A royal celebration

“Very little is needed to make a happy life;

it is all within yourself, in your way of thinking.” – Marcus Aurelius

A celebration fit for a queen best describes the grand birthday party of tourism stalwart and civic leader Zeny Cabral held at the Rizal Ballroom of Makati Shangri-La.

Taking inspiration from the elegant Schönbrunn Palace in Austria, the entire ballroom and foyer were adorned in a combination of palatial décor and sophisticated technology. Everyone was treated to a sumptuous dinner of European and Filipino dishes specially made by the hotel’s talented chefs and complemented by overflowing champagne.

Lovely performances from distinguished artists like prima ballerina Lisa Macuja-Elizalde, multi-awarded pianist and Cultural Center of the Philippines president Dr. Raul Sunico, singer-actress Pinky Marquez and the country’s leading orchestra, the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra, added color to the regal celebration.

As their special gift for the lady of the hour, the ever supportive family and friends of the celebrator gave their own dance renditions of the Emperor’s Waltz and Emperor’s Waltz Number 4.

Here’s to more blessed and beautiful years, Zeny!

Greetings

 Happy birthday to our celebrators today, Bea Zobel Jr., Dr. Lyra Ruth Clemente-Chua, wellness expert Cory Quirino, tycoon John Gokongwei Jr., former Press Secretary Rod Reyes, Jay Litton and “handkerchief king of the Philippines” Ramon Shing.

Advance birthday greetings to George Lopez, Tito Tesoro, Aga Muhlach and Ramon Zaragosa, Aug. 12; ABS-CBN big boss Gabby Lopez, Baby Araneta and Marilou Soriano, Aug. 13; Joe Zubiri, business scion Beaver Lopez, restaurateur Beng Dee, Las Piñas Rep. Mark Villar, designers Noli Hans and Auggie Cordero, Aug. 14; socialite Asunta Bilbao and actress Pinky de Leon, Aug. 15; Rod Nepomuceno and Aurelio “Gigi” Montinola III, Aug. 16; Freddie Elizalde, Christine Carmichael and Mark Dy, Aug. 17.

Happy wedding anniversary to Ronnie and Mari Caballero, Aug. 15. May you have many, many more momentous years together.

So, how was your week?

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