In business

Who would ever think that when my cousin JB Tanpinco was in his travels as a young lad, upon entering grand hotels of the world's capital cities reflected on the pleasures of lounging in his own hotel lobby one day… Well, he planted that seed of serendipity and it's been a good 10 years since his family opened the Business Inn.

Sisters Gina, Maridel and Fati were all aglow for that 10 th anniversary of the busy, busy Business Inn in downtown Bacolod . They flew in a Manila band of Dingdong Eduque which had toute Bacolod as the French would say, filing into the grand ballroom to dance the night away. Drinks and finger food fueled the soirée that had the Genteel Set having so much fun. It felt like the good ole days. I knew almost everyone. …and that's a whole ballroom of people, dearies. No, we are talking about another kind of ballroom—where you're not expected to pay for a dance.

I came in with La Infanta Cristina “Bibing” Villanueva and media diva Luci Lizares. Maridel's debonair hubby, Pons Rivero made sure that we were entertained with his wit and polite gossip that had me laughing and wishing it would last for a week of good times. Zoomed in on former Governor, now SRA head, Lito and serene Betsy Coscolluela double dating with my classmate jock Johnny and civic leader Maggie Jalandoni as Manang Ann Marie Ledesma danced the line, much to the delight of successful business and sportsman Eddie Boy Ledesma with wife Dory.

My big-time primo architect Chick Garcia was dancing cheek-to-cheek with his crown jewel, Nanette, while our family's Liz Taylor look alike Carminia Monfort held on to her drink as she discussed her next day's project. Bantay Bacolod's Bomber Zayco had eyes only for his Punta Bulata Resort “spalace” queen Miren who, by the way, has this beautiful idea that the giant pots dotting our sidewalks down busy businessed Lacson Street should be placed in the middle of the street instead of poking the pedestrians with thorns and serving as a potential garbage can…maybe, she'll help with some urban planning?

As Business Inn has proven through the years, it's our vision that makes Bacolod City smile, di bala? Or have we forgotten our commitments? Hey, let's get on with it!!

MY PRAYER

O Holy Spirit, grant me the light to see what a glorious opportunity I now have of beginning a better life!*