A group of high level US-ASEAN Commissioners from the USA, developing an in depth assessment of US interest in Southeast Asia, was in the country for 2 days. They paid a courtesy call to President Noynoy Aquino yesterday morning. Tonyboy Cojuangco, the newly-elected Chairman of Philippines, Inc. hosted last night’s private dinner in their honor.
Invitation was at 7 pm. For fear of being late, I left our house at 5:45 pm, I was at Lolo Dad’s Restaurant by 6:15 pm. I thought I would be the first to arrive but our gracious host Tonyboy beat me.
Cesar Zalamea came in 3rd, Oscar De Venecia 4th, then I think Susing Pineda, then Justo Aboitiz Ortiz, Chairman & CEO of Union Bank.
The light coming from the cake display / ref was so glary.
Me ( What was I laughing about? I forgot), Jesus Pineda, Jr., Babe Romualdez, Mr. Maurice R. Greenberg, Chairman & CEO of C V Starr, Antonio P. Cojuangco, Antonio Lopa.
Ralph Boyce, President of Boeing Southeast Asia. Let me know if you want to buy a jumbo jet, I’ll try to get a Thanksgiving Day Weekend discount from Skip (his nickname). Mr. Boyce also served as US Ambassador to Thailand from 2005 to 2007.
Maurice Greenberg was in a hurry. He told me he’s flight was at 9:30pm. I panicked because it was already 8:30pm. Then Skip told me not to worry because Mr. Greenberg (or Hank for short), brought his own plane, a Bombardier which could actually fit 100 people but it was custom made to sit only 8 for more leg room I would suppose. Of course if I were a billionaire (in US dollars) I would remove all those seats so I could roll, stretch, jog, run, skip, hop, tumble, and dance with Justin Timberlake inside my plane. That would be so cool. Btw, the plane also had 2 bedrooms. I am guessing that Hank only gets mini jet legs and rayuma (rheuma).
Chevron President, James Blackwell was on this side (lower photo). He was seated beside Ricky Razon. That’s Mr. Blackwell with the red necktie.
Let’t offer a toast…. Wait a minute. I am allergic to wine. Do you have gulaman at sago?
Mr. Greenberg’s last visit to Manila was 5 years ago. He said he had to leave immediately because he had to be in New York for an early morning meeting.
(Left to right) Skip Boyce, Yours truly, Justo Aboitiz Ortiz and Roderick Hills. Mr. Hills served as Counsel to President Gerard Ford and as Chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commisson. He is currently a partner of Hills, Stern, Morley LLP. His wife, Carla Hills, was the United States Secretary for Housing and Urban Development under Pres. Ford. She also served President George W. Bush as the US Trade Representative.
Ambassador Thomas with his endearing smile, and Jesus Pineda, Jr.
VP Binay arrived shortly after Mr. Greenberg left. It must be around 9:30 pm. Mr. Washington Sycip was the gentleman in blue Chinese style polo. He recently celebrated his 90th birthday. I would be happy to reach 80. Or even 79 and 3/4. Super super happy. You would see me smiling in my coffin. Oh, that reminds me, I have to include in my instructions to my daughter that I prefer MAC lipstick.
Amb. Thomas said I should go to the front beside VP Binay so I could be seen. But I just stayed at the back. Can you see my face? I should’ve stepped on a chair.
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