So far, so good... so blessed!

A most inspiring and fun-filled evening took place recently at the posh Captain’s Bar of multi-Kalakbay awardee The Mandarin Oriental. It was one special moment when family, friends and business partners gathered together for a sentimental journey to all the good things that went before my life. While an audio-visual presentation about the memorable days of my film industry career was being shown, astute businessman and prominent musicians Jose Mari Chan, George Yang and Eimee Cragun sang songs from the good old days while taking a sip of Amoroso brandy courtesy of Andrew and Kevin Tan. The brandy was brought in specially from the House of Estevez in Jerez, Spain. The party was hosted by Mandarin’s dapper GM Helmut Gaisberger and PR director Charisse Chuidian as organized by Jayelles president Roselle Rebano and SVP Bong Palma Gil. Guests were greeted at the entrance with impeccable wines from Tita Trillo’s Titania Wine Cellar, which overflowed until the wee hours of the morning.

Among the A-listers seen at the party were Consul Mellie Ablaza, Asia’s Fashion Czar Pitoy Moreno, The Bellevue Manila grand patriarch Johnny Chan, GM Patrick Chan and marketing and communications director Ryan Chan, Brittany Vertical sales and marketing head Nova Noval, Sen. Loren Legarda, BPI president Gigi Montinola, Marco Polo Plaza GM Hans Hauri and Antel’s Elena and Raffy Jao, Tajara Leisure Inc. president and Best Western Phil. representative Cyndy Tan Jarabata and many more close friends and loyal supporters.

Apart from the elegant decor and a gigantic cake given by Jeremy and Richard Tiu, multi-awarded tenor Jon Joven serenaded the distinguished guests. The highly esteemed attendees were also treated to a raffle draw with prizes such as a pendant from Hoseki’s Faico, Fontana Arte lamp from FURNitalia’s managing director Florence Ko, World of Florence figurine and an antique telephone unit from Muebles Italiano president Noel Gonzales, Kohler bathtub from Wilcon Builders Depot’s EVP and COO Rose Ong and EVP and CFO Lorraine Belo, a 2N/3D for two in a Garden Wing suite courtesy of Boracay Regency chairman and president Henry Chusuey, a pair of Ivan Acuña paintings presented by Hermie Ventura and a bedroom showcase from Coby’s Charlene Tiu.

As keepsakes for the fabulous semi-tribute, everybody received a special photo souvenir. My family and friends are God’s blessings to me. I consider myself lucky to have both in abundance, and to have felt so much love and support from all of them. A truly wonderful evening. Thank you and God bless you all!