LATIN NIGHT<\/p>\n
Manila\u2019s sought-after mas\u00adter of ceremony Johnny Litton <\/strong>scored another success with a Latin American-themed birthday party at the Grand Ballroom of The Bellevue Manila. A gentle\u00adman with a big heart and an incredible sense of hu\u00admor, Johnny continues to celebrate each year with dazzling concepts. It drew the A-list revellers from the diplomatic, business, society, and the art world. Chairman Johnny Chan <\/strong>with sons Patrick<\/strong>, manag\u00ading director of the Bellevue Hotels and Resorts, Ryan <\/strong>of B Hotels, and Dustin <\/strong>of The Bellevue Resort wel\u00adcomed the well-heeled invitees.<\/p>\n The moment Rupert <\/strong>and I en\u00adtered the foyer, we felt the Latin American vibes with their mesmer\u00adizing colors, exuberance, and eye-catching garden decor. Cocktails were held at the lobby where a life-sized replica of Johnny in his signa\u00adture suited attire was positioned at the stairs. A multi-sensory delight with lively Latin music and drum\u00adming, costumed dancers parading from top of the staircase created an allure for endless photo-op for all the selfie lovers. The impressive roster of Latin American ambassadors in the Philippines, led by Ambassador Rolando Alvarado <\/strong>of Panama, in\u00adcluded: Ambassador Rodrigo Souza <\/strong>of Brazil, Ambassador Capaza Gon\u00adzales <\/strong>of Venezuela, Ambassador Jose Villaroil <\/strong>of Chile, Ambassa\u00addor Victor Jaramillo <\/strong>of Colombia, Ambassador Gerardo Arredondo <\/strong>of Mexico, and Ambassador Jose Ureta <\/strong>of Argentina. Each country had a booth in the ballroom serving cocktails, food, and items that repre\u00adsented their re\u00adspective coun\u00adtry.<\/p>\n T h e originality of execu\u00adtive chef Stephan Oppenhagenshone <\/strong>was shown through the authentic spe\u00adcialties and diverse menu of the partici\u00adpating Latin coun\u00adtries. To add to the evening\u2019s festivities were several dance numbers from the TeMaeva Dance Group, the 8 Movements Danc\u00adesport, Casayawan Dance Group, and the Escola Samba de Manila, who performed tra\u00additional Latina dances. Paula Diaz <\/strong>rendered a few numbers, capped by Asia\u2019s songbird Pilita Corales<\/strong>. The finale was the awarding of the best dressed in Latin-inspired at\u00adtire. The winners of the Carnival Queens were Consul Mellie Abla\u00adza<\/strong>, Czarina Ablaza-Syquia<\/strong>, Con\u00adnie Haw<\/strong>, Dr. Elsie Pascua<\/strong>, Rachel de Guzman<\/strong>, Crystal Jacinto<\/strong>, and Grace Gobing<\/strong>.<\/p>\n www.tinajacinto.com <\/em><\/p>\n