Titas de Bacolod: 2007

Thursday, March 22, 2007

Behind The Scenes - March 22, 2007 : 'For he's a jolly good fellow…'

Behind the Scenes with Ivy Visitacion

The grand ballroom of the Sugarland Hotel was the venue for the Thanksgiving Celebration of the Culmination of Sarabia Opticals Centennial Year and the 80th birthday of its chairman, Dr. Antonio Sarabia. The Mass was officiated by Monsignor Gigi Gaston whose homily was deeply appreciated by everyone. A huge crowd of high profile guests, relatives and old friends (some coming all the way from the USA), were there to greet their beloved Tony on his natal day. It's no surprise why so many love and admire Tony - he's a genuine people person. He loves life and eagerly grasps it with both hands outstretched.

On hand to help him welcome their guests was his lovely wife Nelly, who looked so elegant and stunning in her attire. (Don't you just love her Mona Lisa smile?). Nelly invited everyone to partake of the dinner. The buffet table was a mouth-watering feast of colors and flavors. Everything looked absolutely yummy! We thoroughly enjoyed the excellent red wine which flowed all evening.

There was a video presentation of the Launching of the Sarabia Opticals Centennial Celebration which was held at the Ayala Museum on Feb. 22, 2006. This was hosted by popular TV personality Korina Sanchez. A lot of VIPs graced the occasion. After the video presentation, a program was held featuring song and dance numbers performed by the members of Tony's family. A well-applauded number was their interpretation of the song, "The More I See You" (the Sarabia family theme song).

The children of Tony and Nelly gave a touching tribute to their parents. With Pancho Uytiepo on the piano, they sang their parents' favorite love songs of yesteryears. When their theme song, "A Love Affair to Remember", was sang, Nelly joined her husband up front and the two lovebirds held hands to the delight of the crowd. Tony had the time of his life singing their favorite songs. (The guy can sing!). A special number was presented by the famous Sunshine Boys who sang, You Are My Sunshine (But, of course!). It was heartwarming to see these aging silver-haired gentlemen sing with such gusto and enthusiasm. Personally, I think people like them will never grow old because their hearts will remain forever young. The dancing crowd had a ball till the wee hours. Wotta party! HAPPY BIRTHDAY TONY!*

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Follow me on Twitter @TitasdeBacolod

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Thursday, March 1, 2007

Thursday, March 01, 2007

Behind The Scenes - March 1, 2007 : 'A memorable 95th birthday'

Behind The Scenes, Events

Behind the Scenes with Ivy Visitacion

There was a heavy downpour earlier in the afternoon. But not even the heavy rains could dampen the preparations for the grand celebration of Gloria Esteban's 95th birth anniversary.

In the evening the skies smiled down on her and there was a huge sigh of relief as her Tara-like colonial mansion was spruced up for the very special occasion. It was a gathering of Negros Occidental's sociedad who came "dressed-to-the-nines," to join the festivities for this much-loved lady.

The party began after a Special Mass offered for the celebrator who looked stunning and so much younger than her age as she welcomed her well-wishers, together with her daughters Miling Rodriguez and Baby Javelosa. Guests gathered in the garden under the stars, where tables were set for the al fresco dinner. Everyone enjoyed the culinary masterpieces set on the buffet tables around the garden. Sparkling red wine flowed all evening which quickly put the crowd in a party mood.

Vivacious Lucy Lizares Yunque emceed the program which was opened with a song and dance number by the Bacolod Cultural Foundation headed by Luz Dato-Lacson.

Other dance numbers were performed by the Daughters of Mary Immaculate, Alijis and Bacolod chapters. Gloria's great granddaughter Alexa Gamboa played the violin while Miling's four apos delighted the crowd with a Village People number. Aly Araneta and Tony Gentes serenaded Gloria with her favorite songs. Special dance numbers were performed by Lanibelle Javelosa, Linda Montero, Inday Tolentino and Joy Yulo together with their handsome partners. The entire family then gathered around their beloved matriarch to sing Happy Birthday.

Soon, the dance floor was crowded with dance aficionados swinging to their hearts' delight. What a fabulous way to celebrate Gloria's 95th birthday!*

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Follow me on Twitter @TitasdeBacolod

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Thursday, February 22, 2007

Behind The Scenes - February 22, 2007 : 'A fun-filled night in Bacolod'

Behind The Scenes,

Behind the Scenes with Ivy Visitacion

One of the great pleasures of living in Bacolod is the vibrant nightlife where you enjoy seeing old and new friends, all with a zest for living and having fun. This was even more apparent last Valentines Day when most of the restaurants were filled with people: entire families with kids, couples, lovers and groups of friends.

Knowing that traffic would be horrendous at night, our group led by Dr Ver Lacson and his kids Summer and Ken, together with Manang Alice and Marilyn Lopez set off early, hoping to find a convenient parking space. Alas, we soon found out that lots of folks had the same idea in mind and it was a mad scramble looking for a place to park.

Valentine's dinner was at the ritzy, glitzy L'Fisher Hotel which was overflowing with the beautiful people of Bacolod. By the time we arrived, the hotel lobby was already filled with diners who came for the excellent buffet and the evening's entertainment - the Kulay Pikata singing group. Everyone enjoyed the gastronomical delights while being serenaded with romantic love songs by the balladeers.

After dinner, the night was still young and so our next destination was the Valentines Celebration of the Bacolod Sampaguita Lion's Club at Sipango, where we were invited by former club president Perla Leonardia. The elegant ladies of the club were at the dance floor dancing the night away and having the time of their lives. It was a joy to see them tripping the light fantastic with such grace and style. Before I could catch my breath, my good friend Lydia Tison insisted that I dance with her DI. (Boy, was that fun!).

We were told that these kindhearted ladies have found a way to use their favorite pastime - dancing, to generate funds for their charitable projects. What a beautiful way to celebrate the day of love! Kudos to the members, especially the club presidents (past and present), for a most successful affair!*

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Follow me on Twitter @TitasdeBacolod

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Thursday, February 15, 2007

Behind The Scenes - February 15, 2007 : 'My best love story of all time'

Behind The Scenes,

Behind the Scenes with Ivy Visitacion

So how was your own Valentine's Day celebration yesterday? Was it beautiful and magical as you wanted it to be? Ahhh, the Day of Love! This is the time of year when lovers get silly and romantic. Some say it with flowers, others with candy; while the gallant ones give jewelry and precious gifts.

The beauty of love has been immortalized in love stories the world over. Being a hopeless romantic, I have my own collection of love stories and poems which I have treasured through the years. But my favorite happens to be a poem written by King Edward VIII, the British monarch who gave up his throne for the woman he loved. Their story has been told and retold in countless books, magazines and the movies. The king was so hopelessly in love with the American divorcee Wallis Simpson, that he even wrote a poem for her:

"My friend, with thee to live alone Methinks tis better than to own,

A crown, a scepter and a throne"

* * * *

It's been a round of parties given by Rich Loveland, of TelePerformance for their guests recently. There was a Fellowship Night for the I.T Schools Network of Negros Occidental held at MO2 Annex.

What a swinging affair it was! At the height of the fun night, Raymund Sabay of UNO-R, challenged Rich Loveland to a game of 8 Ball Billiards. (Don't ask who won - US or Phil!). Seen enjoying the evening were Che Londres of Star of Asia, who came with hubby Paul. Also there was Cesar Tianonoy of X-El Magazine who exchanged pleasantries with Councilor Jocele Batapa-Sigue and hubby Arnel.

Another shindig hosted by the company was for the Bacolod City Hall Press Corp. Again, Rich Loveland made sure everyone was having a ball. On hand to help him welcome company officers Paul Felton, Sharon Cabral and Bazil Abrire. The guests headed by Elsie Jolingan, City PIO, enjoyed the delicious food and had so much fun. Wotta night!*

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Follow me on Twitter @TitasdeBacolod

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Thursday, February 8, 2007

Thursday, February 08, 2007

Behind The Scenes - February 8, 2007 : 'The lady has flair!'

Behind The Scenes, Events

Behind the Scenes with Ivy Visitacion

It was a night of fashionable guests, excellent food and ballroom dancing! Dr. Evangeline "Gigi" Johnson, president and CEO of the Our Lady of Mercy Specialty Hospital, celebrated her birthday recently with a mega celebration. L'Fisher Hotel's La Proa was filled with her family and VIP guests from the local government sector, business, medical profession, pharmaceutical companies, civic and society circles, who came to greet this admirable lady on her natal day. Gigi looked so radiant in her jonquil-yellow gown as she welcomed her well-wishers. Everyone enjoyed the delectable dishes specially prepared for the occasion.

Guests were treated to an audio-visual presentation showing her achievements (she also happens to be the president and CEO of various medical hospitals in Iloilo and Angeles, Pampanga). Tributes poured in for this much-admired woman of substance who has one of the rarest combinations of public and personal style (beauty, brains, breeding and integrity).

People from all sectors spoke of their admiration for her genuine concern for the less fortunate. There were dance numbers galore presented by her employees who gave their all for their beloved boss.

Gigi was deeply touched by the show of love and affection shown to her that night. She spoke of the secret of her success - hard work and surrounding yourself with the best people. She also paid tribute to her "mentor," the late Dr. Patricio Tan, who she said, helped her turn Our Lady of Mercy Hospital into "one of the best alternative hospitals for the less fortunate".

The celebrator danced with her loved ones to the delight of the crowd. It was the cue for the rest of the guests to start their ballroom dancing until late into the night. HAPPY BIRTHDAY DR. GIGI!*

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Follow me on Twitter @TitasdeBacolod

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Thursday, February 1, 2007

Thursday, February 01, 2007

Behind The Scenes - February 1, 2007 : Wow! What a show!

Behind The Scenes,

Behind the Scenes with Ivy Visitacion

It was definitely the bubbliest show in town. Last Sunday, traffic was practically at a standstill on all the roads leading to St. Scholastica's Academy, during the SSA Family Day. Parents, students and the SSA Faculty held a very successful Family Day featuring a spectacular extravaganza entitled, "Hold on Together". A huge crowd gathered at the school gym for the much-awaited variety show. And what a show it was.

We were all amazed at the parents who displayed their fantastic dancing skills onstage together with their kids. The show opened with a Broadway number complete with colorful costumes and props which had the audience clapping like mad. It reminded me of Liza Minnelli performing her difficult dance routines choreographed by the late dance master, Bob Fossey. Soon the stage exploded with sounds and colors during the electrifying Latin dances, Hip Hop, Jazz and even the Belly Dancing.

I learned that the performers had been rehearsing for weeks to put up a good show. When the emcees, Anthony and Jonali Visitacion, asked the audience if they had ever seen the Benedictine Sisters dancing, we all thought they were kidding us. But to our amazement and delight, the good sisters of SSA wowed the crowd with their fantastic performance of "I Will Follow Him" from the movie, 'Sister Act' (talagang bigay na bigay!). It was even better than the performance of Whoopie Goldberg and her group in the same movie! The entire gym resounded with cheers and applause for this adorable surprise number. Not to be outdone, the elementary and high school teachers gave their all as they displayed their terpsichorean skills. The two-hour show was packed with musical numbers from the 70s down to the present. We especially liked the number entitled "We are Family".

It was truly heartwarming to see entire families enjoying themselves and having the time of their lives. The grand finale had the audience standing and waving their arms as they sang "If We Hold on Together". The effect was breathtaking! Kudos to the hard-working PTA Board headed by its president Violy Montelibano, for organizing the show. Bravo!*

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Follow me on Twitter @TitasdeBacolod

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Thursday, January 18, 2007

Behind The Scenes - January 18, 2007 : A grand wedding in the north

Behind The Scenes, Events

Behind the Scenes with Ivy Visitacion

It was a beautiful sunny Sunday afternoon when two hearts became one. This was a union of two prominent families from the north. Maricel Orceo Acuña, daughter of Pepe and Minda Acuña of Victorias City, said "I do", to Jun Senen Hinlo Javelosa, son of Mrs. Totong Hinlo Javelosa of Manapla and Victorias. The bride looked absolutely luminous in her elegant wedding gown, while the nervous groom looked handsome in his barong as he waited for her at the famous Church of the Angry Christ at the VMC Compound.

Principal sponsors are Gov. Joseph Marañon (who was represented by Toto Salado), the relatives of the bride: Mayor Vero Palanca, BM Gary Acuña, Vice Mayor Wantan Palanca, Ray Bantug and relatives of the groom from Victorias and Sagay, JV Hinlo, Gilbert Hollero, Berning Javelosa, Elwin Javelosa and Ben Siana. The female principal sponsors in their eye-catching classy gowns were Femy Octaviano, Anet Acuña Antonio, Suzzette Bantug, Jo An Lo Henares, Ninfa and Nena Hinlo, Epin Javelosa Regalado, Cirila Amahit, Azucena de Ramos and Lina Manaloto Lim. Vice Governor Isidro Zayco was one of the couple's specials guests.

Guests were delighted at the unique rustic setting of the wedding reception which was held at the fabulous Toreno garden and fishpond owned by Remedios Bantug, who was there to welcome the visitors. There couldn't have been a more charming hacienda setting for the romantic wedding reception as the guests enjoyed the sumptuous feast under the giant trees with a cool breeze blowing gently around them. The glittering lights decorating the trees cast a special glow adding to the dreamy ambiance. The party ended with an awesome fireworks display while the guests enjoyed dancing until the wee hours.*

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Follow me on Twitter @TitasdeBacolod

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Thursday, January 11, 2007

Behind The Scenes - January 11, 2007 : Isn't she lovely?

Behind The Scenes, Events

Behind the Scenes with Ivy Visitacion

It's the season of endless parties! The invitations just kept pouring in, creating havoc on our already expanding figure. Omigosh, how did we ever survive it?

One of the loveliest outdoor garden parties we have been to recently, was the Christmas dinner hosted by our dear friends Perla and Bernard Koehn at their classy, newly-renovated residence. Bernard was the picture of a charming host as he greeted the guests at the entrance. Tall and dusky Perla welcomed us with her stylish elegance and grace. This was an international party filled with their fellow expats from the UK, Australia, France, Yugoslavia, Hongkong and the USA.

The tables were laid out with top-of-the-line silverware and China, complementing the fabulous cuisine which everyone savored with gusto. The guests were in a party mood in no time as wine flowed all evening. The after-dinner conversation was brilliant and scintillating as delightful raconteur Boy Montilla, had us all in stitches with his outrageous stories and jokes. Perla and Bernard's dinner parties are always so delightful and this was no exception. What a beautiful evening it was!

* * *

Boy Montilla hosted his own holiday dinner party at his turn-of-the-century ancestral home few nights later. As we walked into the foyer, we were greeted by the sounds of music from the second floor! Msgr. Gigi Gaston had brought with him the evening's entertainment - a romantic balladeer named Charles Tan, whose singing style reminded one of Josh Groban or Frank Sinatra. The guests settled down with their glasses of red wine and scrumptious canapés as the romantic mood of the love songs filled the air.

After the mini-concert, we all were pampered with Boy's excellent dinner, specially prepared for the occasion. Sounds of laughter filled the air as jet-setter Edouard Garcia regaled us with his funny stories and comments. It was a most enjoyable evening of good food, vivacious guests and enchanting entertainment. A lovely time was had by all!*

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Follow me on Twitter @TitasdeBacolod

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