It was Credit Suisse roll-ing out the welcome mat for Dioceldo Sy’s upcoming birthday, with a very special dinner at Old Manila, Manila Peninsula.

Noted entrepreneur Dioceldo Sy prides himself on the quality of the strong relationships he has engendered over his decades in the business. As president and CEO of Ever Bilena, he has set the course of the company by constantly strengthening the market position of his cosmetics via the dynamics he has created with his partners, stakeholders, and consumers. He knows one has to continuously be expending efforts on all these fronts; and being a "give and take" kind of person, it has led to genuine friendships that go beyond business.

So when Dioceldo’s private bank, Credit Suisse, wanted to honor his upcoming birthday with a special 5-course dinner at the Old Manila at Manila Peninsula, Dioceldo knew he could count on filling the tables with his immediate family, and with friends whose credentials would read like a "Who’s Who" of the local business community. It’s a given that these personages all consider Dioceldo a valued friend, and would make the effort to be there with him last Saturday evening to help usher in the week-long slew of celebrations before his actual birthday rolls along this Saturday.

Susan Ching of Credit Suisse’s Private Banking was the official host, with Dioceldo as guest of honor. And Credit Suisse Vice Chairman Asia-Pacific Lito Camacho sent his regrets, as he’s presently based in Singapore. Among Dioceldo’s guests who readily said yes to his invitation were Singapore Ambassador to the Philippines Gerard Hong, Robina Gokongwei-Pe, Herbert Sy, Luis N. Yu Jr., Emil Yap, Christophe Vicic & Anna Kotskaya, just to name a few.

During his little welcome speech, Dioceldo evoked laughter as he thanked his family for joining him that night—the joke being that they’re so close, their attending is a foregone conclusion. He even made special mention of his extended family "daughter" Anna Mae Lamentillo of the DPWH Build Build Build committee, who’s a fellow columnist here at the Manila Bulletin. And of course, his partner, Christine Codrington, for helping him set up the dinner.

The wonderful Old School dinner was Burnt Chilean Salmon sprinkled with Edamame and Greens, the earthy Wild Mushroom Bisque, a choice of Sea Bass or Aged Angus Beef Tenderloin, a classic Linguini Vongole, and an indulgent White Chocolate Cheese Cake. It was Old Manila with a healthy dollop of nostalgia that had the guests more than satisfied by the end of the night. It didn’t help that the night’s eating actually started with the "Cochinillo" that Dioceldo had brought.

All in all, it was a light, fun-filled night that had business tidbits swirling, a lot of anecdotes and story-telling, and Dioceldo knowing that if your bounty in life can be also measured in terms of friendships and the people who’ll join you at the drop of the hat, then he’s a very fortunate man. Happy Birthday, Dioceldo!