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| 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!*
