pio. To mark the 10th anniversary of his ordination, Letty gathered her loving sons and daughters-in-law, Jofe and Czarina, Martin and Joanne, Tommy and Beth, Joel and Tess, adorable grandchildren, close friends, sponsors and religious guests for a thanksgiving celebration at the North Forbes Park. For Fr. Jocis who almost lost his life years ago, the joyful occasion was the perfect time to celebrate life and the gift of priesthood.

Happy 10th anniversary, Fr. Jocis and may you continue to be a blessing and inspiration to others!

Greetings

Happy birthday to our celebrator today, Fred Velayo.

Advance birthday greetings to People Asia publisher and Stargate CEO Babe Romualdez, Antel Group of Companies VP for marketing and sales Felino Lao and Vicvic Villavicencio, Nov. 8; HMI’s Josie Padilla Rufino, Blanca Santiago and former Makati Mayor Dr. Elenita Binay, Nov. 9; AA Patawaran and Nympha Valencia, Nov. 10; Vice President Jejomar Binay, actress Janice de Belen, Arnel Manganti and Letty Jacinto Lopez, Nov. 11; Renna Hechanova Angeles and La Moderna Bakery’s Angelo Songco, Nov. 12; dapper Fairways & Bluewater chairman Noel “Toti” Cariño, Nov. 13.

 So how was your week?

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