Johnny Litton
celebrated his 79th birthday amid the vintage razzle-dazzle, which
friends and family have come to expect from the country's iconic and
well-loved raconteur. It was reminiscent of the 30's and 40's "Golden Age of Hollywood Glamour," as the inimitable emcee par excellence and well-loved society columnist
Representing the Anvil Business Club (Association of Young Filipino-Chinese Entrepreneurs ) – as well as in my capacity of being his personal friend – I arrived late (as usual, due to Metro Manila's horrendous traffic) dressed in a classic tux outfit, only to discover that I was quite under-dressed for the part, compared to the kind of sartorial magnificence many of his more prominent guests exuded that evening. Even our very own lovely Director for Fellowship, the jaunty Sheree Chua, came in a bewitching 1920s-inspired Charleston gown complete with elbow-length silk gloves, evocative of the quintessential Hollywood goddess, Elizabeth Taylor.
As always, noted personalities from the government, business and social
circles as well as the loving family and ever-supportive friends of the
witty birthday celebrant were all present to share this very special day
with him.
Of course, kleig lights remained focused on Mr. Litton who, as always, played host at his own birthday celebration. The exceptional master of ceremonies had diplomats, captains of industry, and close friends both personal and business in stitches with his trademark irrepressible sense of humor during his 30-minute stand-up monologue.
A delectable three-course plated dinner prepared by the Dusit Thani Manila’s top-notch chefs gave its guests something to rave about, while world-class performances led by renowned theater actress and singer Pinky Marquez, together with Allan Alojipan, Roger Sigwa, Raymond Tolentino, Jill Pena, Cara Barredo and Michael Bulaong kept everyone glued to their seats, as they serenaded the celebrant with snippets from the opera "Funiculi Funicula."
Top prizes – which included a Bulgari pearl necklace, a Hermes folder bag, a Samsung S6, and a Vanity Treatment by Belo worth 100k, among others – were awarded to the "Best Dressed" personalities of the night, courtesy of some of generous corporate sponsors. Birthday gifts were eschewed in favor of donations to the E.J. Litton Foundation, a charitable endeavor named in memory of Mr. Litton's son, the late Ernest John Litton – who passed away in 2007 – that was specially created to serve the needs of impoverished Filipino children.
Indeed, with such a memorable natal day celebration for a well-loved friend and respected society icon, everybody looks forward to an even bigger celebration as he approaches his 80th next year!
Of course, kleig lights remained focused on Mr. Litton who, as always, played host at his own birthday celebration. The exceptional master of ceremonies had diplomats, captains of industry, and close friends both personal and business in stitches with his trademark irrepressible sense of humor during his 30-minute stand-up monologue.
A delectable three-course plated dinner prepared by the Dusit Thani Manila’s top-notch chefs gave its guests something to rave about, while world-class performances led by renowned theater actress and singer Pinky Marquez, together with Allan Alojipan, Roger Sigwa, Raymond Tolentino, Jill Pena, Cara Barredo and Michael Bulaong kept everyone glued to their seats, as they serenaded the celebrant with snippets from the opera "Funiculi Funicula."
Top prizes – which included a Bulgari pearl necklace, a Hermes folder bag, a Samsung S6, and a Vanity Treatment by Belo worth 100k, among others – were awarded to the "Best Dressed" personalities of the night, courtesy of some of generous corporate sponsors. Birthday gifts were eschewed in favor of donations to the E.J. Litton Foundation, a charitable endeavor named in memory of Mr. Litton's son, the late Ernest John Litton – who passed away in 2007 – that was specially created to serve the needs of impoverished Filipino children.
Indeed, with such a memorable natal day celebration for a well-loved friend and respected society icon, everybody looks forward to an even bigger celebration as he approaches his 80th next year!
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