I’m so touched!

Has it been January all year long? Because my birthday celebrations just keep coming even if it’s long after January 12, my real birthday! But it’s really hard to refuse when you have such loving — and insistent — friends. That just proves how lucky I am to have them.

Dearest Imelda Sciandra and her luxury boutique, Corso Como 88, hosted my belated bash at the newly reopened Sage Grill at Shangri-La Makati, one of my faves! It was a sleek and intimate affair with 40 of my friends and favorite ambassadors especially those who have not yet attended any of my birthday dinners.

We had a grand time catching up and enjoying the fantastic four-course meal our gracious host had planned for us that night. So delicious, especially paired with the fine wines and champagne!

Shilpa Tolani, Carlo Mercado, Malaysian Ambassador Dato Abdul Malik Melvin Castelino and Dr. Elsie Pascua.

 

Marian Ong, Ching Cruz and Mia Borromeo.

 

Len Olbes and Nini Licaros.

 

Roswitha Brieger and Ambassador of Austria Johann Brieger.

 

Consul Helen Ong.

 

Chris Badiola, Alice Samson, Becky Garcia and Mayenne Carmona.

 

Pinky Puno

 

Singaporean Ambassador Constance See Sin Yuan, Irene Montemayor and Dr. Elsie Pascua.

 

Dr. George Sarikinis, David Ackerman, Winfried Wicklein and Carlo Montemayor.

 

Consul Agnes Huibonhoa and Consul General of Monaco Fortune Ledesma.

 

Connie Haw

 

Philip Cruz and Makati Shangri-La hotel manager Udo Wittich.

 

Ambassador of Morocco Mohammed Rida El Fassi and Chavit Singson.

 

Margie Moran

 

Mache Torres-Ackerman

 

AJ Olpindo, the columnist and birthday celebrator and host Imelda Sciandra of Corso Como.

 

Before you know it, it was 2:30 a.m. Too much good conversation — and never enough time.

This celebration definitely has a spot in my core memories. From the bottom of my heart, I’m so grateful for the time and effort everyone put in to celebrate with me, especially to Imelda and also to my BFF Aj Olpindo! As a matter of fact, I have another birthday celebration coming up next month. Can you guess who’s hosting? Well, belated or advanced happy birthday to me.

Cheers to my amazing friends! I’m so touched by you all!