Titas de Bacolod: April 2015

Thursday, April 30, 2015

Behind the Scenes - April 30, 2015 : Garden Club's Exciting Outing

Behind the Scenes with Ivy Visitacion

A summer excursion is always something of a treat for the members of the Negros Occidental Garden Club. This year's annual NOGC outing turned out to be something of an adventure for some members. The venue was a beautiful rest house high in the hills of Mailum, Maao, near La Carlota City.

And so, on a bright sunny early morning this summer, the NOGC members, clad in their best sporty attires, bravely set out for the outing in a convoy of vehicles. Sounds of laughter could be heard as the members chatted away merrily during the ride.

The rest house can only be reached by a narrow stone road. No problem for members until, alas, one car got stuck not far from the house itself. And the rest of the cars in the convoy had to wait until the stuck car could be removed. What to do? Some more energetic members said they'd walk, but with the blazing sun and steep rocky road, most decided to see if there was a way of moving the stuck car. After a brief conference among the drivers, Filipino ingenuity prevailed and finally, the car was moved so everyone could pass.

On arrival at the venue, members who were ravenous by now, happily tucked into plates of steaming hot delicious local corn on the cob. Ahhh! Heaven! The members began exploring the site to find what lay before them. They soon gushed over the breathtaking views overlooking La Carlota on one side and Bacolod on the other side.

With members dressed in their beautiful outing outfits, photography was a top priority. Then fun and games emceed by the ever-active Zeny Guzon got the crowd in competitive mood.

Meanwhile, the aroma of a whole row of chickens being roasted over an open fire, stoked the hunger pangs of the group, who were by now exhausted from all the activity. Lunch was a mountain feast with the chickens cooked to perfection. The buffet was groaning with an array of favorite Pilipino dishes so dear to everyone's heart. Cool drinks were so refreshing to the palate. More contests were held until everyone was too tired to move. It was a shame to have to head back home but everyone agreed – it certainly was fun!*

Thursday, April 23, 2015

Behind the Scenes - April 23, 2015 : A Smashing 80th Birthday Bash

Behind the Scenes with Ivy Visitacion

The night sparkled with glitz and glamour. It was an evening of fine food, gorgeous ladies and delightful entertainment.

Ofelia Servando's recent 80 th birthday celebration at the newly refurbished grand ballroom of Sugarland Hotel in Bacolod City, was definitely a party to remember. The theme of the party was “Around the World in 80 Years”, which is so apropos as Ope has been travelling here and abroad so often, she practically lives out of a suitcase!

The hotel's ballroom was filled with name-droppable guests, who were stylishly attired in various costumes from different countries of the world. The ladies' blings sparkled under the light of the giant chandeliers above. Suddenly, the main doors flew open and there she was. There was a collective gasp from the crowd as an entourage of pilots and flight attendants, garbed in their flight uniforms, walked down the aisle to sensational background music. Guests oohed and aahed as Ofelia made her grand entrance in her Egyptian Cleopatra costume (inspired by Elizabeth Taylor?) to thunderous applause. What an entrance! It was fit for a queen!

The celebrator was welcomed by family members with a huge bouquet of roses and kisses. After the welcome address and opening prayer, a sumptuous dinner was served. The Zonta Club Choir entertained the audience with their ala Broadway songs. A surprise number was the rib-tickling “Prescilla, Queen of the Desert” by a riotous group of Servando nephews and grand nephews, clad in sexy colorful gowns and wigs. We just loved the sultry Argentine Tango number performed by Ope's friends and their partners. There were touching messages of love given by Ope's family members, attesting to their “Tita Diots” caring and generous heart. Prizes were given away during the raffle in between the musical numbers.

Surprise, surprise. A lively Hawaii 5-0 dance number was performed by the ladies of the Zonta Club, headed by its president, Dr Marilyn Marañon, to whoops and cheers from the audience. This was followed by a sizzling Caribbean-Boogie medley ably performed by Mila Moya, Carrisa Maalat and Robert Asoy. The stage came alive with the Aerobic Group of Shape-Up dancers choreographed by Ofelia Gonzaga. Dance guru Jubal's daughter performed a torrid Arabian Belly dance followed by more raffle winners and other numbers from other groups.

Finally, the star of the night, Ope, went up the stage and told us how happy she felt on turning 80. It didn't feel like 80 according to her, as she looked around the room filled with her loving family and friends. As a matter of fact, she looked forward to more celebrations in the years to come. Wotta night! HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Ope!*

Thursday, April 16, 2015

Behind the Scenes - April 16, 2015 : Birthday Celebration Cum Reunion

Behind the Scenes with Ivy Visitacion

Our dear friend Fe Villanueva has been living in the States for years. Most of her birthdays have been celebrated there, together with her daughter, Paula, and husband, Jerry Gustilo, with their kids and some members of her family, who happened to be in the States for the celebration.

This year was an exception. Fe decided to come to Bacolod to attend the graduation of her grandchildren and the family here planned to have an advance birthday celebration (Fe's birthday is on July 25th) and family reunion since a number of family members (children and grandchildren), from France, New Zealand and Hong Kong were coming. All of Fe's siblings in Bacolod were excited to join in the festivities.

The surprise party was held at the sprawling residence of Ann (Fe's daughter) and husband Alan Seago (who both arrived from France), at Villa Angela Subdivision.

It was hard to imagine that Fe was celebrating her 91 st birthday, as she has kept her patrician looks still young-looking all these years. The lady is not only beautiful in looks but her heart has remained kind and generous to all those who know her. I can vouch for that as I have been the recipient of her kindness when I stayed with them for a brief visit in LA.

The party was in full swing, complete with pabitin, piñata, and balloons that everyone enjoyed. Here was fun, super nice company, fantastic food and great atmosphere filled with laughter and shouts of glee. To top it all, another Luau party was held at the same venue last week, as a despedida party for Fe, who was again leaving for the States. What a memorable party that was.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY & BON VOYAGE, FE!*

Thursday, April 9, 2015

Thursday, April 09, 2015

Behind the Scenes - April 9, 2015 : Breakfast at Tiffanys-motif Debut

Behind the Scenes with Ivy Visitacion

Abigail Salem Alba celebrated her 18th birthday with a most enjoyable and unique debut at La Proa, L'Fisher Hotel in Bacolod City recently.

The motif was “Breakfast at Tiffanys”, a hit movie of long ago, starring Audrey Hepburn and George Peppard. Her loving parents, PNP Supt. Roderick and Leilani Salem-Alba, certainly splurged on their eldest daughter, having almost lost her to a serious illness when she was but a toddler. It was a glamorously formal affair with 250 guests, including Abby's ninongs and ninangs, executives and employees of ABS-CBN Bacolod where Leilani is station manager, relatives and close friends of Abigail, and her parents.

The guests, who were all dressed up in their formal attire, oohed and aahed at the magnificent décor, with the stage set off by a white trellis backdrop that looked like delicate lace from afar. There was a huge velvet sofa in the middle surrounded by all the favorite things a young girl loves.

At a signal from the band, Abigail's siblings made their entrance, followed by her parents and finally, the debutante who looked simply ravishing in her fully-beaded long evening gown by John-john Ditching, who also made Leilani's elegant magenta gown.

The program featured the presentation of 18 roses to the debutante by 18 handsome young men. There were giggles and teasing from the young girls as Abigail danced with each presentor. The popular Kulay Pikata entertained the audience with popular songs. Other special numbers were rendered by Token Lizares, Ali Visitacion and Marty Go, and surprise, surprise – Roderick Alba serenaded his debutante with a beautiful song.

Soon, the entire Alba family got into the act with a specially-choreographed number. Leilani's moving recollection about how they almost lost Abby when she got very sick brought tears among the audience. There was more dancing after the sumptuous dinner, with the young guests swinging to their hearts' content.

Enjoy your life, Abby. You are one very lucky and special girl! HAPPY BIRTHDAY!*