I join the
Philippine STAR family in wishing you, dear readers, a New Year filled with peace and prosperity.
The year 2001 was an eventful one and your columnist was privileged to be part of some of more exciting ones. Let us indulge in a pleasurable, absolutely delightful once-over, and relive fond memories from the year that was.
| Meldyco fetes Nene Quimson |
Society’s paragon of elegance, style and civic leadership, Papal Awardee
Imelda Cojuangco again proved why she is the hostess with the mostest during her elegant welcome for Ascot-based
Nene Quimson. With her trademark flowers and an abundance of warmth and bonhomie, Meldyco pulled off another of her simply divine parties.
The successful extravaganza conceptualized by
Steve Tajanlangit, president and CEO of 7107 Travellers Club, became the ultimate 2001 Boracay beach party. It featured a buffet spread spanning 300 feet and 30 crisp
lechons. Virtually all of Boracay’s major resorts and hotels participated in the event.
The country’s captains of industry came together at the Tower Club, the first by-invitation-only business and social club headquartered in a luxurious venue at the Philamlife Tower. The Tower Club counts such distinguished members as
Washington Sycip,
Jose Cuisia Jr.,
Arthur Lopez and CCA Intl.’s
Dieter Klostermann and
Helmut Knipp.
Dish opened its doors to offer a hot new dining concept with exciting food fare from seven restos. It also became
the place to be for the most exciting parties and corporate affairs. Helmed by
EJ L
itton,
Philip Cu-Unjieng and
Rikki Dee, Dish helped make Rockwell’s Power Plant the premier mall of the year, and the place to be seen with the chic and beautiful crowd.
| Biltmore rises on Greenbelt |
Considered to be the latest premier Makati address, Biltmore is the 30-storey high rise built by the respected
Bernard Lichaytoo.
Spacious and
tastefully interior-decorated, Biltmore is conveniently located at the heart of Makati.
Your columnist was delighted to be among those who attended Biltmore’s recent open house-cocktails, during which units were eagerly snapped up by upscale buyers.
Along with sons
Alex and
Clifford of Bacchus renown, Bernard has successfully made Biltmore the choice of discerning buyers.
| Fairways and Bluewater becomes a fave destination |
An exclusive enclave in the heart of Boracay, Fairways and Bluewater offers luxurious amenities amidst breathtaking scenery. It boasts Mediterranean villas perched on bluffs overlooking the
Graham Marsh-designed championship golf course that guarantees the best tee-ing ever. It was definitely my favorite vacation spot during the past year. In fact, I was there five times (imagine that!). And boy, do I intend to return again and again for a vacation like no other!
| Manila’s Five Loveliest in the spotlight |
Introducing five lovely young ladies with impeccable pedigree, the much-awaited annual event again became a fairytale come true for deserving young ladies. For me, the Bvlgari tie-up distinguished Manila’s Five Loveliest as one of the past year’s most elegant affairs.
The best whisky in the world held elegant mentor dinners for captains of industry. HLB’s
Abel Dolatre, M2S’s
Mike and
Marilyn O’ Connor and Brand Ambassador
Alan Atkins took industry titans through a "tour" of the elements that make the distinct Johnnie Walker Black Label taste. It was during these classy dinners that I had the chance to meet industry titans who share my taste for the premier whisky.
| Appreciation for a great lady |
My mother-in-law
Elvira Rufino thrived in an era that epitomized elegance and civic-mindedness. She is truly a Grand Dame with inimitable qualities who I will treasure forever.
With your columnist was invited to host the event where taipan
Lucio Tan was conferred a doctorate degree for his invaluable contribution to the agricultural research studies done by the Central Luzon Colleges. The affair was attended by 300 top industry leaders.
The Friends for the Cultural Concerns of the Philippines (FCCP’s) annual ball entitled "Two Thousand and One Nights’’ was remarkable for its sensitivity to the times. Very wisely – and may I add, quite commendably – the FCCP held the ball in a tasteful fashion, highlighted by a performance by the Manila Symphony Orchestra II. This was to be expected, given its leaders and members like current president
Thelma Gana,
Dame
Chito Madrigal-Collantes,
Mellie Ablaza, the director for the ball and
Letty Syquia and
Mila How, chairpersons.
| Boracay Regency has a new wing |
I was privileged to take part in the inauguration of the Boracay Ragency’s new wing upon the invitation of the Regency’s president,
Henry Chusuey. The formal opening was a cause for celebration for Boracay pilgrims like myself who enjoy staying in the triple AAA-rated resort-hotel. The hotel now boasts an impressive presidential and honeymoon suite, an underground music bar/family KTV, an elevated cocktail area and a five- kitchen restaurant.
The ultimate driving machine, BMW announced the opening of BMW Philippines and the company’s foray into the local market. The event was one of the grandest held during last quarter of 2001. The German automotive giant flew in its latest model, the 7-Series. The affair was definitely one of the most elegant and spectacular launchings.
I look back fondly to the past year’s birthday celebrations when my friends hosted dinners in 10 different venues in my honor.
I returned the pleasure by tendering a party in their honor. So much warmth and bonhomie was showered on yours truly by close friends like
Henry and
Jojo Zabarte,
Butch Bonsol,
Mayenne Carmona,
Bob Zozobrado,
and many more close to my heart.
Well, readers, that caps some of the memorable events of 2001. There are others of course, but for now, these will be foremost in my mind. Each one as invaluable as the rest, and each one, a gem to cherish in the coming years.
Advanced birthday greetings to
Fely Abaya, businessman
Tony Olbes and MNX Product Collection president
Joan Matschuck, Dec. 31; ivory beauty
Christina Ponce-Enrile, Jan. 1; FCCP’s
Alice Briones, Jan. 3; Dish managing director
EJ Litton,
Manny Maceda and socialite
Offie Recto, Jan. 4.
Happy wedding anniversary to
Manny and
Lyra Rufino Maceda and
Eric and
Bea Lopez Puno, Jan. 2. May you all have many more years of wedded bliss.
The New Year dawns upon us. With our loved ones, let us forward with hope and anticipation of the promise it holds for all of us. Have a Happy New Year!