Every year, I like to think of my birthday as an opportunity to show gratitude to the people in my life, and my recent celebration held at the newly renovated Grand Ballroom of The Bellevue Manila was no exception. Aptly themed High Society, based on the iconic 1956 musical film, the event had female guests arriving in their stunning Grace Kelly-inspired frocks while the men looking dapper in their crisp designer suits.
I had a delightful time welcoming my longtime and newfound friends from the government, diplomatic, social, art and business circles, and seeing leaders from different political backgrounds and perspectives coming together for a night of love, friendship and celebration.
The sparkling evening included musical performances by Jose Mari Chan, Janet Basco, Arthur Manuntag and Kathy Mas, a dance number by Grace Gobing and a grand finale by Club Mwah. A special ceremony was also held to award the evening’s “Stars of the Night,” which included Dr. Minguita Padilla, Fanny Serrano Elite Salon owner Ross Licup,
Tina Jacinto, Crystal Jacinto, Paqui and Lilibeth Campos and Joy Rustia.
The evening would not have been a success without the hardworking team of The Bellevue Hotels & Resorts (BH&R) led by chairman Johnny Chan and his sons, BH&R managing director Patrick Chan, B Hotels managing director Ryan Chan and The Bellevue Bohol Resort managing director Dustin Chan. Guests were treated to delectable wines from Tita
Trillo’s Titania Wines and giveaways from Rustan’s, Aficionado-Perfumes and Personal Care, Beabi and Laneige. Special thanks to the official TV partner that night, 2nd Avenue.
When I look back at the life I have lived, what stand out to me are the relationships I have built with the many wonderful friends who have shared my journey. Thank you to everyone who came to celebrate with me — I’ll see you all in the years to come!
Your columnist welcomes guests to a splendid evening of High Society.
(From left) The Bellevue Bohol Resort managing director Dustin Chan, The Bellevue Hotels & Resorts (BH&R) managing director Patrick Chan, B Hotels managing director Ryan Chan, BH&R chairman Johnny Chan and PeopleAsia editor-in-chief and Allure editor...
(From left) Marco Polo Ortigas director of marketing communications Judith Los Baños, Marco Polo Davao director of sales and marketing Pearl Peralta-Maclang, Philippine Ambassador to the US Babe Romualdez, Wilcon SEVP-COO Rosemarie Ong and son Amos.
(From left) Steveston’s Richard Go and wife Josie Go of Karimadon, Ayna Ong, Milo Bondoc, Arlene Jacobo and Alicia Ong.
Booky Lue and Richard Tiu.
(From left) Dr. Elton See Tan and wife Carolyn with Gerry and Virginia Lane.
DMark Corp. CEO Nikki Tang, Carol Mercado and Merci Padolina.
(From left) Serla Russell, Jennifer Weigel, Agile Zamora and Sparitual’s Shelly Lazaro.
(From left) Beabi’s Willin Chan, Brenda Ngo and Ruby Chua with Olivia Yap and husband Tim Hortons Philippines president and CEO Enrique Yap Jr.
Elsa Ang, Linda Nocom and Julie Choa.
Eni Alba, Amelia Ting and Salome Dy.
BH&R marketing and communications officer Bianca Salaveria, Henann Group of Resorts AVP for salesBoracay Isabel Garcia and BH&R director of sales and marketing Mavic Recio.
Lexus Manila Inc. president Raymond Rodriguez and consultant for external affairs Danny Isla.
Your columnist with Ramon Orlina and wife Lay Ann.
Architect Willy Coscolluela and wife Marion.
Restaurateurs Rikki and Beng Dee.
The French Baker founder Johnlu Koa and wife Alou.
Connie Haw and Lourdes Yao.
Aficionado-Perfumes and Personal Care assistant marketing manager Roy Redondo with Mandala Park marketing manager Angela LittonFalcon.
Titania Wines Inc. chairman Tita Trillo.
STAR’s Bϋm Tenorio Jr.
‘Stars of the Night’ awardees. (From left) Paqui and Lilibeth Campos, Crystal Jacinto, Fanny Serrano Elite Salon owner Ross Licup, Dr. Minguita Padilla, Tina Jacinto and Joy Rustia.
Grace Gobing lights up the dance floor.
(From left) Nene and Jun Leonor with Criselda Lontok and Ching Montinola.
Baby de Jesus and Grace Palma-Tiongco.
(From left) Tessie Rodrigo, Togo Consul Evie Costa, Rose Lazaro and Thelma Gana.
(From left) Michelle Pe, Carrie Bautista, Nene Pe Lim, Girlie Pe and Baby Antonio.
(Seated) Gilda Salonga, Marge Ortiz-Luis and Annabelle Adriano; (standing) Ronnie Salonga and Frank Adriano.
‘Stars of the Night’ judges Delby Bragais, Jayelles’ Roselle Rebano and Cyndy Tan Jarabata.
Jayelles’ Tara Litton and award-winning jewelry designer Ann Ong.
Janet Basco serenades the crowd.
Arthur Manuntag and Kathy Mas.
Penny and Oli Laperal.
Alice Samson and Muebles Italiano president and CEO Noel Gonzales.