Titas de Bacolod

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.*