Dinner with Henry Sy

What do you do when the richest man in the Philippines invites you to dinner?

Have fun, of course!

Henry Sy wanted to have dinner with the Rufinos. His daughter Tessie explained that he was feeling a bit nostalgic, recalling how Tessa's grandfather, Vicente A. Rufino, had given him his first big break by renting him space in Quiapo to open his first Shoe Mart.

VAR passed away in the '70's, and Mr. Sy himself turns 83 this year. He is still strong but for longer walks, is wheeled about in his chair.

Celebrating the dinner were his children Tessie, Betty, Herbert and his wife Shelley, and Hans and his wife Carol. Two other children, Big Boy and Harley, were unable to come.

On the Rufino side were Paz, Marixi, Charlie and Cary. At the grandchildren level were Sandy, Paolo, Tessa and me, the only other in-law at the dinner. Interestingly, I discovered Shelley is also a scuba diving instructor.

Mr. Sy was also one of the principal sponsors when Tessa and I got married 13 years ago, a favor returned because VAR was a principal sponsor when he got married to Mrs. Sy.

All of which was a wonderful opportunity for a quick photo op with this truly impressive gentleman.