Red is for revelry

Respected gentleman Lions Club Governor and Presidential Adviser on Civic Affairs Justo Ortiz, husband of Governor Leonida "Baby" Bayani-Ortiz, recently celebrated his 80th birthday at the Makati Shangri-La Hotel with his lovely family. Two of his children, Connie and Joe, flew in all the way from Honolulu and Los Angeles just to wish their father well. Everyone wore red and presented a short program and touching video presentation that made the esteemed celebrator laugh.

Happy birthday, Gov. Ortiz!

Golden Heart awardee

The energetic and compassionate Foundation for Lay Education on Heart Diseases (FLEHD) founding president Dr. Adolfo Bellosillo, for receiving yet another recognition this time by the Philippine Heart Association/Philippine College of Cardiology. The cardiologist was given a Golden Heart Award at the association’s 37th Annual Convention. Congratulations and keep it up, doctor!

Jazz for kicks

Jazz up your Tuesday nights this June at Strumm’s Jupiter with the smooth improvisations and unique sounds of Jazz For Kicks, featuring the smoky voice of "Manila’s Jazz Diva" Sandra Lim Viray. The passionate jazz ingénue, also the president of the Jazz Society of the Philippines, makes great harmony with fellow band members, drum virtuoso Jun Viray, guitar whiz Edgar Avenir, hornman Lorry Zamora, keyboardist Wowie Posadas and bassist Noel Aristores. Check them out! For reservations, call Strumm’s at 895-4636. See you there!

A grand reunion of The New Minstrels

Experience the music of the country’s hottest showband in the ’70s and ’80s — The New Minstrels! Featuring the likes of Joey Albert, Ray-an Fuentes, Louie Reyes, Ding Mercado and Eugene Villaluz, the New Minstrels is the country’s most enduring showband. Fans who have grooved to the music of The New Minstrels throughout the decades are in for a treat: a grand reunion concert featuring most of the old and new members of the band.

Directed by Audie Gemora and Babes Conde and produced by United Multiart Prod. Inc., five generations of New Minstrels will perform on June 16 at the Aliw Theater on Roxas Boulevard. Watch your favorite New Minstrel perform hits from the yesteryears and reminisce with old friends.

(For tickets, please call 911-5555.)

A classy party at a classy venue

The Tower Club, Makati’s premier, by-invitation-only club, was the venue for a party for Baden-Baden-based philanthropist tycoon Vicky Schmid. Vicky visits Manila two times a year during the winter months of Europe primarily to participate in the annual Golden Tee tournament. Dapper Tower Club manager Alain Peghoux made sure everything went well, from the canapés and champagne to the delectable dishes of the Taipan, one of the country’s best Chinese restaurants. The guest list says it all — the Tower Club is definitely one of the best places to hold exclusive parties and functions! Congratulations for a successful party!

Recognizing gallantry

Some of our gallant and patriotic countrymen were recently honored at the Metrobank Foundation Search for the Outstanding Philippine Soldiers (TOPS) in Malacañang. President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo was joined by representatives of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), legislators, guests from the diplomatic corps and defense attaches in recognizing the exemplary career achievements of the awardees. On hand to personally greet the awardees were Metrobank Foundation executive director Aniceto Sobrepeña and president Dr. Placido Mapa Jr. Truly these brave officers and enlisted personnel give us Filipinos something to be proud about!

Of wines and nostalgia

A fabulous mix of food lovers, wine connoisseurs, hoteliers, restaurateurs and social figures of Metro Manila converged in a night of nostalgia for the grand launch of Kendall-Jackson Wines at Hotel InterCon’s Prince Albert. Now exclusively imported and distributed by the indefatigable Tita Trillo’s Titania Wine Cellar, the occasion was graced by no less than the dashing Kendall-Jackson Wine Estates International GM Jeff Cook. The suave winemaker spoke of the magic of wine and the Jackson’s family’s passion for producing high quality wines. Adding to the rich experience of expertly prepared cocktails and the sumptuous dinner were the fruity Camelot Sauvignon Blanc 2004, the refreshing Pepi Pinot Grigio 2004, the balanced Kendall-Jackson Collage Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot 2003, the well-structured Kendall-Jackson Vintner’s Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2002 and the soft structured Kendall-Jackson Vintner’s Reserve Merlot 2002.

Simply exquisite!