A celebration of friendship

Seated, from left) Robinsons Land Corp. president Frederick Go, Israeli Ambassador Effie Ben Matityau and wife Lizia Lu, your columnist, Bonifacio Landmark Realty president Hans Hauri and W Group of Companies founder and vice chair Rosalind Wee; (standing, from left) Winnie Go, Amos Timothy Ong, Wilcon SEVP-COO Rosemarie Ong, Madison Galleries’ Joy and Joel Rustia, Lexus Manila Inc. president Raymond Rodriguez, Denice Chan and husband The Bellevue Manila managing director Patrick Chan with Jayelles’ Roselle Rebano and Ina Bugayong.

“Good food, good wine, good friends, good times.” Annabel Langbein

Over the years, your columnist has enjoyed the company of so many remarkable businessmen, entrepreneurs and VIPs from many different sectors. I have enjoyed a long and wonderful life, and one of the many things I’m grateful for is the gift of knowing men and women who found success in their chosen fields.

Recently, I’ve had the privilege of breaking bread with many of these people, whom I’m also proud to call my friends. This gathering was hosted by the always generous Bonifacio Landmark Realty president Hans Hauri.

My guests and I enjoyed a lavish Chinese spread at No. 8 China House in Grand Hyatt Manila, which is known for serving the best Peking duck in the metro. We marveled at the gastronomic feast prepared before us by the restaurant’s team of skilled chefs and servers as we exchanged stories and anecdotes.

It was a wonderful evening of catching up and celebrating all the blessings this life has to offer. Thank you, Hans, for a wonderful dinner, and to Grand Hyatt Manila for an unforgettable feast!

 (No. 8 China House is open every day, 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. for lunch and 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. for dinner. For inquiries and reservations, call 838-1234.)

Greetings

Happy birthday to our celebrators today, Federico “Piki” Lopez, Sen. Richard Gordon and Shean Bedi.

Advance birthday greetings to Togo Consul Evie Costa and Gary Valenciano, Aug. 6; Susan Jacinto Aguado, Bonjin Bolinao, PLDT-Smart’s Mon Isberto and artist-chef Claude Tayag, Aug. 7; Carmi Martin and Philippine Commission on Women’s Baby Ortiz, Aug. 8; Lui Rufino, Chit Montenegro, Peter Coyiuto, Barbara Gonzalez and Enrique “Pocholo” Romualdez, Aug. 9; Roman Azanza, fashion designer Criselda Lontok, Sharon Tan, Jennifer Alonte and Catarman, Northern Samar Vice Mayor Butch Bonsol, Aug. 10; Bea Zobel Jr., Dr. Lyra Ruth Clemente-Chua, Cory Quirino, tycoon John Gokongwei Jr., Jay Litton and “handkerchief king”  Ramon Shing, Aug. 11.

Happy wedding anniversary to Let and Annette Aguado, Aug. 8; Vincent and Cedie Vargas, Aug. 9. May you have many, many more years of wedded bliss.

So, how was your week?

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

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