A toast to Indonesia!
A diplomatic reception was tendered by Indonesian Ambassador Yohanes Kristiarto Legowo and his lovely wife Caecilia at the Rizal Ballroom of Makati Shangri-La to commemorate the 68th anniversary of independence of the Republic of Indonesia.
The highlight was a ceremonial partaking of the Nasi Tumpeng, a bright yellow, turmeric-flavored, cone-shaped rice dish served with at least five Indonesian traditional dishes on the side. The Nasi Tumpeng, ubiquitous in all of Indonesia’s important events, was served to the most important person present in this particular gathering — Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario.
Other honored guests included the Dean of the Diplomatic Corps and Apostolic Nuncio, Archbishop Guiseppe Pinto, Trade Secretary Gregory Domingo, Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Secretary Teresita Deles and our friends from the diplomatic community.
Among the evening’s presentations were a medley of Indonesian traditional songs and one-of-a-kind entertainment by an Indonesian percussion group. As our friend Ambassador Legowo is set to leave soon as he completes his term, we agree with Secretary del Rosario when he said that it is going to be a great loss to bid goodbye to a “competent and pro-active†ambassador.
A timeless love
Lovely couple Paulo Nuguid and Jamie Gatchalian look forward to more fruitful years together. They recently tied the knot in a solemn ceremony at Santuario de San Antonio in Makati.
The dashing groom, wearing a classic suit by Francis Libiran, was all smiles as he patiently waited for his charming bride, dressed in an exquisite gown made by Veluz Reyes, to join him at the altar.
Witnessing this joyous occasion were the loving families of the couple led by parents Gonzalo Nuguid III and Marian Ong and Jaime Gatchalian and Raquel Zervoulakos as well as their ever-supportive friends. Reception followed at the Makati Shangri-La Ballroom where everyone was treated to a grand dinner of delectable dishes courtesy of the hotel’s expert chefs.
Congratulations, Paulo and Jamie! Wishing you many years of wedded bliss!
GREETINGS
Advance birthday greetings to Thelma San Juan, former senator Leticia Shahani and former tourism secretary Gemma Cruz-Araneta, Sept. 30; Patsy Francisco and Alby Litton, Oct. 1; House Speaker Feliciano “Sonny†Belmonte, Rose Libongco and maritime lawyer Joseph “Jerby†Rebano, Oct. 2; Tessa Mauricio Arriola and Mikki Buñag, Oct. 3; Ramon Fernandez and Francisco “Kit†Tatad, Oct. 4; Inday Gabaldon, Korina Sanchez, Eddie Atayde and Bobby Rodrigo, Oct. 5.
So, how was your week?
(For comments or inquiries, please e-mail me at jjlitton@indanet.com.)
