Dinner for a Prince

"Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm." – Ralph Waldo Emerson

Philanthropist and big-hearted socialite Mely Hechanova and her loving husband, the brilliant architect Paing Hechanova, a major force in Rotary International and two-time Olympian, recently held a dinner in honor of the dashing Andrea Albert Pierre Casiraghi, the distinguished son of Princess Caroline of Hanover and his lovely and talented girlfriend Tatiana Domingo, who flew in all the way from Colombia, South America for the occasion. The intimate affair was held at the Le Souffle at the Citi, where master chef Jessie Sinchioco created a special menu for the evening’s gaieties. Mely and Paing are major contributors to the Amade and Virlanie Foundations, the charities of Princess Caroline in the Philippines.

Thank you for gracing our country with your presence, Prince Casiraghi! Your charities provide hope to our needy countrymen!

Women power

A shining moment for Filipinas took place recently when Olivia Ferry was installed as president of the Zonta International, a worldwide service organization of executives in business and various professions working together to advance the status of women. The first Filipina and the first Asian to take on the task of leading Zonta’s 1,249 clubs in 68 countries and 89 years of history, Olivia assumed the presidency of the organization during its 58th convention in Australia. Together with foremost lady philanthropists and career women such as the radiant and super successful Maritess Pineda, Zonta beauties from the Philippines trooped to Melbourne to support their new leader. The successful career woman, Olivia, was also honored with a Presidential Award of Merit by President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo. Keep up the good work, ladies!

Greetings

Happy birthday to our celebrator today, Bergamo’s Mel Meer.

Advance birthday greetings to the dapper CCA Philippines president Arthur Lopez, Marixi Prieto, Teresita Briones and Isabela’s Sid del Rosario, Sept. 11; George Yang, Ding Marcelo and Jayelles’ Marge Francia, Sept. 12; Amelou Benitez Reyes, Pam Litton, Dusit’s Melotte Mondelo, Consul Mina Gabor, Old Asia’s Pachot Mapa, Sonia Mathay, Letty Jimenez-Magsanoc and Gilbert Perez, Sept. 13; former Sen. Santanina Rasul, Sept. 14; Marietta Santos, Irene Marcos-Araneta and Marnie Santiago Litton, Sept. 15; FurnITALIA managing director Florence Ko and golfer Bolo Tuason, Sept. 16.

So, how was your week?

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