An unforgettable and magical evening of spectacle, laughter and friendship took place at your columnist’s birthday celebration held recently at the Grand Ballroom of Grand Hyatt Manila at the Bonifacio Global City, Taguig.
The destination of choice for distinguished members of the diplomatic corps, government officials and tycoons from business and social sectors, the five-star luxury hotel was our top choice for my Barnum & Bailey Circus-themed birthday bash.
The celebration, inspired by the film The Greatest Showman, was hosted by my good friends, Federal Land Inc. chairman Alfred Ty, Bonifacio Landmark Realty and Development Corp. president Hans Hauri and Grand Hyatt Manila general manager and area vice president Gottfried Bogensperger. It was graced by my friends from the diplomatic, government and business communities. It featured traditional circus performers like men in stilts, impressive unicyclists and jugglers.
After the refreshing cocktails and sumptuous cuisine prepared by the skilled chefs of Grand Hyatt Manila, guests enjoyed extravagant song numbers from promising vocalists and dancers. Some of my lifelong friends also indulged me with a special dance number! It was a truly delightful way to celebrate the 50th anniversary of my 33rd birthday, and I will always be grateful to everyone who came to commemorate my special day with me.
Many thanks to my friends Alfred Ty and Hans Hauri for hosting, Marissa Fenton, Flora Chua and Noel Gonzales for the entertainment, Ningning and Pam de Ocampo for my The Greatest Showman outfit, Tita Trillo of Titania Wines for the evening’s refreshing pours, Richard Tiu for the birthday cake, Oli Laperal for the video coverage, DMark Corp. CEO Nikki Tang for the prizes for the evening’s Circus Star of the Night winners, Beabi, The SAEM, Rustan’s and Aficionado Perfumes & Personal Care for our wonderful giveaways, and Mia Lozada of Bloomwoods for our beautiful floral arrangements at the presidential table.
Thank you all so much for coming to my celebration. I will see you all next year! *
Greetings
Advance birthday greetings to Helmut Gaisberger and Fanny Blanco, Sept. 2; Tito Lagdameo, Sept. 3; Connie Lopez, Lydia Durano, Rey Villar and twins Prince Sean and Princess Synne Cruz, Sept. 4; Jojo Zabarte, Connie Araneta and Tessie Amparo, Sept. 5; Rocky Teodoro, Sept. 7.
Advance happy 50th wedding anniversary to Joe and Roselle Rebano, Sept. 6. May you both have many, many blissful years together.
So, how was your week?
(For comments and inquiries, please e-mail me at jjlitton@indanet.com.)