A royal way of life

"The state of your life is nothing more than a reflection of your state of mind."– Dr. Wayne W. Dyer

The royal ambiance of Dusit Hotel Nikko’s famed Benjarong Royal Thai Cuisine restaurant was the fitting locale for the launching of the elegant hotel’s latest undertaking: Thai Way of Life: The Dusit Cookbook. The coffee-table book is the latest project of the Dusit Group’s founder and honorary chairperson Thanpuying Chanut Piyaoui.

The charm of Dusit’s hospitality and superb cuisine took center stage as a gathering of some of the metro’s food connoisseurs – Manila society, diplomats, industry leaders and media – was warmly welcomed by the hotel’s dynamic management team, led by hardworking Dusit GM Ikuo Itoi and dapper resident manager Frank Grassman. After the unveiling of the book, everyone was treated to a cooking demonstration by Benjarong’s popular Thai chef Phatcharaporn "Tun" Noinak. The evening’s high point was definitely the generous sampling of Benjarong’s exquisite Thai dishes – a most satisfying treat for the discerning VIP guests who attended the event. See you at the Benjarong!

(For inquiries, please call Dusit Hotel Nikko at 867-3333.)

Dance and revelry

It was an unforgettable spectacle of dance as the Inner Wheel Club of Manila recently held its 58th anniversary at the Ballroom of the Mandarin Oriental Hotel. The cuisine, service, sound and lighting system were all excellent! What made the celebration memorable was an extravaganza dubbed Carnaval de la Vida where groups composed of Inner Wheel Club members performed various Latin dances, complete with flamboyant costumes! All the hard work of anniversary committee chair Piluchi Atayde certainly paid off. It was an evening of fun and dancing as everyone exchanged pleasantries with each other. Also spotted enjoying the evening was club president Drina Ampil and immediate past president Monette Guevara, who incidentally was also celebrating her birthday that very same day!

Congratulations!

Greetings

Advance birthday greetings to elegant lady Judy Roxas, Monina Lopez, construction queen Aying de Leon, Rep. Ed Zialcita, Antonio Tambunting Jr. and FCCP’s Marietta Holmgren, July 31; Nenuca Araneta Blardony, Aug. 1; jet-setter Nene Quimson, Aug. 2; debonair chairman of The Bellevue Hotel Johnny Chan, Sony Lopez Gonzales, Kit Aguado, Alex Libongco and Business World’s Leticia Locsin, Aug. 3; Pinoy Don’s Martin Litton, former Guimaras Gov. Emily Lopez and former Shell president Oscar Reyes, Aug. 4; Frederico "Piki" Lopez, former Central Bank Gov. Rafael Buenaventura, Sen. Richard Gordon and entrepreneur Sabsy Palanca, Aug. 5.

Belated birthday greetings to Manila Bulletin’s Emil Yap III, July 20.

Happy wedding anniversary to Chris and Gina Lim, Aug.1. May you both have many, many more momentous years together.

So, how was your week?

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