Titas de Bacolod: October 2015

Thursday, October 29, 2015

Behind the Scenes - October 29, 2015 : An Evening with Korina

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”!*

Thursday, October 22, 2015

Behind the Scenes - October 22, 2015 : Dinner with Montilla Family

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.*

Thursday, October 15, 2015

Behind the Scenes - October 15, 2015 : Still Fabulous at 90!

Behind the Scenes with Ivy Visitacion

She stands ramrod straight like a queen with a regal bearing. She has a figure like a young lady of 20, her flawless skin makes her look so many years younger, her impeccable taste in clothes makes her stand out in a crowd. Her aura is the very expression of the vintage charm and gentility of a bygone era.

This is Nena de Leon of Bacolod City, our beautiful grand dame, whom everyone so endearingly calls, “Tita Nena”. Her 90 th birthday celebration was a huge success, with guests dressed to the nines, filling the entire grand ballroom of Bacolod Pavillon Hotel.

The ladies looked stunning in their formal evening wear with their blings glittering under the chandeliers. But the celebrator stole the show with her gorgeous beaded ecru attire, which complemented her alabaster skin to perfection.

Dinner was a fantastic array of superb dishes that made us forget our diets for the evening.

The program was hosted by Pinky Marquez, a singing sensation from Manila, who dazzled the audience with her inimitable classy style. She introduced a fantastic tenor from Manila, Ralph Dajao, who delighted the audience with his brilliant performance. Another guest was the lovely Cathy Melendez, who wowed the crowd with her crystal clear voice. What a show these guest performers gave!

Even the gentlemen in Tita Nena's family entertained the guests with a rousing number. They all danced with the celebrator, who amazed us all with her grace and stamina.

When the ballroom dance music began, the dancing crowd rocked the dance floor swinging, twirling, shaking like their lives depended on it. Wotta night!

Happy birthday, Tita Nena!*

Tuesday, October 13, 2015

Killing Lindy Locsin

People, Places

The last time I saw the late National Artist for Architecture, Leandro "Lindy" Locsin was in 1986. It was at the Maryville Hall of St. Scholastica's Academy in Bacolod where he was playing his heart out in an afternoon mini-concert. I regret not having brought my Panasonic recorder to immortalize on cassette Lindy's wonderful melodies. I said to myself, "Oh well, if I can't record his music, there will always be his architecture to admire."

I think I spoke too soon.

Lindy passed away on Nov. 15, 1994. Nevertheless, twenty years later, there are people killing Lindy Locsin. No, not the National Artist himself. I'm obviously referring to the diminishing body of work.

The Manadarin Oriental Manila, the Benguet Center, The Hotel InterContinental Manila, were all creations of Leandro V. Locsin. One is gone, one being demolished and another clearly in the firing line.

The Benguet Center

Sadly, this stately building, The Benguet Center, headquarters of Benguet Mining was demolished last 2011. The property was bought by the “good guys” and they plan to erect 3 twisting buildings in the area.

I remember the time when it was being constructed. Only the San Miguel Corporation was between the old Medical City and the site of Benguet Center. It was made using native araal stone. Among all the glorious buildings of Leandro Locsin, this is what moves me the most sublime manner. One has to be a Negrense to feel this. To see a modern building positioned obliquely and wrapped in stone that only comes from our native island of Negros, is a silent tribute to the what the province can bring. Araal stone from the sides of the Kanlaon volcano is the reason why the Benguet Center's color was so unique. In form, a mixture of cubism and flowing layers that only Lindy Locsin can imagine.

The remains of the Benguet Center. Credits to the owner this photo.

It was completed in 1983 and that building represented a vibrant sector in the Philippine economy back then. In fact one of the few vibrant sectors remaining since there was already capital flight by 1983. Only the mining industry and its gold was keeping the country barely afloat. That the building is a testament to the resilience of the Filipino is enough to cherish it. That it is a work of art puts it as a monument to that spirit is enough to preserve it.

It is now gone and an architect who admired the building so much was reported to have shed tears when he saw the most beloved creation by Locsin himself was being demolished. All we have now are the photos taken when it was still standing.

As for me, whenever I pass by, I cannot help but wonder what monstrosity will stand in its stead.

Mandarin Oriental Manila

The Mandarin Oriental Manila stands at the corner of Paseo de Roxas and Makati Avenue. Its facade no longer has the spotlights at night. Its lawn has gone from green to brittle brown. No longer will be a hum activity during the Chinese New Year. It is currently being torn down to make way for a new building.

The Mandarin Oriental Manila opened in 1976 just in time for the IMF-WB meeting. But even during its construction, while passing by EDSA, one can see an imposing building being erected.

The Mandarin Oriental Manila was called the “Cultural Center” of Makati owing to the many and regular cultural activities in the hotel. Its Chinese New Year celebration was an awaited event, also its Oktoberfest and numerous food festivals.

Personally, the Mandarin Deli is home to one of the best chocolate cakes I have tasted. It was so delicious and so sweet that it gave me a headache whenever I would sink my teeth into it.

The Captain’s Bar was the place where the likes of Kuh Ledesma, Sharon Cuneta, Martin Nievera, Gary Valenciano and even Ramon Jacinto performed regularly. Its list of guests included British PM Tony Blair, Neil Armstrong, Tom Cruise, Chuck Norris and Christopher Walken among others.

The Mandarin Oriental Manila also played a part in Philippine History. During the December 1989 coup, the Mandarin was one of the strongpoints of the RAM rebels. In fact, Mandarin not only had celebrities and businessmen as guests but also a battalion of Scout Rangers. The hotel was one of the three strongpoints by the RAM Rebels and the pockmarks of bullets were visible after that episode.

Mandarin Oriental Manila had its last guest check out on September 2014. The corner is now dark.

The Hotel InterContinental Manila

The Intercon as it was commonly known was the longest operating chain hotel in the Philippines. It opened its doors on April 11, 1969. A lot of people miss the fact that the Intercon was the first 5 star hotel in Makati. With 332 rooms, its restaurants such as Prince Albert, Bahia and Cafe Jeepney became part of the Makati landscape. And who could ever forget "Where Else?", where we swung the night away only to have to leave in a jiffy because of the martial law curfew (unless of course you were billeted for the night). And speaking of martial law, it was within the confines of Jeepney Cafe, where one could make contrary statements and criticisms against the dictatorship with then Defense Minister Juan Ponce Enrile in hearing distance.

Modest by today’s building standards, it was imposing in 1969. Right across it was the old Rustan’s Department Store, the swankiest department store in the country.

I wonder what it is with Lindy's structures that it figures itself in a coup d'etat. Another time, it was the 2nd strongpoint of the RAM Rebels during the December 1989 coup attempt that closed down the strategic Makati Business District. For whatever it's worth, Lindy Locsin's buildings have survived the crossfire of coup d'etats. Unfortunately, they are all vulnerable to the wrecking ball of "progress".

By December 31, 2015, the Intercon will be closed and will be demolished to make way for another mixed use building complex. Another creation of Lindy Locsin is to be killed, another work of art to be destroyed.

Three works of art. Three monuments to the resilience and best of the Filipino. They say that it is part of progress. But how do we really define progress? Is it just the accumulation of wealth and more money is better? Or is progress to be measured by the ability of a people to construct, erect and preserve the higher aspirations of its people represented by buildings that were created by an artist and participated actively in its development and history? It is time that we decide what is progress and what is retrogression. Once these buildings are gone, they are gone forever and those who remember those buildings will also be gone as mortals.

I can only say in our native tongue, "Ka nugon gid."

Farewell Lindy.

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Follow me on Twitter @TitasdeBacolod

Friday, October 9, 2015

Friday, October 09, 2015

A Bankrupt Memory Bank

Manila, People

Tatler PH cover : Imee at 60

(Disclaimer: This story is just about the wayward media and not about Martial Law)

It has been 29 years since they were chased from the palace. Amid a stream of discoveries regarding the unexplained wealth, more than 70,000 imprisoned, poverty level at 42% and thousands tortured and “salvaged”.

And now, instead of justice the son would utter that there was nothing to be sorry for those days of Martial Law, even peddling the canard that if his father were not ousted, the country would now be at the level of Singapore.

The surprising thing is that almost all of them are now back in elective position with Bongbong Marcos announcing his candidacy for the position of Vice President but with no declared runningmate for President. It is just like a woman declaring she has a fiancé but does not know who the fiancé is. That is how absurd this country has become.

The Wayward Media

But wait there is more! See the cover of the latest Philippine Tatler. Imee Marcos the Eldest but has shown no signs of aging. It’s OK anyway, she has the money to spend for all the upgrades. The cover says she is 60 but yes, still oooh lalala!

But even those who know the crimes and injustices are ooohhhing and aaahhhing! That there seems a dysfunction in our values system and a national dyslexia being experienced. The victims must be turning in their unmarked graves.

In fact, this will go viral since social media will weigh in on this very fast. There will be consequences. Maybe not violent and not hardcore. There those who remember and they may get back at Philippine Tatler one way or another. The Tatler which originated in Britain would not have issued an edition with Eva Braun after 1945. They knew there would be consequences. One consequence would be that the high end advertisers would leave Philippine Tatler for Town and Country, Metro or even Lifestyle Asia just to distance them from this faux pas. I can now see the smiles of Summit Media, One Mega Group, and ABS-CBN Publishing. Even BusinessWorld's High Life stands to win.

Perhaps, there was a lapse in judgment by the E-I-C of Philippine Tatler. A concussion caused by a helicopter crash is enough reason for this absurdity. Any which way, Philippine Tatler takes a hit with this one. Maybe this is what caused for the Memory Bank to get Bankrupt.

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Follow me on Twitter @TitasdeBacolod

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Thursday, October 8, 2015

Thursday, October 08, 2015

Behind the Scenes - October 8, 2015 : Mely's Garden is Back!

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. *

Thursday, October 1, 2015

Thursday, October 01, 2015

Behind the Scenes - October 1, 2015 : Dr. Ver's Grand Birthday Bash

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!*