Don’t you also feel proud, dahlings, when hardworking Pinoy who go into business are recognized for their efforts? That’s what happened when seven enterprising Filipinos were recently recognized at the 12th Citi Microentrepreneurship Awards (CMA) in ceremonies at Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP).

The awardees were feted by BSP Governor Amando Tetangco Jr., and Citi Philippines CEO Batara Sianturi.

Teresita Valdez from Bulacan, manufacturer of sautéed shrimp paste, was hailed national winner. Joining her were regional awardees: seafood dealer Ernani Llema (Luzon), squid rings manufacturer Teresita Nicanor (Visayas), and coffee-shop owner Edamil Patta (Mindanao).

Sianturi said CMA is an annual collaboration between BSP, Citi and Microfinance Council of the Philippines, Inc. “Funded by the Citi Foundation, CMA gives recognition to outstanding microfinance clients who have used microfinance and entrepreneurship to improve their lives as well as their communities,” said Sianturi. “This award-winning public-private-civic partnership launched in 2002 has become a strong recognition of the good work many microfinance practitioners do to alleviate poverty and promote inclusive growth.”

All winners received cash prizes totaling P870,000 and a scholarship to a four-week entrepreneurship training at the Citi Microenterprise Development Center. Likewise they will each get a laptop and computer training, and health and life insurance coverage.

Bravo to the winners!

Cheers to Xavier Btesh!

Nuvo’s talented chef Xavier Btesh celebrated his birthday with a bash at the restaurant in Greenbelt 2 Makati.

Ching Cruz, wife of Nuvo owner Philip Cruz, showed up to savor the food prepared by chef Xavier. She was draped in a good-luck red dress with a very 1950s Dior cut.

Kim Camacho soon entered, followed by Christine San Diego who didn’t bother to change her Oliver Tolentino couture gown after attending a friend’s wedding.

Also spotted were Dedes Zobel with her tanned escort, businessman Jean Philippe Henry; champagne queen Vicky Zubiri, triathlon champion Lara Parpan in a black YSL; Brazilian model Wesley Pereira; young business gal Joi Natividad; Eduardo “Nene” Lacson with longtime friend based in Argentina, Andrew Klink; Tina Cuevas with escort Peter Lau; model and designer Jacq Yu.

Après blowing his birthday cake, chef Xavier thanked Ching and Philip, naturellement, and Nene Lacson for bringing him to Manille for the first time in the late 1990s.

Chef Xavier had worked in Paris, Morocco and Saint Tropez before relocating to Manille.

The birthday song was performed by “The Voice” 2015 semifinalist Monique Lualhati. Joining her for an impromptu jam were Pinky Amador, Viktoria Agbayani, and hottest grandma in town Cheska Winebrenner, plus the debonaire Mike Toledo, who can sing Sinatra like no other.

Xavier then asked Ching to dance. They were followed by all the guests, including business wiz Noel Oñate who exclaimed, “I haven’t danced like this for ages!”

The perfect combination of live music, French wine and champagne kept everyone grooving till 3 a.m. with nonstop hot food from the buffet table which was a mix of Mediterranean flavors: Italian mushrooms and truffle bruschettas; Moroccan tuna samosas; creamy garlic soup; truffle pastas; and olive and lemon chicken tajine.

Now, what else could one ask for, palangga? Cheers to Xavier B for more birthdays and more success to come!