Happy to be 70

“Follow your bliss and the universe will open doors where there were only walls.” — Joseph Campbell

The jovial North Luzon Railways Corp. president and chief executive Arsenio “Archit” Bartolome III celebrated 70 blissful and blessed years with a big bash at the Forbes Park Pavilion in North Forbes Park, Makati. A Mass and sumptuous dinner marked the birthday party, which had more than 200 guests, mostly Archit’s fraternity brothers at the Upsilon Sigma Phi of the University of the Philippines, his past and present colleagues, friends at the Rotary Club of Manila, golfing buddies and dear relatives.

Archit’s buddies Bob Tenchavez, former Central Bank governor Gabby Singson, Tong Payumo and Fr. Jerry Orbos took turns paying their dear pal a short tribute. Archit’s lovely wife Nenne and children Barbee, Bambee, Barnee and only son Taguig councilor A.P. helped him entertain the guests. In lieu of gifts, Archit requested his guests to make a donation to the Nuggets of Wisdom, an outreach ministry of the Ang Ligaya ng Panginoon Community of which he is a member.

Welcome to the diamond club, Archit!

A blessed celebration for Hans

(From left) Jo Pintor, Queen Fairy of Bohol Lani Schoof, Ilocos Sur Gov. Chavit Singson and celebrator Hans Schoof.

It was another blessed year for Hans Schoof, a great Rizalist and an active socio-civic philanthropist who recently extended his birthday bash from his family home in Baclayon, Bohol to the luxurious Grand Ballroom of The Palms Country Club in Filinvest, Alabang. Present were his close friends from various sectors and his beautiful family: charming wife Lani, the Queen Fairy of Bohol; supportive children Kris Schoof and Katrina Schoof Chu as well as adorable grandson Kale. The fabulous themed birthday celebration featured dazzling production numbers reminiscent of the era of glam, glitter and romance, and The Palm’s bountiful feast of flavorful continental, Japanese and Asian cuisines. The celebrator could not have been happier for all the outpouring of love and affection for him.

All the best, Hans!

Greetings

Happy birthday to our celebrators today, Cedie Lopez Vargas and Sen. Bong Revilla.

Advance birthday greetings to Danny Dolor, Liza Nakpil, Marieliese Evaristo, Pilie Barrenechea and Henry Atayde, Sept. 26; Boracay Regency chairman Henry Chusuey, Mercy Tuason, Italy-based Mai Mai Cojuangco-Zini, restaurateur Maritel Nievera and Camp John Hay Development Corp. chairman Bob Sobrepeña, Sept. 27; Wilcon EVP and COO Rose Bosch Ong, Vicky Cuisia, Mari Caballero and Mina Paras, Sept. 28; Thelma San Juan, former Sen. Leticia Shahani and former Tourism Secretary Gemma Cruz-Araneta, Sept. 30. Patsy Francisco and Alby Litton, Oct. 1.

So, how was your week?

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