 |
| Behind the Scenes with Ivy Visitacion |
For a guy who just had a triple bypass operation, former Bacolod Rep. John Orola looked the picture of health as he celebrated his 65 th birthday recently with his family and friends.
John's birthday party was aptly called, “A Celebration of Life and Thanksgiving”. His loyal friends and supporters trooped to Casa Orola to join in the festivities, grateful that John is still around to spread his jokes and funny stories that make him the life of any party. This is a guy who can really make you feel good and brighten up your day, no matter what your mood was earlier. He spreads sunshine all around.
The party was in full swing by the time we arrived. Casa Orola was jampacked with guests, who filled up even the backyard patio for a sumptuous alfresco dinner.
Happy birthday, John!
A week later, John hosted another big event, the groundbreaking ceremony of Hacienda Residences, south of Bacolod, a high-end subdivision on a 10-hectare property that he acquired years ago. On our way to the site, we noticed the wide and newly-cemented roads leading to the area.
The place was buzzing with activity and guests by the time we got there. After the blessing, John introduced the guest of honor, Ronald Lim, president and chief executive officer of Pacific Concord Properties Inc., the developers of the project. Lim told the audience why his company decided to invest in such a huge endeavor in Bacolod: because of the peace and order, the wide, wide roads with practically no traffic problems, the laidback lifestyle of the people, and the food, that he describes as “world-class”. The audience gave his speech a resounding applause.
Congressman Bing Leonardia congratulated John on his new “empire” which is a big boost to the development of the southern part of the city. Congratulations, John!*
