There is absolutely no one else like Johnny Litton. Ever relevant and progressive, with an amazing staying power, Johnny has set the bar as the consummate host and master of ceremonies par excellence. One can’t help but admire his candid wit, engaging humor, and countless stories of the movies, sharing his experiences at the time when he was with Mever films and a regular at the Cannes Film Festival and other such glittering events. It was his splashiest moment and Johnny vibrantly greeted his almost 600 guests who walked down the red carpet to greet him on his 80th birthday, held recently at the Marriott Grand Ballroom. It was reminiscent of a little Hollywood Oscar event, with the ladies dazzling in their red carpet gowns.
The Marriott grand ballroom was packed with members of the diplomatic corps, big wigs in government, business, celebrities, and close friends. After heavy cocktails, everyone proceeded to the ballroom for the program. Eliciting praises through testimonial videos from Johnny’s long time friends were Ambassador Chuching Tambunting, Concepcion Industries’ Paing Hechanova, singer-songwriter Jose Mari Chan, diplomat Bobby Romulo, Philippine Red Cross chairman Senator Dick Gordon, former Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario, SGV founder Washington Sycip, and Belo Medical Group’s Dr. Vicki Belo.
It was all about giving thanks. Johnny acknowledged his four muses, Guatemala Consul Mellie Ablaza, Consul General of Monaco and Dean of the consular Corps of the Philippines Fortune Ledesma, Angola Consul Helen Ong, and Tanzania Consul Betty Chua. A fashion show from Rustan’s Department Store was presented, as ambassadors, consuls, and the ladies of the Spouses of Heads of Mission walked down the runway. This was made possible with the help of Consul General Fortune Ledesma. Members of the Philippine Cancer Best Dressed Women of the Philippines paraded with the lovely 2016 awardees and concert king Martin Nievera serenaded Johnny with his most acclaimed songs and tenor George Tagle rendered a few well applauded numbers. A philanthropist and an ideal family man, donations were earmarked for the EJ Litton Foundation which was mentioned in his birthday pledge. Show director was Raymond Villanueva.
The well-crafted international dishes from Chef Meik made an excellent complement to the fine wines poured throughout the evening. The chef’s dedication to impeccable ingredients is the driving force of Marriott’s Grand Ballroom cocktails and fine dining. For this special occasion, Marriott Hotel Manila general manager Bruce Winton and director of marketing Mitch Garcia once again displayed their relentless pursuit of perfection which has ensured them an enduring spot among Manila’s party people as well as among the roster of fine hotels.
Big name supporters were Rustan’s, Tita Trillo of Titania Wine Cellar, Laniege, Beabi, Aficionado Germany Perfume, Jacques Branellec of Jewelmer Joaillerie, DMark Beauty Corp. Nikki Tang, Muebles Italiano, florist Robert Blancaflor, Bloomswoods flower shop, RS Video, and 10 inch.
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Read more at http://2016.mb.com.ph/2016/09/04/society-stars-came-out-for-johnny/#yAIswSuQqZ8wmUBD.99
