In that wet, extremely cold mountain, Andy waited for the rebels to emerge from the foliage. They would escort him to the crash site of a Philippine Airlines plane PR443. He was the only person respected and trusted by both the government and the rebels. After all, Andy was well-known as a man who walked comfortably among the peoples of Mindanao.
He had done exactly that during his numerous projects there. He had also constructed school buildings, subsidized teachers’ salaries, helped the peace and order situation in Malabang and Mating, and constantly talked to Mindanaoeños like a true native.
There is nothing in Armando, who many Filipino friends and admirers have come to call "Manding," to suggest an Indiana Jones personality. He is soft-spoken, very modest and is commonly described as "very pleasant" and "an absolute gentleman."
Andy’s esteem is such that national figures and presidents welcome him into their power circles and value his counsel. Such is his affinity for the Philippines that he has been "adopted" as a native son by national leaders. He has steadfastly worked at being a "true Filipino."
Andy C.M.C. Di Ravenna Southeast Asian’s regional director. C.M.C. Di Ravenna is Europe’s largest construction cooperative. With over $300 million in annual returns, it is the giant behind some of the world’s most fantastic tunnel railways and airports. In the Philippines alone, Andy supervises two mega projects worth up to a billion dollars.
Indeed, Andy’s love for the Philippines is as fervent as any Filipino nationalist’s.
For this, Armando de Rossi deserves our admiration and praise. Bravo, Andy!
The distinguished guests were treated to an exquisite sampling of Spanish favorites and crisp and chilled wines courtesy of Philippine Wines.
Business partner Cory Untalan joined Azzurro’s attractive chairman/CEO Sheila Romero in receiving the dignitaries to Makati’s famed upscale bistro.
The esteemed guests included Canadian Ambassador Robert Collette; French Ambassador Gilles Chouraqui; Ambassador Theo Arnold of the Netherlands; and Venezuelan Ambassador Milena Santana Ramirez. Joining them were Marilyn Collette and statuesque Kessara Arnold.
Azzurro regularly hosts wine dinners on the last Monday of every month featuring French, Italian, Spanish and Greek specialties.
It recently opened its Ortigas branch, Azzurro Too! Bistro Deli-Bar, an exciting venue in the SM Megastrip. It offers valet service, a deli bar stocked with choice cuts, pasta sauces and dressings at reasonable prices. Every Friday and Saturday, Azzurro Too! Bistro Deli-Bar sets a grooving evening for the hip, chic crowd with acoustic music, chilled beverages and the best tapAZZ in the metro.
To Sheila, Cory and Chef Patron Philip, well done!
Advanced birthday greetings to witty Joe Guevarra, Aug. 27; Singapore Airlines’ Rita Dy, Aug. 28; TV and events director Oscar Attendido and A Child Can Foundation’s Ramon "Choy" Cojuangco, Aug. 29; socialite Rosita Fernandez and National Artist Dr. Lucrecia Kasilag, Aug. 30; and former Executive Secretary Ramon "Eki" Cardenas, Construction King Philiph Cruz and Tito Lagdameo, Aug. 31.
Happy wedding anniversary to Jose Tomas Syquia and his wife Elizabeth Nazario-Syquia, Aug. 26; Vicvic and Maridel Villavicencio, Sept. 1. May you all have many, many more years of wedded bliss.
So, how was your week?