Documentary on Makati’s ‘Grand Dame’

The Peninsula Manila celebrated another milestone in its usual inimitable elegant style with the Manila gala premiere of the documentary Tradition Well Served.

At 37 years, Makati’s “Grande Dame” has never looked better in the 45-minute film originally conceived to narrate the history and development of The Peninsula Hong Kong and released to celebrate the launch of The Peninsula Tower in 1994. Tradition Well Served tells the story of the legendary heritage of the Kadoorie family and the Hong Kong and Shanghai Hotels, one of the world’s oldest and most respected hotel companies.

To explore the rich history and traditions of The Peninsula Hotels, new archival footage, historical photographs and interviews with key personalities were featured in the short film. It also featured signature events and festivals at the nine Peninsula hotels around the world, but the favorite of the Manila gala was clearly The Peninsula Manila’s Christmas concert, which drew sighs and elicited the loudest applause from the invited guests. Festivities at The Peninsula Manila continued well after the film had ended and the velvet curtain was drawn. Not a bad party for a 37-year-old lady. 

In perfect company were The Peninsula Manila general manager Sonja Vodusek, Australian Ambassador Bill Tweddell and wife  Cris, Israeli Ambassador Menashe Bar-On and wife Eti, Rustan Commercial Corp. president Nedy Tantoco and Ayala Corp. chairman emeritus Jaime Zobel de Ayala and wife Bea.

GREETINGS

                A glorious Easter and happy birthday to our celebrator today, Marilou Lovina.

Advance birthday greetings to Jayelles’ Suzette del Rosario-Morelos, businessman Raffy Rufino, Marivic Rufino and STAR’s Entertainment editor Ricky Lo, April 21; Moët Hennessy’s Olga Azarcon, April 22; Carlos Perez Rubio and Roce Aguado, April 23; Belle Litton, April 24; Bummer Santiago, Herminio Aquino, FCCP’s Erlie Gamboa, Conchita Toda and Dr. Ariston Bautista, April 25; Alejandro Oppen, JG Summit Holdings’ James Go and  Marisa Cojuangco, April 26.

So, how was your week?

    (For comments or inquiries, please e-mail me at jjlitton@indanet.com)