Delayed post:
Philippine Trade Foundation Inc (Philippines Inc) and US Philippine Strategic Initiative Chairman Tony Cojuangco together with Philippines, Inc. officers, hosted a private dinner for Ernie Bower, on October 20, 2015 at Rustique Kitchen by Bruce Lim at 820 Arnaiz Avenue, San Lorenzo, Makati City.
Ernest Z. Bower is the founder, chairman, CEO of BowerGroup Asia, a business advisory /consultancy firm that is recognized as the leading expert on strengthening ties between the United States and Southeast Asia. He served as president of the US-ASEAN Business Council for ten years. He arranged and facilitated Philippines’ official visits to Washington DC in September 2014 and in May of this year.
Ernie has a strong commitment and passion in deepening ties between our country and his motherland. My first impression of him was that he was probably born in the Philippines and grew up here that’s why he has a strong connection, concern and compassion for our country. He’s probably a Pinoy disguised as a puti. How lucky we Filipinos are to have a friend such as Ernie Bower. Former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo conferred on him the Order of Lakandula for his service to the Philippines.
Rustique Kitchen served us delicious canapes like this salmon crostini.
We all enjoyed listening to Babe’s insights on Philippine politics and businesses. We were all ears listening to tidbits about presidential and vice presidential candidates. Babe is so funny, I don’t mind spending several hours listening to his amusing stories.
Raymond Garcia
I was surprised to see crispy pata on the table because my colleagues are over the legal age except for Raymond. But I got even more surprised when we all finished this delicious dish.
The food kept coming while we kept on eating. At one point, Babe Romualdez asked Tonyboy “Pare, are you trying to kill us?”
RP, Prof. Dindo Manhit, Mark Williams
Most of them hesitated to touch the cheesecake but when they found out it’s not that sweet, naubos rin.
I think it’s better to take pictures before the meeting, before the eating, and before the drinking. We all looked bloated from our delicious meal and we’re sleepy too.
Top row left to right: Professor Dindo Manhit, Felix Ang, Mark Williams, Justo “Tito” Ortiz, Atty. Opap Villongco, Babe Romualdez, Mr. Aboitiz, Jeffrey Ng, Raymond Garcia, Rupert Paul Manhit.
Seated: Philip Romualdez, Antonio Cojuangco, guest of honor Ernie Bower, Annie C. Tan-Yee, Antonio Lopa.
Raymond Garcia, RP Manhit, Atty. Opap Villongco, Dindo Manhit, and Mark Williams, president of Kuwaiti Gulf Logistics Company.
Philip, Dindo, Tony Boy, Mark, OMB, Raymond, Opap, Tony, Ernie
The author of our delicious meal, Chef Bruce Lim. He looked much younger in person.
The gender imbalance is so striking. It must still be very much the old boys’ club. (As it is here in the US, too.) Your Bal matelasse bag is so pristine and nice. The new Bal designs are so uninspired. Good for the wallet. 🙂
The rose among the thorns. 🙂 I really admire you Ma’am Annie. Nakakabilib na you are always part of the gathering of top business people in the country.
Thank you Mick Soe.