Titas de Bacolod

Behind the Scenes with Ivy Visitacion

A very popular lady recently celebrated her birthday and it was fabulous!

Looking regal and sublimely happy, our birthday celebrator, Mely Gonzales of Mely’s Garden Restaurant, greeted her numerous friends, and well-wishers, who trooped to their favorite restaurant to greet her on her natal day.

The place was bursting at the seams with people, undisputed proof of Mely’s popularity and esteem. Members of Bacolod’s social scene, including the WOW Ladies, led by Inday Pefianco, were there in full force to enliven the day for the celebrator and make the occasion really special. Excited voices and deafening laughter filled the room as everyone enjoyed the expertly-crafted delicacies that kept coming in from the kitchen. It was gastronomic heaven!

There was that atmosphere of fellowship and delightful sociability which makes a party a delightful celebration. Everybody was so merry and so filled with the joy of living. What a scene! This gorgeous group of ladies in Bacolod really know how to have a good time.

Through it all, our Mely made every guest feel welcome as she flitted from table to table with aplomb and her great big smile, urging each one to have some more of the never-ending, mouth-watering dishes that kept appearing at the buffet. The afternoon sun was gently setting in the horizon when we decided to call it a day.

After this swanky soiree, we can truly call our Mely, “The host with the most!” HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MELY!*

Behind the Scenes with Ivy Visitacion

It was an evening of elegance when the Zonta Club of Bacolod held the induction of officers for 2014-2016 and the new members at the Nature's Village in Talisay City, Negros Occidental, recently.

There was a distinct note of refined taste all throughout the evening. Zontians and guests came in their finest Filipiniana attire, complete with sparkling jewelry, while the men looked dashing in their barongs. The dining hall was bathed in soft light to dramatic effect.

Gleaming cutlery was complemented by dainty napkins while each table had a centerpiece filled with foliage. Each guest was warmly welcomed by the Zontians as they were ushered to their tables. Dinner was absolutely divine. Everyone enjoyed themselves as they savored expertly-crafted dishes especially concocted for the occasion.

The induction of new members was officiated by Dr. Flor Miel of Zonta Club of Cebu II, while the induction and installation of officers was officiated by Elena Chiongbian-Young, also of Zonta Club of Cebu II. Negros Occidental first lady, Dr. Marilyn Marañon, delivered an inspiring acceptance speech after her induction as the new club president, where she revealed her plans and dreams for the club. Her husband, Gov. Alfredo Marañon Jr., was wildly applauded when he presented her with a beautiful bouquet of flowers after her speech.

The other officers are Suzette Lacson - vice president, Edna Pahilanga - secretary, Carissa Maalat - treasurer, Belen Elizalde - auditor, and Manon Hernaez, Lina Lim, Laniebelle Javelosa and Nina Arceo - directors.

The guest speaker, Chiongbian-Young, impressed the audience with her eloquent and enlightening speech on what it means to be a Zontian. Guests commented on how well-organized the entire affair was. Kudos to the organizers for a terrific job. Well done!*

Behind the Scenes with Ivy Visitacion

It was an experience not easily forgotten. This was the Inaugural Bacolod Tango Blitz held recently at Ambiance, Bacolod Pavillon.

Guest performers were the Argentine couple from Buenos Aires: Analia Carreño, she with the “body-to-die-for”, and Luis Ramirez, he with the “looks that could kill”. The place was soon filled with Bacolod’s glamorous set who came in full force. The ladies in elegant evening attire, bedecked in sparkling jewelry, all eager to see the masters of Argentine Tango perform the “world’s most passionate and sophisticated dance”.

Soon, the lights focused on the dance floor and there they were - Analia looked luminescent and radiant in a form-fitting shimmering gown that showed every curve, every line of her incredible figure. Luis looked like a dashing and debonair Steven Seagal in his tuxedo.

As they slowly began their dance, we could see why the tango is also called “the dance of seduction”. Every look or movement is filled with intense passion. The experience is one of those “ahhh” moments – you just can’t quite figure out what you’re seeing, yet you marvel.

While we sat in rapture, we were visually dazzled and wildly entertained by the spectacular movements of the two artists. A collective gasp of terror erupted from the audience when Luis twirled Analia way up above him and suddenly caught her in mid-air, holding her suspended on his upraised left arm with such mastery of style that one slip would surely have catastrophic consequences. It looked so dramatically effortless that the audience forgot to breathe!

Wotta show! Kudos to the organizers for an exhausting but totally exhilarating evening!*