For luck & prosperity
“Luck is a matter of preparation meeting opportunity.†– Lucius Annaeus Seneca
Once again, the city of Makati was the site of the recent most spectacular lunar year celebration outside of Binondo. The colorful annual festivity to welcome the Year of the Water Snake was spearheaded by hotel manager Oliver Kreuzer and communications director Charisse Chuidian of the elegant Mandarin Oriental Manila.
Seen at the cocktail party were guests of honor Makati City Mayor Junjun Binay, Chinese Ambassador Ma Keqing, Dutch Ambassador Ton Boon von Ochssée, Singaporean Ambassador Hirubalan V P, Jardine Matheson Group of Companies country chairman Nonoy Colayco and wife, Metropolitan Museum of Manila president Tina Colayco.
Outside, the talk of the town was an astonishing video projection of a colorful snake slithering up the hotel’s column. Oliver was joined by renowned geomancer master Joseph Chau in the ceremony dotting the eyes of two lions and a dragon. The traditional lion and dragon dance kept spectators entertained until the exciting countdown that culminated in a breathtaking fireworks display.
A sumptuous midnight eight-course lauriat dinner of prosperity dishes was served to the hotel’s valued patrons. A live demo on sand art, an exciting wushu performance and a raffle with a trip for two to Guangzhou as prize capped off the night’s festivities.
Here’s to luck and prosperity all year!
Greetings
Happy birthday to our celebrator today, world-renowned violinist and IP Coalition chairman John Lesaca.
Advance birthday greetings to multi-awarded singer and businessman Jose Mari Chan and Makati Medical Center’s Dr. Remedios Suntay, March 11; Mila Manapat, March 13; Bong Daza and Malou Rodriguez, March 15; Abe Florendo, March 16.
Happy wedding anniversary to Oye and Malou Fores, Quitos and Liza Bengzon, March 11; and to Amado and Blanca Santiago, March 13. May your marriages be filled with bliss each year.
Belated birthday greetings to Karmi Palafox, March 3.
So, how was your week?
(For comments or inquiries, please e-mail me at jjlitton@indanet.com.)
