Titas de Bacolod

Behind the Scenes with Ivy Visitacion

 The expression on her face was priceless. Linda Yulo looked so shocked that tears were welling up in her eyes when she walked into the room and was greeted by loud shouts and cheers of “Happy Birthday” from her friends and loved ones gathered there.

Days before, Linda's kids secretly contacted her close friends, inviting them to a surprise Hawaiian Luau birthday dinner for their mother at Sugarland Hotel in Bacolod City. They were all sworn to secrecy and amazingly, everyone kept their promise. On her birthday, Linda's husband, Emy, and their kids brought her to Sugarland Hotel ostensibly to have a simple family birthday dinner. She walked into the darkened room where everyone waited breathlessly.

Suddenly, pandemonium broke loose when the lights were switched on and everyone laughed over Linda's shocked reaction at seeing all the Hawaiian wahines greeting and hugging her.

It was the happiest, loudest birthday celebration ever with excellent food, upbeat music and the noisiest group of well-wishers ever assembled. Emy Yulo looked so pleased seeing how happy his wife was. There was an impromptu program where guests gave their best performance in singing and dancing, kuno! Even the beauteous Marlene Villasor sang a beautiful Spanish song.

I'm sure Linda would never forget this riotous birthday surprise ever. This just goes to prove how much this wonderful lady is loved by her family and friends. Linda, Happy Birthday!*

Behind the Scenes with Ivy Visitacion

 The Negros Occidental Garden Club put on a grand show during their Christmas party, held recently at the ballroom of the Bacolod Pavillon Hotel. Weeks before the event, club members had been rehearsing diligently with songs and dances for their own presentation. And all their efforts paid off on the night itself as the audience showered them with cheers and rousing applause.

The scene of the party was absolute enchantment with Christmas decors magically transforming the ballroom into a Christmas wonderland. The club members and guests looked so posh and elegant in their fabulous attires filled with glitz, sparkle and glamour.

The show opened with a processional of past club presidents, incoming officers, guest speaker and finally, NOGC president Carissa Maalat, looking so elegant in her bewitching evening gown. May Hanlon performed the doxology with her interpretive dancing of My Prayer. An inspiring invocation was delivered by PP Fe Remitio while Ilde Guerrero gave the welcome remarks.

Everyone enjoyed the festive buffet dinner of epicurean delights specially prepared for the occasion. A young tenor, Ralph Kalvin Dajao, stole the show with his magnificent voice as he sang beautiful arias which held the audience spellbound.

The club officers were inducted by Wilfred Ramon Peñalosa, Provincial Environment Management Officer of Negros Occidental, who impressed the audience with his speech which made us all realize how important it was to take care of the environment and what a wonderful job the club was doing in this regard.

The presentation of each of the six club groups was brilliant and the audience marveled at the spectacular show the groups presented, complete with fabulous costumes and props. Their performance was worth the thundering applause the audience gave. No wonder Maalat was all smiles as she gave her Christmas message, thanking everyone for their superb performance.

Christmas songs ended the program which was followed by door prizes and exchange gifts. Then, it was dance, dance, dance till you dropped!

Behind the Scenes with Ivy Visitacion

 Glamour, glitter and fun were in abundance during the WoW Club celebration of the fourth quarter birthday celebration and Christmas party recently at the Ambience Hall of Pavillon Hotel in Bacolod City.

The party was in full swing by the time Ging2 Puey and I arrived, with the sound of danceable music setting the mood for a delightful evening. The ladies wowed us all with their stunning holiday attire and jovial mood, making the evening so much livelier and festive. Emcee Julie Carbon started the games which had everyone rollicking with laughter. Participants competed fiercely like teenagers to win the beautiful prizes prepared by Baby Bonnin.

By the time the games competition ended, we were all panting to catch our breath from the exertion. Thankfully, dinner was announced and the crowd happily trooped to the buffet where a delectable array of party dishes awaited the hungry group. The birthday celebrators for December were called out front to blow the candles on their huge birthday cake, which was the decadent dessert for the meal.

The ladies wearing the most glamorous gowns were asked to parade before the judges, who chose the six winners: Edith Robillo, Blanche Lemoncito, Viol Caram, Cecile Smith, Mae Hanlon and Dr. Margie Nosce. The ladies sashayed around the room to show off their attire, which stood out among the rest.

After inducting the new members, WoW Club president Prima Pefianco thanked everyone for being so supportive of all the projects of the club. The mood turned wild with upbeat music and the members danced all night till they dropped. What a night!*

Behind the Scenes with Ivy Visitacion

 The invitation to the party was intriguing. It looked like a passport with a boarding pass peeping out of the envelope. Inside was an invitation to a “European Tour” of Remedios “Meding” Orola's 94 th birthday celebration at the Grand Ballroom of Sugarland Hotel in Bacolod.

On the night itself, the ballroom was magically transformed by designer Jojo Pastrana into a European-inspired travelogue with huge murals of Paris, London, Vienna, etc. as backdrop for the stage. The centerpiece of each table was a glittering crown adorned with dainty flowers and crystals that glowed with the lights.

Nat King Cole's “Around the World” signaled the grand entrance of the Orola family, greeted by applause from the guests. Suddenly, there she was – birthday celebrator Tia Meding, looking so regal in her elegant gown and silver hair. With a smile and a gentle wave of her hand, she acknowledged the cheers from her friends and admirers.

John Orola welcomed the guests and danced a waltz with his Mom while the other male members of the family awaited their turn. It was a heartwarming sight to see the love that the children have for their mother.

The other children and in-laws offered songs during the program, which was highlighted by a talented local tenor, Nic Tugaff, who sang opera songs ala Luciano Pavarotti.

Dinner was a lavish affair of mouth-watering dishes which everyone enjoyed.

Then it was fun time as the music was too irresistible to resist. Dance aficionados took to the dance floor with a vengeance. Tia Meding showed her love for dancing together with the rest of the Orolas.

What a special night for a special lady. Happy birthday, Tia Meding!*

Behind the Scenes with Ivy Visitacion

 It was a fun-filled evening when the visiting group of 65 graduating Australian high school students of Swan Christian College, Southern Hills Christian College and Ellenbrook Christian College from Perth, Australia, were entertained with a “MassKara Night” by former congressman John Orola in his sprawling backyard garden at Casa Orola, Bacolod recently.

The students and around 27 teachers from the three schools arrived in Bacolod a week ago as part of their schools' project to render community service and to foster a lasting cultural exchange between the young people of Neg. Occ. and Perth.

While here, they traveled in two big buses to Sagay, Isabela, Cabacungan, Tabao, Valladolid, etc. They painted an orphanage building, learned how to dry fish, cook Filipino food, wash their clothes in the river, harvest sugarcane and so many more activities which was a new and novel experience for them. They also distributed goods to the people in the community who deeply appreciated the kindness of the young people from Australia. Aside from these activities, the group enjoyed their outing at the fabulous Paradiso Resort where the huge swimming pool was so cool and refreshing under the hot sun.

After they got back to Bacolod, the girls had a beauty treatment at Ysabella's Salon in time for the party at Orola's place. It was a first time experience for some of the guests to taste the Filipino delicacy “lechon” (roasted pig), which they ate with rice, pancit and other goodies on the buffet.

Then it was party time when the Zen Band began playing. This is the band that represented the Philippines in the Asia Music Festival, and who wowed the audience with their music. This time, they wowed the young Aussies who rushed to the dance floor and rocked, jumped and gyrated to their hearts' content as they cheered the band on. The mood was electric and, pretty soon, everyone was dancing (even John's 94-year-old mom was grooving like a teenager!)

Wotta night! Mabuhay to the young Aussies from Perth!*

Behind the Scenes with Ivy Visitacion

 One of the nicest ladies around town just opened another branch of her optical business in Bacolod and her friends and loyal clientele were there to wish her all the luck in the world.

Our good friend, Dr. Rebecca “Dang” Filasol, was greeted with congratulations and good luck on the grand opening of her latest business venture, RG Optical, at the new 888 Chinatown Square Premier Mall of Bacolod. This is in addition to her optical shops in Robinsons and SM Bacolod.

Despite the morning hour opening, the place was already filled with her friends from the Wow Ladies Club, the Lions Sampaguita Club, and the Soroptomists. Other guests were Congressman Evelio “Bing” Leonardia, and councilors Em Ang and Caesar Distrito.

Dr. Dang walked in looking like a model in her stylish outfit (one of her latest purchases from her trips abroad?), greeting everyone with beso-beso y abrazo.

Her shop looked trendy with its colorful décor and brand new eye wear in the latest styles for men and women.

The blessing was officiated by Dr. Duds Somcio and everyone looked over the optical shop where a sumptuous merienda was served. The fashionable ladies oohed and aahed over the classic and hip styles of eyewear designed to delight the most discriminating taste. Dr. Dang travels abroad often to keep up with the latest styles in eyewear for her fashionista clients here.

We talked about the amazing success of Dr. Dang's optical shops in various malls in Bacolod and everyone said the secret was her terrific PR. Amen to that!*

Behind the Scenes with Ivy Visitacion

 Celebrated Indie film director, Brillante Mendoza, held the launch of two latest sensational Indie films, “Taklub” and “Imbisibol” at SM City Bacolod recently.

The Brillante Mendoza film festival and press conference was held at the SMBD main atrium, north wing, and attended by local media, Bacolod's culturati and literati crowd, and film buffs who have seen and admire Brillante's work. The presentation began with pre-show entertainment with music, provided by the Bacolod Youth Cultural Association Rondalla.

The host of the program was popular Bacolod talent John Arceo, who informed the audience that Mendoza is the first Asian to win the prestigious Best Director Award at the Cannes Film Festival, for his film “Kinatay”, which film critics abroad regard as an ultra neo-realist.

It was four years ago, also at SM, when we were given the rare opportunity to watch four of Mendoza's critically acclaimed, groundbreaking films: “Manoro”, “Foster Child”, “Kaleldo”, and “Lola”, which are all recipients of international awards. With the very encouraging response from the Bacolod audience, we went on to have special screenings of his new critically-acclaimed films, like “Captive” and “Thy Womb”.

“Taklub” would be very interesting for Negrenses, who also experienced the devastation brought about by super typhoon Yolanda.

Mendoza came for the launch with his lovely wife, Krisma. During the refreshments, Bacolodnons had a chance to hobnob with the guests and were impressed to learn that “Taklub” was screened in the Cannes Film Festival where it won the Ecumenical Jury Prize-Special Mention.*

Behind the Scenes with Ivy Visitacion

 This year's Garden Show of the Negros Occidental Garden Club was such a joy to behold. Held recently for 12 days at the provincial Capitol in South Road, Bacolod City, the show attracted a huge number of plant lovers, who marveled over the display of lush tropical foliage.

An added joy was the display of exotic orchids blooming in splashes of vibrant colors and various shades of pink, fuchsia, violet, mauve and lavender.

The show opened with a mass at the site, followed by the cutting of ribbon by special guests, Dr. Marilyn Marañon, Josefa Puentevella, Elsa Leonardia and Tita Nena de Leon. The members of the Garden Club, led by president Carrissa Ma-alat, looked so dainty and feminine in their Filipiniana attire.

An added attraction was the participation of the Garden Club members from Antique, Pavia and Iloilo. After viewing the fabulous array of lush green plants and colorful flowers, everyone trooped to the Pavillon Hotel for the sumptuous fellowship luncheon.

Bacolod is truly a city of plant enthusiasts, who flocked daily to the garden show to enjoy the serene ambiance of God's green creations, while showing great interest in the exhibits and even buying a number of plants to bring home, or to give away as gifts for friends and loved ones.

As in previous NOGC garden shows, the show this year featured a raffle draw where cash prizes and exotic plants were won by lucky winners. Kudos to the club's tireless members who worked so hard to make this year's garden show an event to remember.*

Behind the Scenes with Ivy Visitacion

 It certainly was a full week for us. The highlight was the 2 nd Negros Press Club Media Excellence and Rotary Club of Bacolod East Media Lifetime Achievement Awards held at the Social Hall, Provincial Capitol, Bacolod City.

The elegant social hall of the provincial Capitol was bathed in lights and the place was buzzing with guests in their formal attire, greeting old friends from way back when. Laughter filled the hall as stories about the good old days flew fast and furious among the naughty guys with their risqué jokes. There is never a dull moment when media folk get together. There was a touch of glamour with the appearance of the MassKara beauty queens Kennyveb Casabuena and Sam Gergiana Yu.

Ian de Ramos, the emcee of the evening, kept the program lively and fast-paced as he introduced the speakers and guests. There were cheers and applause as the awardees went up the stage to receive their awards. Gorgeous Yasmin Pascual Dormido couldn't help shedding a few tears as she remembered her Lolo the late media man Ramon dela Luna, who inspired her in her career.

Former media man Pete Rivera, who is now a Canadian resident, left the audience in stitches as he gave a long speech about his experience as a media personality in Bacolod. Elsie Jolingan, also an awardee, had to cut him off. My good friend Bing Ascalon and I reminisced about the days when we were so active in the local media. And now, to receive this award, was certainly meaningful for us both. Thank you to the Rotary Club of Bacolod East and the Negros Press Club for giving this recognition.*

Behind the Scenes with Ivy Visitacion

 “She's so much prettier in person!” whispered the people who were able to come close to famous TV personality, Korina Sanchez Roxas, wife of presidential candidate Mar Roxas.

Korina was in Bacolod to deliver Mar's speech during the City's Charter Day program, held at SMX. She explained that Mar couldn't come to deliver his speech as he had to rush to the victims of typhoon Lando, who needed immediate assistance.

Up close, Korina is smaller than she appears on TV and her features are softer and lovelier. Clad in a simple black and white outfit, her hair tied back in a pony tail with light make-up on her face, she looked so much younger than her real age. Earlier that afternoon, she made an appearance and spoke briefly before a big crowd at the SM atrium for the MassKara healthy baby contest, where the South African Ambassador Marthinus Nicolaas Slabber and his wife, Sumarie, were the special guests.

Later that evening, we met her again during the dinner party hosted by Dr. Ver Lacson at his residence for his special guests. We were already having dinner when Korina arrived from a brief meeting with some of their people in Bacolod. Dr. Ver attended to her personally, urging her to partake of the mouthwatering creations that were especially prepared for their gustatory pleasure. We noticed that Korina preferred to have the crunchy delectable salad rather than the calorific dishes on the buffet. (No wonder she has such a slim figure!)

The guests had a terrific time posing for pictures with the lovely Korina. After all, they whispered, “she might be the First Lady one day”!*

Behind the Scenes with Ivy Visitacion

 For days, our good friend, Ludy Montilla Lacson, was so busy calling up relatives of the Montilla clan to a dinner recently, to welcome Judy Araneta Roxas' sister, Baby Araneta Fores, who wanted to touch base with family members she had not seen in a long while.

Judy wanted to come for dinner but a sudden illness prevented her from travelling, and so Baby came instead.

I remember Baby Fores, whom I first met during a dinner hosted by our dear friend, the late Boy Montilla, at his sprawling garden a few years ago. She struck me as a very charming lady with the warmth and gentility of a typical Negrense. She kept raving about the variety of delectable Ilonggo dishes that filled the buffet table which everyone enjoyed.

The venue this time was the Molasses Function Room of Sugarland Hotel and by seven o'clock, the place was full of Montilla family members from all over. The room was buzzing with excitement as relatives loudly greeted members of their clan - some of whom they haven't seen in ages. You could feel the strong familial bond that held this family together.

Dinner was a mouthwatering array of specially selected dishes designed to delight the most fastidious taste. By the time everyone had his fill, Ludy called on Baby to say something to the clan. Baby spoke in perfect Ilonggo as she greeted members of their family and reminded them to please help their family member, Mar Roxas, in his campaign. It was a brief speech and the audience applauded heartily.

The guests lingered long after dinner, with politics as the main topic all evening. It was interesting seeing how the Montilla family members bonded together. After all, they have the same blood coursing through their veins.*

Behind the Scenes with Ivy Visitacion

 It was good news to fans of Mely Gonzales, when she informed them that her Mely's Garden Restaurant is back to its original location at 6 th Street, Bacolod City.

And so on a late afternoon recently, a big group of her friends and admirers trooped to the familiar favorite Mely's Garden with its Balinese-style décor. The soft re-opening was soon packed with her friends from the Negros Occidental Garden Club, the Wow Club, members of the Bacolod social scene and a big number of her loyal clientele, who had long been waiting for her return.

Mely welcomed everyone with her warm embrace and gracious smile. To some, it felt like a homecoming of sorts, seeing old friends and fellow food lovers celebrating a cultural fare of Filipino gastronomy.

The long buffet table, located strategically at the center of the room, beckoned invitingly with a cuisine that was designed to treat our taste buds to an explosion of exciting delectable flavors. My personal favorite was Mely's special dinuguan – the best I've ever tasted, which had me going back for seconds. It was obvious that each guest had a personal favorite among the Filipino dishes that perfectly fits our Bacolod laidback lifestyle.

The chica-chica after the sumptuous merienda cena lasted a long while which is not surprising in our usual get-togethers. We love to talk as much as we love to eat! Kudos to Mely for the re-opening of her Mely's Garden! See you there. *

Behind the Scenes with Ivy Visitacion

 It was a special day for Dr. Ver Lacson, when his loving sister, Cora Duterte, arrived from Davao to help him celebrate his birthday recently. On the day itself, the house was all lit up to welcome the guests. The party was in full swing when we arrived with my friends Robert Harland and Ditas Montilla.

Special guests were former actor Mandy Ochoa and businessman Stefan Mead from LA. The tables gleamed from the silverware and crystal glasses arranged so delicately, with the china on each table highlighted by objects d'art as dazzling center pieces. Thirteen giant Christmas trees adorned each corner, bringing a festive air to the occasion.

As usual, dinner was lavish, stylish and luscious. Cora prepared her famous super yummy pasta carbonara (a special recipe from her friend, an Italian chef), which had the guests coming for seconds (third or fourths?). Robert and I gorged ourselves on the grilled prawns bathed in lemon butter sauce which were succulent to the last bite. Nene Rojas savored the delectable Spanish dish, callos, which everyone washed down with the exquisite red wine that he brought from his own private collection.

After the guests sang Happy Birthday, Dr. Ver expressed his deep appreciation to everyone who came to celebrate the day with him. He was teary-eyed thanking his friend, John Orola, who has been there through thick and thin.

Everyone lingered over the after-dinner conversation, which was full of politics and the latest burning issues of the day. What a delightful evening it was, full of good food, excellent company, and gracious living.

Happy Birthday, Dr. Ver!*

Behind the Scenes with Ivy Visitacion

Visitors to Bacolod are amazed at our unique Sunshine Boys Club. This was told to me by a gentleman from Manila, whom I met during the joint birthday celebration of the Sunshine Boys, held recently at the Bacolod Pavillon Hotel.

He was so impressed by the vitality of the club members, who have managed to retain their youthful charms despite their advancing years. He was even more impressed when he saw the “boys” dancing with vim and vigor most of the night. “Wow”, he said, “how do they manage to stay so young and active?”

The party was in full swing as the birthday celebrators, Dr. Ricardo Yanson, Pompeyo Querubin, Drs. Serafin Jimenea Jr., Ed Mercado and Johnny Villahermosa, and Milquiades Benedicto were serenaded with the Happy Birthday song by the guests, composed of their family and friends. The evening's emcee, Monet Rojas, kept us all in stitches with his witty comments and naughty jokes. How can anyone feel old with such delightful company as this?

Dinner was a sumptuous feast of everyone's favorite dishes, washed down with excellent red wine that helped set the mood for a fun evening. The music provided by the band evoked memories of bygone days, with old favorites such as “Love Is a Many Splendored Thing”, “La Vie En Rose”, etc. The mood suddenly quickened with ballroom dancing music which had the crowd swinging, boogieing, and reggaeing in between the raffle, which gave away cash prizes, from P1,000 to P10,000, to the lucky winners. Too bad Ninfa and I had already left when our names were called out as winners. Better luck next time.

Kudos to the Sunshine Boys for a super fun party!*