Cheers to freedom and friendship!

“Strive for excellence, not perfection.”  — H. Jackson Brown Jr.

It was a spectacular festivity like no other as the five-star Marco Polo Plaza Cebu (MPPC) joined several French nationals and distinguished personalities from the diplomatic, business and social communities in celebrating the French Bastille Day. Indefatigable MPPC general manager Hans Hauri, the honorary French consul Michel Lhuillier and elegant wife Amparito together with the Alliance Francaise in Cebu hosted the event, which commemorated the reconciliation of all French nationals inside the constitutional monarchy.

Guests were ushered into the hotel’s plush Grand Ballroom, which was swathed in blue, white and red following the colors of the traditional French flag. A group of La Garde Republicaine or French Guards opened the show with their traditional formation moves and later, unveiled the impressive buffet table. The revelry had everyone enjoying the delectable culinary masterpieces, sparkling red and white wines, and exceptionally classy ambiance! Gracing the affair were French Ambassador Thierry Borja de Mozota, the brilliant Cebu Gov. Gwen Garcia and Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama, to name a few.

 Congratulations! Cheers to freedom and the enduring friendship between France and the Philippines!

A bash fit for a king

(From left) Sen. Bong Revilla, Hans Schoof, celebrator Ilocos Sur Gov. Chavit Singson and Fe Dixon.

Instead of his usual lavish celebrations, the generous Ilocos Sur Gov. Luis “Chavit” Singson spent his birthday this year by visiting constituents in three rural towns of his province. However, grateful friends from the group called the Bohol Gang decided to make the affair memorable by hosting a dinner party for Chavit.

Jovial luxury resort-owners Hans and Lani Schoof graciously welcomed the guests to their European-designed home in Muntinlupa, which served as the venue of the gathering. Marvelous Bohol Gang stalwarts Donnie Ramirez and Fe Dixon ably assisted by the brilliant Dean Decker made sure the event turned out successfully. It was a party like no other as guests enjoyed a sumptuous feast and topnotch entertainment from guest artists Angelos, violinist Merjon Lagaya, chanteuse Lily Beth Garcia, lounge and concert performer Arthur Manuntag and Muebles Italiano president and chief executive officer Noel Gonzales. Gracing the affair were Sarangani Rep. Manny Pacquiao, Sen. Bong Revilla, among many others.

 All in all, a truly fun celebration for Chavit! Happy Birthday!

Greetings

Happy birthday to our celebrators today, former Rep. Joe Zubiri, business scion Beaver Lopez, restaurateur Beng Dee, Las Piñas Rep. Mark Villar, designers Noli Hans and Auggie Cordero.

Advance birthday greetings to socialite Asunta Bilbao and actress Pinky de Leon, Aug. 15; STAR columnist Rod Nepomuceno and Bank of the Philippine Islands president Aurelio “Gigi” Montinola III, Aug. 16; Freddie Elizalde, Christine Carmichael and Mark Dy, Aug. 17; Robert “Bob” del Rosario, Larry Amante and Marivic Madrigal Vasquez, Aug. 18; designers Letlet Veloso and Randy Ortiz, Aug. 19; Consul of Monaco Fortune Ledesma, businessman Bernie Concepcion and actor/comedian Noel Trinidad, Aug. 20.

Happy wedding anniversary to Vincent and Cedie Lopez Vargas, and Ronnie and Mari Caballero, Aug. 15. May you have many, many more momentous years together.

So, how was your week?

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