As “the happiest day of the year” approaches, the Metro is also abuzz with more social engagements and I need more space to put in more entries in my daily calendar! These days, I find myself having to crisscross our traffic-infested thoroughfares to try to be “omnipresent” in an average of four social events every night! Whew! Sometimes, I wonder out loud… why do they call this THE GOOD LIFE?
Forever young
Not too long ago, the very popular Genesis Gallery put on display the masterpieces of renowned artist Toti Cerda at the Main Art Center of SM Megamall. Named Forever Young, the exhibit had more than 50 watercolor and acrylic paintings. Cerda, one of the best watercolor painters in the country, has been a winner of numerous art competitions hereabouts and has staged a solo art exhibit in Singapore.
At the reception area were the Salas family members—Rhoda, Chichi and Ernie—of Genesis Gallery, seeing to it that the throng of art patrons who trooped to the event had enough food from the sumptuous buffet and overflowing drinks from the bar, set up for the occasion.
Joint birthday celebration
Makati Mayor Jojo Binay and his bride, Elenita, recently gathered their close friends and relatives to jointly celebrate their respective birthdays at the new A.Venue Hall in Makati. As expected, the place was overflowing with the town’s “who’s who,” and the party dragged on until the early morning hours as a lot of celebrity performers showed off their talents to the delight of the guests. Rico J serenaded the couple with his original hit song (and currently the mayor’s “anthem”) “May Bukas Pa.” So did Jenine Desiderio, with her Miss Saigon hit, “I Still Believe,” and Nonoy Zuñiga with his hit ballad, “Never Say Goodbye.”
In spite of their being in different camps for the coming elections, it was refreshing to see Kris Aquino, with sisters Ballsy Cruz and Pinky Abellada, join the celebration.
Paperdolls
It was a night of reminiscing as fond memories of every woman’s childhood floated around the venue when Paperdolls unveiled its latest fashion collaboration with designer royale Kate Torralba. The façade of a huge doll house served as the backdrop for the stage, with bright pink lights shining through its windows, and practically all over the venue. The candle-lit cocktail tables had a doll as its centerpiece, clad in the evening’s featured outfits. Upon registration, guests were invited to clean up their closets of outfits they no longer use and donate these to the Philippine National Red Cross. A wall was put up where their pledge sheets were posted.
One of the country’s more popular bands, Up Dharma Down, was the featured performer during the program hosted by Joey Mead, while the sumptuous spread prepared by Cibo was served with overflowing cocktails from Ralph’s Wines and Spirits, and Absolut Vodka. Highlight of the evening was the fashion show participated in by some of Manila’s more visible society faces—Tessa Prieto-Valdes, Divine Lee, Karen Pamintuan, and sisters Maxene and Saab Magalona. And, surprise of all surprises, designer Kate capped the show with her enchanting vocals!
Credit goes to Paperdolls’ Teresita and Jasper Ong, along with brand manager Kaky Galutera, for having hosted this unique launch. Kate Torralba for Paperdolls is available exclusively at selected SM Department Stores nationwide.
Bulletin board
Marco Polo Plaza. From Dec. 18 until Jan. 3 next year, Cebu‘s only five-star hotel offers a special Holiday Rate of only P2,500 net per room per night, single or double occupancy. If you choose to stay for two nights or longer, the generous hotel will give you P500-P1,500 worth of vouchers which you can use for your food and beverage requirements during your stay. However, room bookings for Dec. 24 are charged P4,948 net because they include two tickets to the hotel’s Christmas Eve Cocktails, Midnight Mass and Dinner. Those for Dec. 31 cost P6,520 as they include two tickets to the New Year’s Eve Gala Dinner Show, Countdown and Grand Fireworks. More information is available at 032-253-1111 (Cebu) or 02-887-1263 (Manila).
Christmas tree lighting. The Heritage Hotel Manila recently invited friends and loyal patrons to witness the lighting of their gigantic Christmas tree at the lobby, and the opening of their “Tower of London” display where their Christmas goodies are being sold. A hotel employee dressed as a Beefeater met us at the door and showed us around the colorfully- spruced up lobby, with music of the all-children choir of Children’s Joy Foundation wafting throughout.
At the nearby Century Park Hotel, they did their own Christmas Tree Lighting activity, with the family of El Capitan Lucio Tan doing the honors. The humongous glittering tree right at the center of their Atrium Lobby is certainly a sight to behold. What made the occasion more jovial was the overflowing Manny O wines passed around, non-stop, by the efficient waiters, with matching delicious canapés from the kitchen. It certainly was a good way to start the Season of Plenty!
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YOUR WEEKEND CHUCKLE:
Did you hear about that pastor who went up the pulpit one Sunday and announced to his congregation, “I have good news and bad news—the good news is, we have enough money to pay for our new building… the bad news is, it’s still out there in your pockets!”
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For feedback, I’m at bobz@pldtdsl.net
