Titas de Bacolod: Events

Showing posts with label Events. Show all posts

Friday, November 4, 2022

Friday, November 04, 2022

Roli's Napoleones : The Original Dessert Negrenses Have Loved Through The Years

Word has gotten around that a food festival showcasing Negrense food is happening at the Hidalgo Drive of the Rockwell Center in Makati, Metro Manila. Dubbed as the Namit Namit Food Festival, this gathering will perhaps be the very first time the Manila-based people of Negros Island, the sweet spot of the Philippines, will be celebrating their holiday known as Cinco de Noviembre in Metro Manila.

If there's one thing we all know Negrenses for, it's their passion for rolling out the best food for their guests to delight in. I'm sure that all the best inasals will be out, KBL (Kadyos, Baboy, Langka), Kansi and other Negrense favorites. However, for this moment, I'm zooming in on what I've always maintained as the original dessert Negrenses have loved through the years - Napoleones from Roli's!

For those who haven't come across it yet, Napoleones is basically a mille-feuille (translated to "a thousand sheets"), layers of puff pastry with custard filling and topped with sugar glaze. It has been around that in the minds of the older Negrenses, there's only one name attached to it - Roli's.

Long before Negrenses capped their meals with chocolate cake and coffee, we were doing Napoleones with coffee. In those days people didn't care at all about their blood sugar and would have Napoleones with sweetened coffee. I personally liked the idea of drinking my coffee black, and munch on sweet Roli's Napoleones as a way to temper and balance out the flavors.

That's probably what I'll be doing again today as the Namit Namit Food Festival opens at 10am. I'm going to walk my dog to Rockwell and get the first box of Roli's Napoleones. Before I even bring the box(es) back home, I'm going to have an unsweetened Americano to go along with it in the park bench and savor all the happy times we enjoyed this delicacy with the family. Just like old times.

O te', dali na kamo sa Namit Namit.

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Follow me on Twitter @TitasdeBacolod

Wednesday, September 9, 2020

Wednesday, September 09, 2020

Titas de Bacolod is Back!

Art, Blog

Behind the Scenes with Ivy Visitacion

Titas de Bacolod is back! All the writings of Tita Ivy Visitacion will also be republished here.

Meet The Man Who Helped Marcos Bring Negros Island To Its Knees
Negros Island was in a woeful state at the eve of the snap elections in 1986. Negros as a word was synonymous to "Crisis" in those days. For the longest time, the sugar industry, romanticized by the well-heeled landowners of Negros and Iloilo, was the prima donna of Philippine ......Read More

Monday, February 15, 2016

Trading on Nostalgia: the February Visual Arts Scene

#art, Art

By Ma. Cecilia Locsin-Nava,Ph.D.

      Nostalgia or "the desire to return in thought or in fact to a former time in one’s life, to one’s home, or to one’s family and friends" binds the three visual arts exhibit currently showing in Bacolod. These are Wayne Lacson Forte’s “Ano May ReklamoKa?” which opened February 2 at the Negros Museum; DioknoPasilan’s “Locale” which opened February 6 at Orange Gallery and EdbonSevilleno’s “Glimpses of Negros” which softly opens on February 10 at MuseoNegrense de La Salle to accommodate special requests from friends who would like to gift their loved ones with an art work for Valentine where are works will be pegged down for as low as 10,000 a piece. Over cocktails on February 12 guests will likewise be treated to an interaction with Sevilleno who will demonstrate what makes him a watercolorist of the first order.

      Considering the millions of Filipinos abroad it seems inevitable that nostalgia would inform the works of these three visual artists despite their differences in personalities, backgrounds, and mediums and styles.

       US-based Forte uses oil in scenes of a bygone era color dealing with , among others, our history of colonization; Riyadh –based Sevilleno employs watercolors in capturing idyllic scenes of country-life in Negros before urbanization sets in and celebrates the eternal sameness of the ordinary in portraits of street people and sacadas, one aptly entitled, Ti, amo man Gihapon, as well as genre paintings that capture Norman Rockwell-like street scenes of Bacolod epitomized by one painting of chess playing in downtown plaza and the furious betting that accompanies it.

        Most poignant is Palawan and Australia-based Pasilan’s homecoming exhibitthat brings together past projects from Australia, Palawan and Bicol which captures, among others, a way of life that is long gone, namely boat-building in his native Santo Nino, which has since become a casualty of over-logging. This is symbolized by a new work done in collaboration with carpenters and craftsmen in the community where he grew up. Called “ The Santo Nino Project” this consists of a hardwood remnant of a long-vanished fishing boat which the resident craftsmen have turned into a sculpture ever since their wooden-hulled boats have given way to second hand vessels from other Asian countries.   This travel metaphor is repeated on the walls of the gallery with little boats carrying eyes of the artist’s subjects sailing into the horizon.

    Not unlike Sevilleno, Pasilan likewise shows like Rembrandt (who did self portraits in his old age many times over) a fascinationfor faces of old people illustrated in his “KinalawangnaLarawan” –iron dust portraits on archival paper as well as his ID photos of senior citizens in Bicol and Palawan.

     The Filipino as wandering Jew is a recurrent theme that runs not only in our literature but in visual arts as well. One reason is our world famous resiliency. As Pasilan puts it in his artist statement for” Locale”: “Some people find significance in a place. Others make a place significant. As an artist, both hold true for me. I am a wanderer who puts down roots wherever my journeys take me. Thus, in external exile I am always home.”

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Follow me on Twitter @TitasdeBacolod

Thursday, September 17, 2015

Behind the Scenes - September 17, 2015 : A Smashing Birthday Celebration

Bacolod, Entertainment

Behind the Scenes with Ivy Visitacion

The third quarter birthday celebration recently of the WoW ladies was another smash hit. The members, who were dressed to the nines, trooped to the Ambience Dancing Hall of Bacolod Pavillon Hotel for an evening of yummy food, exciting fun and ear-splitting laughter.

Seen among the guests were former Ilog vice mayor Mark Vargas, who was busy inviting everyone to his MassKara Fashion Show in October, and socialite Melinda Garcia, whom we haven't seen in ages.

The evening opened with a most thrilling hula hoop game participated in by most of the members who were divided into three teams. The aim was to pass the hula hoop from one member to the other. The team who could finish first won the prize. There were shrieks of laughter as the members squeezed into the hula hoops without letting go of their partners. The excitement got into a feverish high as the last members tried to squeeze into the hoops to win. The third team won by finishing in just over one minute. They were that good.

Dinner was a mouthwatering treat of holiday dishes topped by the ubiquitous crispy lechon donated by a birthday celebrator. The 3 rd quarter birthday celebrators were serenaded with the Happy Birthday song as they blew the candles on their huge birthday cake. We were so full that we could hardly join in the group singing which was quite enjoyable. The highlight of the evening was the ballroom dancing, which had the members swinging, twirling and dipping all over the dance floor all night.

Kudos to WoW prexy Inday Pefianco and special events coordinator Baby Bonnin, assisted by Babes Zola, for a “swellegant”, marvelous evening.*

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Follow me on Twitter @TitasdeBacolod

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Saturday, July 25, 2015

When Negros Island Became Poor : A Blessing In Disguise

Events, Food

There was a time when the wealth of Negros Island was legendary. It was a time when riches were brought about through the vastness of Negros Island's fertile land planted with sugarcane and aided by legislation in America which fortified the steady flow of sugar from the Philippines into the United States.

Those were the days in the 1930s when life on the island moved in cadence with the gleeful exuberance halfway around the globe in pre-World War 2 America. This carried on through the years, all the way to the early 1970s with only a disruption during the ravages of the Japanese occupation in the 1940s.

Even today, it is hard to come by an occasion when strangers in Manila would introduce each other in a either a social or business setting wherein when a Negrense intoduces himself as having come from the sock-shaped island, that at least one other person in the conversation would raise an eyebrow. It always happens.

Despite these stories, most of them fabled yet somewhat strangely not too distant from the truth, there really was a time when Negros Island became poor. In the cycle of sugar planting, there are two seasons in a year - tiempo muerto (dead season while waiting for the cane to reach maturity), and tiempo galing (milling season when there’s money for everyone due to the agricultural activity). This time, it was totally tiempo muerto. World prices for sugar had fallen and the industry was besieged to an oppressive environment under martial law. Negros island’s land lay fallow, with hardly anything planted on tens of thousands of hectares.

The Dead Season seemed the end of the happy-go-lucky days.

In reaction to this extended tiempo muerto, a strange thing happened. The Negros doñas often referred to as "Inday" when referred to by the hired help, gave birth to a movement which brought out the best of Negros Island.

Wives of hacenderos came to Manila, grit their teeth, and learned the rudiments of handicraft-making, quality innovation and design from institutions such as CITEM (Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions), the Department of Trade and Industry, and the Design Center.

Returning to Negros, the Indays worked side by side with farmers’ wives, teaching them how to fashion trays, bags, place mats and other clever items from indigenous material. Leaves, twigs, barks, grass, bamboo, all became source material.

Overnight, spare space within the large homes of these ladies became workshops in the egalitarian effort to create econmic sustenance for those displaced by the downturn in sugar farming.

From those literal homegrown production lines, the wares produced were brought to Manila at the Ayala carpark behind the Intercon Hotel in 1985 in what was heralded as the first Negros Trade Fair. The ladies themselves were the tinderas (salesgirls).

Politicians and businessmen alike look forward to the
annual return of the Negros Trade Fair to Makati

The Negros Trade Fair has come a long way since those days of 1985, when the first products of the women’s handiwork went on sale in Metro Manila. Today, the Negros Trade Fair has become an annual event much anticipated by the public and has become one of the top three annual fairs in Makati.

What started as an all-female group, the Association of Negros Producers (ANP), a nonstock, nonprofit group, and the driving force behind the past 29 Negros Trade Fairs, has proven that there was providence in the season of poverty in the Island. The movement now provides alternative work for thousands of workers who once had to only depend on sugar farming as a means of income.

Today, ANP’s 85 members includes a multipurpose cooperative offering opportunities not only to farmers’ wives, but also to out-of-school youth, and the unemployed. Members can be offered enterprise loans (P150,000 tops) and training, marketing and consultancy services to micro- and small-scale enterprises.

Oh, the providence of poverty. The silver lining in the midst of the storm.

Yes, there was a time when Negros Island became poor. The nice thing about it is that it brought out the deeper riches of Negros Island. No, not sugar. Hope, determination, vision, perseverance, camaraderie, and most of all, equality.

The 30th Negros Trade Fair

Thursday, June 25, 2015

Behind the Scenes - June 25, 2015 : Wow, What a Night!

Behind The Scenes, Events

Behind the Scenes with Ivy Visitacion

When two dynamic ladies, like Inday Pefianco, president of Wow Club, and Baby Bonnin, chairman of the Fellowship Committee, combine their talents and expertise in organizing an event, you can be sure that it will be a big success.

The Wow's 2 nd joint birthday celebration for this year was held recently at Ambience Hall of Pavillon Hotel in Bacolod. Despite the heavy rains, the ladies came in their Bacolod chic attire, all ready and willing to have fun. The place was all lit up, with loads of prizes displayed for the games and raffle.

Baby does have a knack for choosing the right kind of prizes that would delight the Wow ladies. The evening began with a specially prepared dinner of mouthwatering dishes, which everyone enjoyed with the crispy lechon, that was still hot to the touch. Diets were swiftly forgotten at the sight of the scrumptious array of goodies.

The program, hosted by Babes Sola, began with an exciting game where the contestants raced while acting out their favorite actions i.e. swimming, fencing, dancing, etc. Luckily, our group won and we got a load of prizes. Fun!

Birthday celebrators Cecile Smith, Inday Pefianco, Pacita Adeva, Lourdes Caram, Eva Cruz, Mely Gonzales, May Hanlon, Yoly Kilayko, Jane Lizares, Charito Parreño and Emily Zayco blew the candles on the huge cake after the members sang Happy Birthday. Slices of the cake were distributed to the ladies.

Judge Lorna Demonteverde looked really judicious as she inducted the new members wearing the judge's black robe. The raffle gave the members a chance to win exciting prizes, which had them squealing with delight. Then it was time to dance, dance, dance ‘til you drop! The fun-loving Wow ladies trooped to the dance floor shaking, swinging, tango-ing (!) while having a ball!

Wotta night! Kudos to the organizers for a really fun evening.*

Thursday, June 18, 2015

Behind the Scenes - June 18, 2015 : A Special Lunch at Chalet

Events,

Behind the Scenes with Ivy Visitacion

Recently, we were treated to a special lunch at Chalet Restaurant to “introduce a fresh menu of delicious and mouth-watering Filipino dishes”. When we arrived, the place was already buzzing with other guests - various groups of Lifestyle writers and bloggers, PR people, etc.

On hand to welcome us was Miguel Nacionales, Events and Marketing coordinator of L'Fisher Hotel, who promptly showed us to our seats, while the ever-attentive waiters handed us the menu. We were informed that they are offering 50 percent off on all food items during lunch, from June 12-30. How perfect for Father's Day so the entire family could treat their dads to a sumptuous noontime meal. They also offer the same discount for their Saturday dinner buffet for the month of June.

Everyone enjoyed the specially-prepared Filipino dishes featuring succulent seafood and tender beef, pork and chicken cooked to your heart's desire. The guests had a fun time sharing their orders with their table mates so no one would miss out on tasting the super-delicious dishes. It was such a pleasant experience savoring our favorite Filipino food with such a convivial group, whose laughter and chit-chat could be heard across the room.

No wonder our Filipino food now rates the world's second best food, second only to Taiwan. This is according to a CNN survey which was released recently. Now I know why I have always preferred Filipino dishes all this time. World-class pala!*

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Negros : An Island of People With Super Short Memories

To see Imelda at the food court without the pomp and splendor normally attached to her wherever she goes brought up a myriad of emotions. I felt a bit sad seeing this. It reminded me of my Mama's last days. But I quickly snapped out of that sadness because I was reminded of the incident two years ago ......Read More

Meet The Man Who Helped Marcos Bring Negros Island To Its Knees

Negros Island was in a woeful state at the eve of the snap elections in 1986. Negros as a word was synonymous to "Crisis" in those days. For the longest time, the sugar industry, romanticized by the well-heeled landowners of Negros and Iloilo, was the prima donna of Philippine ......Read More

Thursday, June 18, 2015

June 18 is The Day President Quezon Signed The Special Charter for Bacolod City

Bacolod, Events

June 18 is the day President Quezon signed the Special Charter for the City of Bacolod.

photo from Atty. Jocelle Batapa-Sigue and Martin de la Rama

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Follow me on Twitter @TitasdeBacolod

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Saturday, March 7, 2015

Saturday, March 07, 2015

How A Food Blog Easily Loses Credibility : Kansi As An Ilocano Dish?

Events, Food

One of blessings of social media and the digital age is that publication of an article may not have to take a week or even a day. There is no press production time to wait for. The satisfaction of seeing one's literary work is instantaneous by the mere press of a button. The obvious downside to it though is that in the flurry of churning out that all important post, the devil lurking in the details emerge.

Such is the case of a blog which on the page of it's Managing Editor claims to be "the best food blog according to Google". Philippine cuisine is enchanting to say the least, simply because of its diversity. Comprised by multiple regions, the Philippines has so many culinary offerings. In reviewing these offerings, the least a food blogger or an editor can do is to be adept with the regional origins of Filipino cuisine.

Take the example of this post recently made wherein Pat-Pat's Kansi of Taboy Servando was referred to as an Ilocano Bulalo soup. Well, the last time I recall, kansi never changed its place of origin. It was and always will be an Ilonggo or Negrense dish. To say that is Ilocano could be tantamount to saying Negrenses staple crop is tobacco.

Research! Research! My dear! If being adept with the regional origin of Filipino dishes is not one's strength, one should at least be a ruthless editor of his or her own work.

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Follow me on Twitter @TitasdeBacolod

Thursday, January 29, 2015

Behind the Scenes - January 29, 2015 : Norma’s Diamond Birthday Bash

Events,

Behind the Scenes with Ivy Visitacion

It was an evening of understated elegance, beautiful music and gastronomic delights. Norma Aquino Garbanzos’ 75th birthday celebration recently at La Proa of L’Fisher Hotel in Bacolod City was certainly an event to remember.

The elegant guests added glamour to the occasion, with the ladies dressed to the nines in stunning evening gowns bedecked in sparkling jewelry, and the gentlemen in coat and tie or barong. Even the décor had the right touch of class and refined taste with swathes of objects in delicate shades of purple peeking out every so often. A multi-tiered birthday cake was the focal point on the stage.

Norma’s siblings, who arrived from the States and planned a big surprise for the occasion, were there to welcome the guests while waiting for the birthday celebrator. Guests were served excellent wine while enjoying the old favorite songs played by the band.

Suddenly, the doors opened and there she was! Norma made her grand entrance looking “drop-dead-gorgeous” in an exquisite off-white gown with a glittering bodice splashed with crystals and beads vividly enhanced by a magenta stole, dramatically draped over one shoulder.

What an entrance! She was greeted with rapturous applause as she made her way to the stage where she was seated at the center. Monsignor GG Gaston gave the invocation extolling Norma’s gift of music to the people of Bacolod. Everyone sang Happy Birthday to the glowing celebrator.

Dinner was a lavish array of specially prepared dishes designed to delight every palate. The entertainment was a perfect selection of musical numbers - Juliet Benitez, a fantastic saxophone player who could sing “La Vie En Rose” like Edith Piaf (complete with a French accent!), and a child prodigy piano student of Norma, Mark James Desitone, who wowed the crowd with his superb piano rendition.

Norman Garbanzos delighted us with his brilliant piano performances of old standards, like “The Nearness of You”, “In Other Words”, “The Way You Look Tonight”, etc. Norma’s daughter, Sally, offered a touching toast to her loving Mother, who was almost teary-eyed as she thanked all those who “manipulated” (her exact words!) her birthday celebration.

Wotta night! HAPPY BIRTHDAY, NORMA!*

Thursday, June 12, 2014

Behind The Scenes - June 12, 2014 : A Glittering Zonta Affair

Bacolod, Events

Behind the Scenes with Ivy Visitacion

It was an evening of elegance when the Zonta Club of Bacolod held the induction of officers for 2014-2016 and the new members at the Nature's Village in Talisay City, Negros Occidental, recently.

There was a distinct note of refined taste all throughout the evening. Zontians and guests came in their finest Filipiniana attire, complete with sparkling jewelry, while the men looked dashing in their barongs. The dining hall was bathed in soft light to dramatic effect.

Gleaming cutlery was complemented by dainty napkins while each table had a centerpiece filled with foliage. Each guest was warmly welcomed by the Zontians as they were ushered to their tables. Dinner was absolutely divine. Everyone enjoyed themselves as they savored expertly-crafted dishes especially concocted for the occasion.

The induction of new members was officiated by Dr. Flor Miel of Zonta Club of Cebu II, while the induction and installation of officers was officiated by Elena Chiongbian-Young, also of Zonta Club of Cebu II. Negros Occidental first lady, Dr. Marilyn Marañon, delivered an inspiring acceptance speech after her induction as the new club president, where she revealed her plans and dreams for the club. Her husband, Gov. Alfredo Marañon Jr., was wildly applauded when he presented her with a beautiful bouquet of flowers after her speech.

The other officers are Suzette Lacson - vice president, Edna Pahilanga - secretary, Carissa Maalat - treasurer, Belen Elizalde - auditor, and Manon Hernaez, Lina Lim, Laniebelle Javelosa and Nina Arceo - directors.

The guest speaker, Chiongbian-Young, impressed the audience with her eloquent and enlightening speech on what it means to be a Zontian. Guests commented on how well-organized the entire affair was. Kudos to the organizers for a terrific job. Well done!*

Meet The Man Who Helped Marcos Bring Negros Island To Its Knees

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Friday, February 7, 2014

Friday, February 07, 2014

Behind the Scenes - February 7, 2014 : A Reunion to Remember

Blog, Events

Behind the Scenes with Ivy Visitacion

The Ruby Jubilee of the Riverside Nursing Graduating Class ’73 Jan. 29 to Feb. 1 was a most unforgettable reunion with the arrival of class members from USA, Europe and other places in the Philippines.

The organizers abroad, Necoy Lim, Beng Pido, and Lea Agudelo, and their local counterparts, led by Lourdes Lobaton, left no stone unturned to ensure the success of their much-awaited reunion.

January 29 was the day the members arrived. The scene was complete bedlam as they welcomed their friends with tears of joy, shrieks of recognition and amazement, and spent the day bonding again and touring the old familiar places. A fellowship dinner was enjoyed by all at Ading’s Pala-pala.

The next day, a thanksgiving mass was held at the chapel of their alma mater, Riverside College. It was another day of touring the new landmarks of the city. A sumptuous dinner was held at Aboy’s where they sated themselves with their favorite local delicacies.

The third day highlight was a festive lunch at Manokan Country. In the evening, a riotous Mardi Gras was held at Palmas del Mar, where everyone came in spectacular costumes. What a riot it was! Queen of the Mardi Gras was Yolanda Panes, who looked absolutely fabulous that evening. There was dancing until the wee hours and some members almost passed out from exhaustion.

The Gala Night was the finale of the celebration. This time, everyone came dressed to the nines in their best evening attire complete with bling-bling! After the delicious feast especially prepared for the occasion, Cristina Agudelo Dee, looking drop-dead gorgeous in her stunning gown, gave a touching speech that left the audience misty-eyed. She then entertained the crowd with a beautiful operatic song, followed by a show-stopping Broadway number “So in Love”.

The members paid tribute to their Manay Pamplona, who was their strict but loving “terror matron” during their student years. In response, “Manay” sang to her former students. A video presentation of their old school-day photos elicited screams of horror and delight among the alumni. Then it was time to dance, dance, dance “until you drop”!

Wotta night!

Thank you to you dear friend, Paula Gustilo, for arranging our invitation to this unforgettable reunion. I know the class will treasure the laughter, triumphs and struggles of their student days. Everyone declared that this reunion will stay in their memories forever.*

Thursday, January 16, 2014

Behind The Scenes - January 16, 2014 : Shirley's Birthday Bash

Blog, Events

Behind The Scenes with Tita Ivy Visitacion

Shirley Ledesma has been described as a force of nature, with such pulsating vitality that can erupt into rip-roaring laughter at any moment. To survive her friendship, you need to understand all her contradictions.

An active member of various civic clubs in Bacolod, Shirley is the one to call on when you want to get something done. She is also a loyal friend who will be there for you through thick and thin. There is never a dull moment when Shirley is around.

Shirley celebrated her birthday with a ‘Red Party' at the Chalet, L'Fisher, recently, that was attended by her family and close friends. Red was the color of the evening with almost every guest attired in fiery red.

Guests included her friends from Circulo de Bacolod, the Negros Occidental Garden Club, Soroptimist Club and her BFFs from the legal profession. From the DAILY STAR came Ninfa and Perla Leonardia, and Shirley's former student, Sheila Hinojas-Miled, who came from Paris with her hubby, Mourad.

After a scrumptious dinner, an impromptu program was held with Edith Robillo opening the musical portion with a love song. Other guests who performed were Viol Caram, who sang a Spanish number, Buddai Piccio and Pacita Adeva showed their dancing skills with partner Robert Asong. Des Mercado sang together with fellow Garden Club members, and a special dance number specially choreographed by Ope Gonzaga, performed by the Circulo de Bacolod group: Mila Moya, Vicky Angudong, Johanna Rabago, Blythe Balbin with Robert Asong.

Shirley's friends gave their own special messages for her birthday, including Luchi Sumugat, who delivered a passionate poem, “How Do I Love Thee?” Then every one let their hair down dancing the night away.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Shirley!*

Monday, April 22, 2013

Negros Occidental mayor to file claims vs Benedicto estate over PNB crop loans

Events, Negros

BACOLOD CITY - Pulupandan, Negros Occidental Mayor Magdaleno Pena, who manages the Montilla Estate that joined former Ambassador Roberto S. Benedicto in his single sugar marketing scheme during Martial Law but failed to earn anything, will intervene on Benedicto's estate proceedings to avoid foreclosure.

Peña’s lawyer Roger Reyes confirmed the chief executive’s plan to file the intervention after the elections in a press conference held over the weekend.

Reyes said that in response to the demand letters from Philippine National Bank for their crop loans during that time, Peña will file claims on Benedicto’s estate before the Regional Trial Court Branch 51 in Metro Manila, where the case is pending.

“A group of sugar producers especially the Montilla family has decided to take actions against the estate of Roberto S. Benedicto,” he said.

Reyes also urged other sugarcane planters in the province who are in the same situation as his client to do the same.

"Unless the sugar producers will take action to defend themselves, the PNB, which is now controlled by Lucio Tan, will eventually start foreclosing the sugar lands and other collateral for the crop loans,” he warned.

From 1972 to 1984, Reyes said an estimated P14 billion has been taken by the defunct National Sugar Trading Corp. (NASUTRA) from sugar producers through its single selling marketing scheme based on a research conducted by University of the Philippines’ School of Economics.

NASUTRA, then headed by Benedicto, was the buying marketing arm of the Philippine Sugar Commission (Philsucom) organized in 1977.

“What happened was no single centavo was returned to the sugar industry. That's why, until now, there are no new investments like putting up new sugar centrals,” he lamented.

He added that after Martial Law, sugar planters did not acquire new tractors because of uncertainties in the sugar industry in addition to the threats of Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP).

Reyes said Manny Lacson and Lopez Sugar Corp. were the only groups that filed intervention on the Benedicto estate proceedings with minimal claims.

These groups were able to get the records of the proceedings from the Supreme Court, he said.

Benedicto was among the business cronies of the late strongman Ferdinand Marcos.

-Philippine News Agency

Thursday, February 24, 2011

Behind the Scenes - February 24, 2011 : Judge Lorna’s 70th birthday

Behind The Scenes, Events

Behind the Scenes with Ivy Visitacion

It was truly an evening to remember. Many of the country's top judges descended on Bacolod this week to attend a board meeting of the Philippine Judge's Association. But they were also here to celebrate the 70th birthday and mark the retirement of Judge Lorna Demonteverde, one of the region's most distinguished and respected members of the judiciary. Retirement is compulsory for judges at 70, so Lorna's husband Judge Franklin and the family decided to mark this very special occasion by throwing a grand bash for Lorna.

And what a party. More than 300 friends, associates and well-wishers crowded into the beautiful setting of the posh new club house at the Costa Brava subdivision on Lacson Street. Guests enjoyed a sumptuous dinner prepared by the Bascon Hotel and danced to the music of the Checkmates.

There were many tributes from fellow judges and associates who praised her fairness and her dedication. One of defining moments of her career as a judge was when she settled a family feud of a prominent family in Bacolod that had been going on for twenty-five years, spanning three generations. After it was settled, the family’s 95-year-old matriarch came to Judge Lorna, crying and thanking her for settling the case. Judge Lorna said that after all these years she would miss the cut and thrust of judicial life, but she's looking forward to going into private practice. She plans to become a consultant.

Happy birthday to the Hon. Ma. Lorna Demonteverde: Outgoing Executive Judge MTCC, Bacolod City, Outgoing Presiding Judge MTCC Branch 2, Bacolod City.

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Follow me on Twitter @TitasdeBacolod

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Thursday, March 22, 2007

Behind The Scenes - March 22, 2007 : 'For he's a jolly good fellow…'

Events, People

Behind the Scenes with Ivy Visitacion

The grand ballroom of the Sugarland Hotel was the venue for the Thanksgiving Celebration of the Culmination of Sarabia Opticals Centennial Year and the 80th birthday of its chairman, Dr. Antonio Sarabia. The Mass was officiated by Monsignor Gigi Gaston whose homily was deeply appreciated by everyone. A huge crowd of high profile guests, relatives and old friends (some coming all the way from the USA), were there to greet their beloved Tony on his natal day. It's no surprise why so many love and admire Tony - he's a genuine people person. He loves life and eagerly grasps it with both hands outstretched.

On hand to help him welcome their guests was his lovely wife Nelly, who looked so elegant and stunning in her attire. (Don't you just love her Mona Lisa smile?). Nelly invited everyone to partake of the dinner. The buffet table was a mouth-watering feast of colors and flavors. Everything looked absolutely yummy! We thoroughly enjoyed the excellent red wine which flowed all evening.

There was a video presentation of the Launching of the Sarabia Opticals Centennial Celebration which was held at the Ayala Museum on Feb. 22, 2006. This was hosted by popular TV personality Korina Sanchez. A lot of VIPs graced the occasion. After the video presentation, a program was held featuring song and dance numbers performed by the members of Tony's family. A well-applauded number was their interpretation of the song, "The More I See You" (the Sarabia family theme song).

The children of Tony and Nelly gave a touching tribute to their parents. With Pancho Uytiepo on the piano, they sang their parents' favorite love songs of yesteryears. When their theme song, "A Love Affair to Remember", was sang, Nelly joined her husband up front and the two lovebirds held hands to the delight of the crowd. Tony had the time of his life singing their favorite songs. (The guy can sing!). A special number was presented by the famous Sunshine Boys who sang, You Are My Sunshine (But, of course!). It was heartwarming to see these aging silver-haired gentlemen sing with such gusto and enthusiasm. Personally, I think people like them will never grow old because their hearts will remain forever young. The dancing crowd had a ball till the wee hours. Wotta party! HAPPY BIRTHDAY TONY!*

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