March 2007 - Titas de Bacolod

Thursday, March 22, 2007

Thursday, March 22, 2007

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

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!*



---------------------







Follow me on Twitter @TitasdeBacolod


Related Posts:


To see Imelda at the food court without the pomp and splendor normally attached to her wherever she goes brought up a myriad of emotions. I felt a bit sad seeing this. It reminded me of my Mama's last days. But I quickly snapped out of that sadness because I was reminded of the incident two years ago ......Read More




It has been 29 years since they were chased from the palace. Amid a stream of discoveries regarding the unexplained wealth, more than 70,000 imprisoned, poverty level at 42% and thousands tortured and “salvaged”. ......Read More







Negros Island was in a woeful state at the eve of the snap elections in 1986.  Negros as a word was synonymous to "Crisis" in those days.  For the longest time, the sugar industry, romanticized by the well-heeled landowners of Negros and Iloilo, was the prima donna of Philippine ......Read More



Thursday, March 1, 2007

Thursday, March 01, 2007

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

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



---------------------







Follow me on Twitter @TitasdeBacolod


Related Posts:


To see Imelda at the food court without the pomp and splendor normally attached to her wherever she goes brought up a myriad of emotions. I felt a bit sad seeing this. It reminded me of my Mama's last days. But I quickly snapped out of that sadness because I was reminded of the incident two years ago ......Read More




It has been 29 years since they were chased from the palace. Amid a stream of discoveries regarding the unexplained wealth, more than 70,000 imprisoned, poverty level at 42% and thousands tortured and “salvaged”. ......Read More







Negros Island was in a woeful state at the eve of the snap elections in 1986.  Negros as a word was synonymous to "Crisis" in those days.  For the longest time, the sugar industry, romanticized by the well-heeled landowners of Negros and Iloilo, was the prima donna of Philippine ......Read More



- © Titas de Bacolod 2021