This is part 2 of the grand three-day birthday celebration of my dear palangga, interior designer and architect Jonathan Matti, in Paris.

 

Rachel Tan-Renucci, the cheerful CEO of international investment management company Tan-EU Capital, and her husband Patrick Renucci, owner of Paris’ biggest printing company, Median Impressions, hosted the second party for Jonathan. It was held at the couple’s gorgeous, newly renovated flat.

 

The whole house, dahlings, was decked with flowers and plants by Rambert Rigaud, a former studio director in the ateliers of Yves Saint Laurent and Dior Haute Couture, and now Paris’ top florist and herbalist.

 

Billecart-Salmon champagne and Hospice de Beaune Burgundy wine were served.

 

For this second bash, the guests included L’Oreal medical director of research and innovation Michele Verschoore; life of the party Ian Giron; top Paris architect Simon Bukart; Car Holdings CEO Charles Antoine Rougier and Électricité de France director Mathilde Rougier; Illy coffee heir Nicolas d’Amman and his wife Aline, project director at the soon-to-reopen Hotel de Crillon; Bibot Nolan; private banker Stephane Houdrouge; Denis Harriet Escudier Marin; Marcou-Rébillard Vincent; and Francois Devendinger.

 

The celebrant’s niece Beatriz Matti came with her friends Pat Hechanova, Chili Mendiola, Rafael Lagdameo, Mikey Onglao and Fiona Renucci. They were joined by southern business magnate Stephen Matti and Carlo Cajili.

 

We all enjoyed the wild Spanish gypsy band and the awesome fireworks display viewed from the west balcony of the Renucci couple’s flat.

 

One of the many highlights of that fabulous evening was Rachel’s speech: “Jonathan is a dear friend… not only has he designed all my houses, but he has been instrumental in the way I dress, live and even in my choice in marriage. He really is a friend you can depend on, even when we have our ‘Mekong moments.’”

 

This was followed by a short talk by Andrew Gan.

 

And the party went on till almost daybreak, with romantic Paris as backdrop.

 

Hard to beat

 

But hard to beat was the climactic third party.

 

The gracious host, top barrister Francois Serres, opened his très chic abode on a Sunday, to welcome Jonathan’s 85 guests from all over the world.

 

A red carpet was laid down the long staircase, which was lined with red roses and scented candles.

 

Greeting guests was a witty, sexy act from Le Crazy Horse de Paris cabaret.

 

There was superb-tasting champagne, chilled from the host’s bathroom bathtub, and a delectable buffet-style dinner.

 

Spotted enjoying the part were Buenos Aires resident and citizen of the world Baroness Dudu von Thielmann; book publisher and one of the world’s top photography collectors Jean-Louis Larivière; Jackie Marin; President Aquino’s favorite cousin Risa Oreta, who flew in from Manille that morning; Victor Magsaysay of Ito, Paris’ hottest new restaurant; and antique dealer par excellence Alexandre Biaggi.

 

Jonathan’s brother, James, escorted their mother, the adorable Marlyn Matti.

 

James handed out party favors of organic moringa tea from his own Green Earth Heritage farm in Bulacan. Believe moi, the guests appreciated that energy boost after much carousing!

 

The birthday boy could only laugh as his birthday cake was wheeled in, accompanied by loud “Happy Birthday” singing from everyone. “At this age I still get thrilled,” Jonathan said.

 

Here’s to more blessings, Jonathan!