Honoring a great man

The illustrious Ambassador Ramon V. del Rosario Sr., founder and chairman emeritus of Philippine Investment-Management Inc. (PHINMA), was recently honored at the 50th anniversary of PHINMA at the Rizal Ballroom of the Makati Shangri-La Hotel. Paying tribute that evening were PHINMA chairman Oscar Hilado, his son PHINMA president and CEO Ramon del Rosario Jr., his good friend Washington Sycip and even former Presidents Corazon Aquino and Fidel Ramos. The speakers all extolled the accomplishments and character of RVR, his nickname among those close to him. An outstanding business leader and visionary, he devoted his life to improving the lives of the Filipino people by focusing on businesses that would lead to economic recovery. He also served our country with distinction as an Ambassador for 14 years, building business relationships in Japan, Canada and Germany.

The venerable ambassador’s friends and family were all present to witness the evening’s surprise – the renaming of the De La Salle University Graduate School of Business in his honor. The building is now called the Ramon V. del Rosario Sr. Graduate School of Business, as announced by DLSU president Bro. Armin Luistro and Brother Provincial of the De La Salle Brothers Provincial Bro. Edmundo Fernandez. RVR then gave his thanks to those present with a heartfelt and touching speech.

I join all of the people whose lives you’ve touched in honoring you, Ambassador Ramon V. del Rosario Sr.! Your vision and hard work have really made a difference in our country!

Mabuhay ka, Don Ramon!

Romance in Burgundy

Titania Wine Cellar’s Tita Trillo and Tower Club dapper GM Alain Peghoux recently held a delectable wine dinner at the Tower Club’s Murano Room. "Romance in Burgundy" featured fine wines from this winemaking region such as Chablis Recolte Du Domaine 2004, Pouilly Fuisse 2004, Gevrey Chambertin 2002 and Pommard 2001 side by side with Tower Club’s gourmet creations. The exclusive event was indeed a great opportunity for wine lovers to interact and share their love for the "nectars of the gods."

Simply fabulous!

Johnny congratulates...

Jose Martin "Joey" Ledesma wed Kristine "Krissy" Besa at St. Ignatius Chapel in Seattle University, to the delight of their dear family and closest friends. The groom’s uncle who flew in from the Philippines for the wedding, Archbishop Antonio Ledesma, officiated the union before the Ledesma, Besa and Guanzon clans. Best wishes to the couple and may you live happily ever after!

Club Bulakeño’s 18th anniversary celebration was held with a tribute to creative Filipino jewelry makers and designers hailing from the province of Bulacan. In a grand celebration led by incoming presidents Kim Bernardo-Lokin and Bonnie Vergel de Dios, aptly billed "Hiyas," at the Sofitel Philippine Plaza, Bulacan’s longest-running socio-civic club shone the spotlight on the world-class craftsmanship of these seldom-heralded Pinoy artists and artisans. Proceeds of this year’s celebration goes to Club Bulakeño’s continuing scholarship program, medical missions and a 50-house Gawad Kalinga community in Angat.

Johnny says, ‘Check this out’

Muebles Italiano, the purveyor of fine Italian furniture and the ultimate source for objects of grandeur, announces its store-wide Holiday Sale. Until tomorrow, Dec. 15, enjoy massive discounts of up to 50 percent on Muebles Italiano’s brands at outlets in Alabang Corporate Center G/F Km 25 West Service Road, SLEX Alabang, Muntinlupa City (842-7036) or its branches at Glorietta 4 (817-8948), Alabang Town Center (850-5146), MC Home The Fort (819-3201), SM Megamall (631-4453), SM North Edsa (453-0347) and its two house showrooms in Ayala Heights in Quezon City and Ayala Alabang. Happy shopping!