Titas de Bacolod

Behind the Scenes with Ivy Visitacion

 It was Kara Amantillo's dream to celebrate her 18 th birthday, complete with a cotillion and all the trimmings that make up a grand debutante's ball. Her first dance was with her Dad, Gino Amantillo.

The dream debut, titled “Kara, Legally 18, the Broadway Musical Night”, at the La Proa Ballroom of L'Fisher Hotel in Bacolod, was lovingly supervised by Mommy B-ging Amantillo and Daddy Gino, who made sure their debutante's party would be extra special. The party opened with a song from Cinderella, “A Dream is a Wish Your Heart Makes”, and the debutante entered – looking so radiant in her magenta red Johnjohn Ditching gown – escorted by her big brother Ken, and segued to an offering of bouquet by parents Gino and B-ging.

This was followed by the Cotillion Dance participated in by seven pairs of cousins and Kara's close friends. The theme of broadway hit, Phantom of the Opera, was choreographed by Lyndon Estanol, a friend and dance troupe barkada of B-ging way back in college at La Salle.

After the cotillion, Kara was ushered to her beautiful cake with her parents for the birthday cake candle blowing and singing. During dinner, Broadway excerpts were presented: Front act was Kara's first cousin, Gia Gargoles, followed by Broadway numbers, like Mulan's “Reflection” by Church choir mate Trisha Marie de Vera; “New York, New York” - a song and dance number performed by the father and son tandem of Anthony and Ali Visitacion; “Chorus Line” dance number by the youngest and so charming sister of Kara, Kyla Amantillo; “Sister Act” by Kara and her church choirmates.

The most applauded was the finale, “Dancing Queen”, a “Mamma Mia” Broadway hit. This was followed by the presentation of 18th Roses – composed of male cousins, male close friends/barkadas in high school and college. The 18 candles were presented by female cousins and close friends, who gave their wishes for Kara.

The first dance was from escort, brother Ken, second to the last was Lolo Ramon Arboleda, and the last dance was the most moving and touching one, as Daddy Gino wrapped his arms around the teary-eyed and happy Kara.

Her parents also expressed their joy and pride in their lovely debutante on her special day. Happy Birthday, Kara!*

Behind the Scenes with Ivy Visitacion

I can think of nothing more pleasurable than a small dinner party with interesting friends, terrific food and scintillating conversation to whet the appetite. This is exactly what our good friend, Robert Harland, hosted at his sprawling place recently.

There was a bright moon above with a gentle breeze cooling the air during the al fresco dinner at the patio, that was filled with lush, green plants (Robert is a member of the Neg. Occ. Garden Club). Our host welcomed his guests with sparkling red wine chilled to perfection, and scrumptious hors d'oeuvre, while waiting for the “entertainment” to arrive.

It was wonderful to see Jhay Broad (formerly Montelibano), who came with her Australian husband Kevan Broad. Another guest was our good friend, Donnie Poblador, and new friends, pretty Evy Holt and her handsome British husband, Richard Holt. On hand to welcome us warmly was Stessie Hecita and son Robert Jr., who livened up the party with his antics.

A small crowd of young people arrived which Robert announced, was to be our “entertainment” for the evening. It was the Maranatha Christian Academy Choir that performed delightful Christmas songs from their repertoire.

Dinner was highlighted by the Harland specialty, “Shepherd's Pie”, which everyone raved over. Kevan and Richard were absolutely bowled over by this great favorite of theirs. It was paired beautifully with delectable veggies. Dessert was a decadent trifle which Robert served with aplomb. Donnie had also brought delicious buko pie, which Evy thoroughly enjoyed.

After thanking Robert for the superb dinner, it was time to go. What a pleasant dinner party it was to savor and enjoy.*

Behind the Scenes with Ivy Visitacion

 It was a night of “denims, diamonds and dancing”. Bob Cuenca's rip-roaring 75 th birthday celebration at L'Fisher Hotel in Bacolod City was certainly an evening of pure delight.

When we arrived, we saw the A-list crowd greeting old friends, who were mostly clad in denims and some wearing cowboy hats. The ladies at the reception table invited us to add faux diamonds to our outfits and even our faces! All over the room, there was an endless crowd of ladies blinding our eyes with sparkling diamonds from their faces, down to their outfits.

You could see that the crowd was all set to have a rollicking fun time reminiscent of their younger days in ‘old Bacolod'. Bob and lovely wife, Agnes, were all over the place greeting the guests with hugs and kisses. Soon, the place was packed with well-wishers, who came to greet Bob a Happy Birthday, people who know how to party and let it all hang loose in the spirit of fun.

Excellent wine flowed freely as guests enjoyed their drinks with scrumptious hors d'oeuvre. Dinner was a masterpiece of dining pleasure as the cuisine was designed to treat our taste buds to a plethora of exciting flavors. We enjoyed a meal that was deliciously hazardous to the waistline. But who cares? It was Bob's birthday, anyway! Enjoy!

Soon, the music filled with danceable songs that became too tempting to resist and the dance floor exploded with dance aficionados, who were swinging, twirling, shaking and sliding to their hearts' content. The dancing crowd let it hang loose; dancing the night away till they dropped.

Happy Birthday, Bob!*