Titas de Bacolod

Behind the Scenes with Ivy Visitacion

He is one of the most popular guys in Bacolod. Everyone loves former congressman John Orola. He oozes charm, laughter, intelligence, pizzazz, sex appeal (?) and so much more.

So, on his birthday recently, he was honored with a big surprise birthday bash by his loving family at Imelda's Restaurant in Bacolod. The place was swinging with music and excitement by the time we arrived. It was packed wall-to-wall with people: John's big family, friends, admirers, business partners, supporters and fans. Sister Fanny Balenia was the perfect emcee with her Chicago accent.

An upbeat 3-pc band set the mood for the evening with excellent performances by gifted local performers. But the one who brought the house down was a charismatic tall young tenor, Nic Norman Tugaff, who sang classical songs and other favorites, like “Nessun Dorma”, “Mutya ng Pasig” and many more, with an unusually powerful voice that rocked the entire room at the loudest decibels you can imagine. Each song was met with rapturous applause from the audience.

Dinner was a plethora of mouth-watering dishes that created havoc with our waistlines. Then John took center stage as he belted out his signature songs to the delight of the audience. Happiness was written all over his face as he blew the candle on the huge birthday cake, together with his beloved Mamang, who is still spry and active as ever at 94!

John's special guests were officers from the Lancaster Group, one of the country's fastest growing property developers, who are all set to fully develop 87 hectares, including John's property, Oroland, in the southern part of the city; envisioned to provide the lifestyle that Bacolod truly deserves.

Wow, John, you are truly lucky and blessed. I guess when a person is as kind and wonderful as you are, good things do happen. HAPPY BIRTHDAY, JOHN!*

Behind the Scenes with Ivy Visitacion

There is nothing as pleasurable as spending a summer afternoon in a lovely garden. It is even more delightful if it is with your friends and fellow garden lovers.

The Negros Occidental Garden Club’s Sampaguita Group decided to hold their special presentation recently at the enchanting garden of Linda and Emy Yulo, with its lush, verdant plants all around the inviting swimming pool. The attendance was amazing as the huge number of guests filled the lanai, spilling out to the serenity of the green grassy area.

The Sampaguita Group is chaired by Tess Yusay, with Mepa Conde, 1st vice chair, and Robert Harland, 2nd vice chair; and Linda Yulo, Ivy Visitacion, Gloria Gensoli, Mely Gonzales, Hazel Guerrero, Emma Montinola, Mercy Lopez, Hazel Stuart, Perla Leonardia and Julie Carbon, as members. All cooperated in making the presentation a successful affair.

For entertainment, Robert suggested that the members lip-synch and dance to “I Enjoy Being A Girl”, that the members enthusiastically endorsed. Linda took care of the merienda cena while the rest helped in gathering garden decors for the presentation theme “Decors for a Garden”.

Everyone enjoyed the divinely-inspired cuisine, courtesy of Wacky’s, that was arrayed on the buffet. A decadent chocolate cake was served for the May birthday celebrants, represented by Mila Chiu. As the afternoon sun began to settle in the horizon, the guests slowly dispersed, still raving about what a great time they had.

Thank you and kudos to the Sampaguita Group!*

Behind the Scenes with Ivy Visitacion

 There is something very special when friends you haven’t seen in a long while appear out of the blue to surprise you.

Our dear friend, Sanchit Bayani Conway, a former Bacolod media practitioner, gave us a big thrill when she suddenly showed up after living so many years in her beloved Sydney, Australia. On her first night, she met with old friends Bing and Ray Ascalon and yours truly, for a memorable dinner at L’Fisher Hotel, where we recalled our former escapades, remembering media friends from the past, who were still alive and some who had passed away.

She couldn’t get over the fantastic changes in Bacolod where we used to have our favorite nightly haunts during our younger days. We decided to end the evening with a nightcap at Calea for some yummy treats, when we happily ran into our former “barkada”, Congressman Bing Leonardia, who was there with wife Elsa. He could hardly believe his eyes on seeing Sanchit after all this time.

The next evening, we had dinner at Kai Sei with colleagues, Ninfa and Perla Leonardia together with Carla Gomez, who all raved over how young Sanchit has remained through the years. She hasn’t changed a bit – still a riot despite living a very comfortable (and wealthy?) life in Australia. Our laughter and chatter lasted well into the night until we found ourselves the last customers in the restaurant. We ended with a nightcap at Felicia’s where we gorged on sinfully delicious desserts.

On Sanchit’s last night, we had a most enjoyable “despedida” dinner at the Lobatons’ where Sanchit was staying. Other guests at the party were her relatives and friends who have not seen her in a long time. We all enjoyed the specially-prepared dishes and, of course, the incomparable lechon, that makes any dinner a celebration.

Bon voyage, dear Sanchit. Until we meet again.*

Behind the Scenes with Ivy Visitacion

We were there to witness the Gala Night of the Negros Occidental High School Class ’64 Golden Jubilee, held recently at the grand ballroom of L’Fisher Hotel in Bacolod City.

This was sponsored by the International Chapter of the Alumni, whose members were there in full force. Everyone was dressed to kill with their elegant gowns for the ladies and suits or barongs for the gentlemen. The venue was fully decorated with giant MassKara masks, courtesy of ABS-CBN, whose personnel produced the show for their former manager, Bing Ascalon, president of the NOHS Class ’64 for the Golden Jubilee.

The colors and the lights set the mood. The Gala Night was the culmination of the eight days celebration of the Jubilee, filled with sports games, parties, picnics, dancing, etc., that the alumni enjoyed to the max.

And now, the alumni gathered for the last time to see their old classmates who were older and grayer but still, young at heart. There were endless photo ops to remember this moment by as they enjoyed the spirit of camaraderie and fellowship that permeated the gathering.

Stories of their escapades during their high schooldays were told and retold. It was a poignant, transcendent journey to the past. Were they really that young and foolish? Laughter filled each table as the ‘young once’ recalled the golden days of their youth. The music of the 60s filled the room, enhancing their recollection of their memories.

Dinner was a gustatory experience with scrumptious dishes enjoyed by all. The guest speaker was supposed to be Ambassador Carmelita Salas, whose speech was read for her by her son, Rafael Miguel Salas. He charmed everyone with his engaging personality and movie star looks. Entertainment was provided by the MassKara Electric dancers, with special dance numbers by the local and international alumni chapters. After the program, everyone let their hair down and danced, danced, danced!

Wotta night! Kudos to the organizers for a most successful Golden Jubilee!*

Behind the Scenes with Ivy Visitacion

My favorite young couple, Kitkat (Leonardia) and Koi Valenzuela, recently held the baptism of their cute baby boy (their first), at the Silay San Diego pro Cathedral. The name they gave to their son is Kairi. Such an unusual name for an adorable baby boy.

Fr. Raphael Babano, greeted all the guests who attended the baptism. Baby Kairi, who was lovingly carried by Dad Koi all throughout the baptism rite, cried loudly, showing what strong lungs he had. It was only when his Lola Ninfa Leonardia cradled him in her arms did he stop crying, to the delight of the crowd composed of family and friends.

After it was all over, everyone converged at their lovely home, which was refreshingly cool from the trees that abound in the garden. A pleasant gentle breeze cooled the guests, who settled down on the outdoor tables and chairs for the scrumptious merienda cena of Mongolian barbecue buffet, that everyone loved and, of course, the ubiquitous crispy lechon that added a festive touch to the meal.

I got a chance to talk with Koi's mom Carol, who told me that they were so glad to be here and get away from the debilitating heat of Manila, with its monstrous traffic, air and noise pollution, etc. Listening to her, I realized how lucky we were here in the province with our laidback lifestyle, fresh air and delicious food.

Welcome to the Christian world, Kairi! *