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| Behind the Scenes with Ivy Visitacion |
Christmas came early to the members of the Negros Occidental Garden Club when they held a most exciting and enjoyable Christmas celebration and induction of officers recently at the Grand Ballroom of the Bacolod Pavillon Hotel.
Attire was strictly formal and everyone came in their most elegant and glamorous evening gowns with shimmering jewelry for the ladies and coat and tie or barong for the gentlemen. The Pavillon’s grand ballroom was bathed in glimmering lights with Christmas decors artfully displayed all over.
Dinner was served after the first part of the induction program was over. A wide array of delectable dishes gave us all a hearty dining experience. Aside from the lavish spread, there were four lechons so divinely crispy that diets and trim figures were quickly forgotten. It was obvious that those who came in their form-fitting gowns found it hard to exhale!
Bacolod Mayor Monico Puentevella, who came with wife Patching, was the inducting officer and guest speaker. After the new officers were inducted, outgoing past president Lourdes Mercado gave a farewell speech that had a tinge of nostalgia. The new president, Carissa Maalat, delivered her acceptance speech filled with vigor and a promise of exciting new things to come.
The members enjoyed the presentation of awards for perfect attendance, most number of groups, etc. In his speech, Puentevella invited the club to help the city in the forthcoming APEC affair next year, and the club members vigorously applauded the invitation.
The mood suddenly perked up during the Part 2 of the program, on the theme “An Enchanted Evening”. Gloria Gensoli and partner made the audience swoon with their sensuous and artful display of terpsichorean skills in “Night & Day”. This was followed by the NOGC Chorale’s rendition of “Some Enchanted Evening”, while beautiful NOGC ladies gave a dazzling fashion show wearing their glamorous attire.
It was like you were in Broadway with the presentations by various groups. The grand finale was the dramatic entrance of Santa Claus laden with gifts. A most fun-filled exchanging of gifts highlighted the program.
Wotta show! Kudos to the organizers for a very successful affair! MERRY CHRISTMAS to all!*
