Falling in love all over again at the Tivoli

“I seem to have loved you in numberless forms, numberless times, in life after life, in age after age forever.”  — Rabindranath Tagore

A beautiful story of love was recently relived in the ultra classy and elegant Tivoli of the Mandarin Oriental Hotel, Manila. The ever stylish Salome, Philippine Cancer Society’s Best Dressed Awardee 2010, and dapper husband Ali Uy looked like newlyweds once again as they reminisced the unforgettable days of courtship in which the Tivoli had a major participation. Although not as wealthy during that time, Ali would scrimp just to bring Salome to this upscale restaurant and royally treat her to what he considered the best cuisine. So when it was time to celebrate their 25th anniversary, it was only fitting to hold it in a plush destination that they visit at least 20 times a year — the Tivoli. The couple shared this very special day with few close friends in an intimate sit-down dinner of home duck foie gras, US angus beef rossini, potatoes sarladaise and truffle sauce and millefeuille of chocolate mousse with praline ice cream coupled with a Montrachet wine and champagne.

Happy anniversary! Another 50 for you, dearest Salome and Ali!

A promising year ahead for FCCP

The Friends for Cultural Concerns of the Philippines (FCCP) can now look forward to another promising and fruitful year with the recent induction of hardworking and affable Araceli “Nene” Leonor as its new president for the year 2011-2012. The induction ceremony was held at the sprawling garden of the Leonor compound in Manila. Leading the induction rites were Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) president Dr. Raul Sunico and the members of the FCCP board. It was one joyful occasion as Nene, together with her loving husband Jun, treated guests to a sumptuous dinner and a delightful evening of music and dance. Renowned pianist Dr. Raul Sunico and brilliant violinist John Lesaca serenaded the crowd with their excellent repertoire of classic and popular hits. Later, the talented JB Leonor of The Dawn rendered groovy, foot-stomping music that had guests dancing the night away! Congratulations Nene and more power to FCCP!

(Seated) Nena Casimiro, Tessie Rodrigo and Chloe Romulo Periquet; (standing, from left) Patty Jalbuena, Mitzi Piad, newly-inducted FCCP president Nene Leonor, Rose Lazaro and Evelyn Ranada.

GREETINGS

Happy birthday to our celebrators today, Menchu Katigbak, Celine Bautista, Joshua Leveriza, businessman William Cu-Unjieng, Fred Elizalde and Claudio de Luzuriaga.

Advance birthday greetings to Don Jaime Zobel de Ayala, Sixto Orosa III and lovely Mary Ann Ojeda, July 18; columnist Carmen Guerrero-Nakpil and businessman Oye Fores, July 19; society photographer Baron Patrick de Koenigswarter, Rustan’s and Store Specialists’ Nedy Tantoco, Emil Yap III, Dennis Ladaw and Katrina Palafox, July 20; Corito Galvez de Claro and Oli Laperal, July 21; Mita Rufino and Mimi Valerio, July 22; Vista Land CFO Paolo Villar, Furnitalia/Space 2000’s William Ko and Barbie Atienza, July 23.

So, how was your week?

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