Simply Sinulog

“When making your choice in life, do not neglect to live.” — Samuel Johnson

It was a great start for another auspicious year as The Marco Polo Plaza Cebu, the premier luxury destination in the Queen City of the South, recently celebrated the annual Sinulog festival in grand fashion. Aside from the usual colorful fanfare, the hotel featured the return of the diva, Kuh Ledesma, to Cebu. Dapper GM Hans Hauri welcomed the guests with a bang as the whole of The Marco Polo was awash with fun and glamour. Highlighting the weeklong festival was the grand procession in honor of the Sto. Niño, in which the hotel had a mini exhibit courtesy of Val Sandiego’s personal collection of Sto. Niño pieces. Simply an unforgettable celebration from the best hotel in Cebu.

Congratulations!

A dazzling despedida

Newly designated Philippine Ambassador to Russia Victor Garcia and his wife, Best Dressed awardee Connie, were honored recently by Nonie and Bert Basilio in a despedida dinner at their luxurious residence. The exclusive gathering featured members of the diplomatic corps and society A-listers who all joined the hostess Nonie in offering a toast and giving best wishes to the Garcia’s assignment to Russia.

Congratulations!

A gracious farewell

It was a very intimate get-together for the statuesque Edna Lhuillier, wife of Philippine Ambassador to Italy Philip Lhuillier, when she was honored by Margaret Lim-Kwok and Nene Leonor with a despedida recently at the Cameron Forbes of Manila Polo Club. Edna’s dearest friends enjoyed the enchanting night as they bade her adieu as she left for Rome the day after the luncheon.

Cheers!

GREETINGS

Advance birthday greetings to FCCP’s Lulu Castañeda, Rep. Nikki Prieto-Teodoro, Juan Carlos del Rosario and Gasthof’s Bot Gersbach, March 3; People Asia editor-in-chief and Allure editor Joanne Rae Ramirez and Nena del Rosario, March 4; business mogul Don Jaime Zobel de Ayala, March 6; Ding Aguado, March 7.

Belated birthday greetings to Romy Aquino, March 1.

To my loving wife Tere, a happy, happy wedding anniversary, March 3. May we have many, many more cherished years together. Happy wedding anniversary also to lovely couple Raffy and Pia Abello, March 7.

So, how was your week?

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