A time for giving

For most people my age, birthdays have become a philanthropic event. Parties held to celebrate one’s natal day is the best occasion for giving, not receiving — for this celebrator, at least.

At my birthday celebration held at the grand ballroom of Dusit Thani Manila, the generosity of my guests was almost instinctive. We, at the EJ Litton Foundation, are forever grateful to those who shared their bounty, particularly to singer/composer Jose Mari Chan who first suggested the creation of a foundation in honor of my late son EJ. Among the beneficiaries are Philippine Red Cross, Kythe, White Cross, Makabata School Foundation, Inc., Healing Servants Foundation, Sumalo Elementary School in Bataan and families affected by typhoon Sendong in 2011 and the torrential rains brought by the recent southwest monsoon. Many thanks to my associates, clients, well-meaning friends and sponsors especially to Philippine Hoteliers, Inc.’s vice chairman and president Evelyn Singson and Dusit Thani Manila general manager Prateek Kumar. I believe my 76 years on this planet have been spent wisely with my three families — the Litton family, Jayelles Holdings and The Philippine STAR. I am a family man three times over! It is a wonderful life!