Titas de Bacolod

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!*

Behind the Scenes with Ivy Visitacion

It was an experience not easily forgotten. This was the Inaugural Bacolod Tango Blitz held recently at Ambiance, Bacolod Pavillon.

Guest performers were the Argentine couple from Buenos Aires: Analia Carreño, she with the “body-to-die-for”, and Luis Ramirez, he with the “looks that could kill”. The place was soon filled with Bacolod’s glamorous set who came in full force. The ladies in elegant evening attire, bedecked in sparkling jewelry, all eager to see the masters of Argentine Tango perform the “world’s most passionate and sophisticated dance”.

Soon, the lights focused on the dance floor and there they were - Analia looked luminescent and radiant in a form-fitting shimmering gown that showed every curve, every line of her incredible figure. Luis looked like a dashing and debonair Steven Seagal in his tuxedo.

As they slowly began their dance, we could see why the tango is also called “the dance of seduction”. Every look or movement is filled with intense passion. The experience is one of those “ahhh” moments – you just can’t quite figure out what you’re seeing, yet you marvel.

While we sat in rapture, we were visually dazzled and wildly entertained by the spectacular movements of the two artists. A collective gasp of terror erupted from the audience when Luis twirled Analia way up above him and suddenly caught her in mid-air, holding her suspended on his upraised left arm with such mastery of style that one slip would surely have catastrophic consequences. It looked so dramatically effortless that the audience forgot to breathe!

Wotta show! Kudos to the organizers for an exhausting but totally exhilarating evening!*

Behind the Scenes with Ivy Visitacion

He is one of the most popular guys in Bacolod. Everyone loves former congressman John Orola. He oozes charm, laughter, intelligence, pizzazz, sex appeal (?) and so much more.

So, on his birthday recently, he was honored with a big surprise birthday bash by his loving family at Imelda's Restaurant in Bacolod. The place was swinging with music and excitement by the time we arrived. It was packed wall-to-wall with people: John's big family, friends, admirers, business partners, supporters and fans. Sister Fanny Balenia was the perfect emcee with her Chicago accent.

An upbeat 3-pc band set the mood for the evening with excellent performances by gifted local performers. But the one who brought the house down was a charismatic tall young tenor, Nic Norman Tugaff, who sang classical songs and other favorites, like “Nessun Dorma”, “Mutya ng Pasig” and many more, with an unusually powerful voice that rocked the entire room at the loudest decibels you can imagine. Each song was met with rapturous applause from the audience.

Dinner was a plethora of mouth-watering dishes that created havoc with our waistlines. Then John took center stage as he belted out his signature songs to the delight of the audience. Happiness was written all over his face as he blew the candle on the huge birthday cake, together with his beloved Mamang, who is still spry and active as ever at 94!

John's special guests were officers from the Lancaster Group, one of the country's fastest growing property developers, who are all set to fully develop 87 hectares, including John's property, Oroland, in the southern part of the city; envisioned to provide the lifestyle that Bacolod truly deserves.

Wow, John, you are truly lucky and blessed. I guess when a person is as kind and wonderful as you are, good things do happen. HAPPY BIRTHDAY, JOHN!*

Behind the Scenes with Ivy Visitacion

There is nothing as pleasurable as spending a summer afternoon in a lovely garden. It is even more delightful if it is with your friends and fellow garden lovers.

The Negros Occidental Garden Club’s Sampaguita Group decided to hold their special presentation recently at the enchanting garden of Linda and Emy Yulo, with its lush, verdant plants all around the inviting swimming pool. The attendance was amazing as the huge number of guests filled the lanai, spilling out to the serenity of the green grassy area.

The Sampaguita Group is chaired by Tess Yusay, with Mepa Conde, 1st vice chair, and Robert Harland, 2nd vice chair; and Linda Yulo, Ivy Visitacion, Gloria Gensoli, Mely Gonzales, Hazel Guerrero, Emma Montinola, Mercy Lopez, Hazel Stuart, Perla Leonardia and Julie Carbon, as members. All cooperated in making the presentation a successful affair.

For entertainment, Robert suggested that the members lip-synch and dance to “I Enjoy Being A Girl”, that the members enthusiastically endorsed. Linda took care of the merienda cena while the rest helped in gathering garden decors for the presentation theme “Decors for a Garden”.

Everyone enjoyed the divinely-inspired cuisine, courtesy of Wacky’s, that was arrayed on the buffet. A decadent chocolate cake was served for the May birthday celebrants, represented by Mila Chiu. As the afternoon sun began to settle in the horizon, the guests slowly dispersed, still raving about what a great time they had.

Thank you and kudos to the Sampaguita Group!*

Behind the Scenes with Ivy Visitacion

 There is something very special when friends you haven’t seen in a long while appear out of the blue to surprise you.

Our dear friend, Sanchit Bayani Conway, a former Bacolod media practitioner, gave us a big thrill when she suddenly showed up after living so many years in her beloved Sydney, Australia. On her first night, she met with old friends Bing and Ray Ascalon and yours truly, for a memorable dinner at L’Fisher Hotel, where we recalled our former escapades, remembering media friends from the past, who were still alive and some who had passed away.

She couldn’t get over the fantastic changes in Bacolod where we used to have our favorite nightly haunts during our younger days. We decided to end the evening with a nightcap at Calea for some yummy treats, when we happily ran into our former “barkada”, Congressman Bing Leonardia, who was there with wife Elsa. He could hardly believe his eyes on seeing Sanchit after all this time.

The next evening, we had dinner at Kai Sei with colleagues, Ninfa and Perla Leonardia together with Carla Gomez, who all raved over how young Sanchit has remained through the years. She hasn’t changed a bit – still a riot despite living a very comfortable (and wealthy?) life in Australia. Our laughter and chatter lasted well into the night until we found ourselves the last customers in the restaurant. We ended with a nightcap at Felicia’s where we gorged on sinfully delicious desserts.

On Sanchit’s last night, we had a most enjoyable “despedida” dinner at the Lobatons’ where Sanchit was staying. Other guests at the party were her relatives and friends who have not seen her in a long time. We all enjoyed the specially-prepared dishes and, of course, the incomparable lechon, that makes any dinner a celebration.

Bon voyage, dear Sanchit. Until we meet again.*

Behind the Scenes with Ivy Visitacion

We were there to witness the Gala Night of the Negros Occidental High School Class ’64 Golden Jubilee, held recently at the grand ballroom of L’Fisher Hotel in Bacolod City.

This was sponsored by the International Chapter of the Alumni, whose members were there in full force. Everyone was dressed to kill with their elegant gowns for the ladies and suits or barongs for the gentlemen. The venue was fully decorated with giant MassKara masks, courtesy of ABS-CBN, whose personnel produced the show for their former manager, Bing Ascalon, president of the NOHS Class ’64 for the Golden Jubilee.

The colors and the lights set the mood. The Gala Night was the culmination of the eight days celebration of the Jubilee, filled with sports games, parties, picnics, dancing, etc., that the alumni enjoyed to the max.

And now, the alumni gathered for the last time to see their old classmates who were older and grayer but still, young at heart. There were endless photo ops to remember this moment by as they enjoyed the spirit of camaraderie and fellowship that permeated the gathering.

Stories of their escapades during their high schooldays were told and retold. It was a poignant, transcendent journey to the past. Were they really that young and foolish? Laughter filled each table as the ‘young once’ recalled the golden days of their youth. The music of the 60s filled the room, enhancing their recollection of their memories.

Dinner was a gustatory experience with scrumptious dishes enjoyed by all. The guest speaker was supposed to be Ambassador Carmelita Salas, whose speech was read for her by her son, Rafael Miguel Salas. He charmed everyone with his engaging personality and movie star looks. Entertainment was provided by the MassKara Electric dancers, with special dance numbers by the local and international alumni chapters. After the program, everyone let their hair down and danced, danced, danced!

Wotta night! Kudos to the organizers for a most successful Golden Jubilee!*

Behind the Scenes with Ivy Visitacion

My favorite young couple, Kitkat (Leonardia) and Koi Valenzuela, recently held the baptism of their cute baby boy (their first), at the Silay San Diego pro Cathedral. The name they gave to their son is Kairi. Such an unusual name for an adorable baby boy.

Fr. Raphael Babano, greeted all the guests who attended the baptism. Baby Kairi, who was lovingly carried by Dad Koi all throughout the baptism rite, cried loudly, showing what strong lungs he had. It was only when his Lola Ninfa Leonardia cradled him in her arms did he stop crying, to the delight of the crowd composed of family and friends.

After it was all over, everyone converged at their lovely home, which was refreshingly cool from the trees that abound in the garden. A pleasant gentle breeze cooled the guests, who settled down on the outdoor tables and chairs for the scrumptious merienda cena of Mongolian barbecue buffet, that everyone loved and, of course, the ubiquitous crispy lechon that added a festive touch to the meal.

I got a chance to talk with Koi's mom Carol, who told me that they were so glad to be here and get away from the debilitating heat of Manila, with its monstrous traffic, air and noise pollution, etc. Listening to her, I realized how lucky we were here in the province with our laidback lifestyle, fresh air and delicious food.

Welcome to the Christian world, Kairi! *

Behind the Scenes with Ivy Visitacion

The story of the Visayan DAILY STAR is well known by now. It is the story of blood, sweat and tears by people, who have printers ink in their veins. A more dedicated group would be hard to find.

And so, the DAILY STAR celebrated its 32 nd anniversary April 12 with a sumptuous merienda cena at its office in Araneta Street, Bacolod City. By the time I arrived, the party was underway, with everyone enjoying the delicious spread on the long table. A huge lechon was almost stripped bare of its crispy skin (why is it that this most in-demand part of the lechon is always the first to disappear?).

Seen hopping all over the place was our lovely singing diva, Token Lizares, who brought a mouth-watering cake to the party. Token regaled us with stories about her recent concert in Manila, that was a huge success. Congrats, my friend! We sang Happy Birthday twice since it was also the birthday of Glenn Leonardia (thanks for the lechon!)

Ninfa, Perla and Nena Leonardia, Buddai Piccio, and yours truly, had to leave the party for a while to attend the Anticipated Mass at the nearby church. By the time we got back to the party, a sing-a-long session was in full swing. Everyone had to sing (including Ninfa, would you believe!). We almost rolled down in laughter as the most libagon (out-of-tune) got the highest score on the sing-a- long! It was a fun session, indeed!

Congratulations to the Visayan DAILY STAR!*

Behind the Scenes with Ivy Visitacion

When the WOW ladies let their hair down and decide to have fun, you can be sure it will be a riot!

This was what happened during the first quarter joint celebration of the members celebrating their birthdays for the months of January, February and March 2014.

The summer sun was already high that early morning when the members swooped down at McDonalds East, wearing their dainty pink uniforms and startling the early morning joggers who were having breakfast there. The convoy of vehicles then proceeded to Baby Bonnin’s beautiful resort in Alangilan, the venue for the celebration.

A little bit of paradise greeted the guests, who raved over the lush green plants and trees, the inviting swimming pool that beckoned to all to have a swim, and the fish pond filled with colorful koi fishes, giving the place a rustic ambiance. We all assembled at the huge gazebo where the table settings were prepared by the waiters.

The aroma of the freshly roasted lechon filled the air, making our taste buds water. Our hunger pangs were titillated by the yummy peanuts, sweet corn, and all kinds of pica-pica washed down with ice-cold drinks. Lunch was a fabulous affair, with all the guests having their fill of mouth-watering dishes.

The fun-filled program was hilariously emceed by the wacky Brenda Tenk, who can outdo Ai-Ai de las Alas, Pokwang, Elizabeth Ramsey and all the comediennes combined. She’s that good! Laughter and squeals of glee filled the air as Brenda’s ad libs and antics tickled our funny bones, and brought tears of laughter to our eyes.

There were solo performances by Inday Pefianco, WOW president, Viol Caram, and a torrid flamenco dance by Baby Bonnin. Everyone joined in the games and dancing, that had the ladies acting like crazy schoolgirls. It was a scream.

Kudos to the WOW organizers for a wonderful, fun-filled day!*

Behind the Scenes with Ivy Visitacion

It was a “by invitation only” affair.

The occasion was the launching of VMC products at Tyrol Restaurant in 12th Street, Bacolod City. I arrived there with my good friend, Luci Lizares and when we walked in, we could see that the place was full of people: foodies, broadcast journalists, chefs, culinary arts students, etc.

European chef Michel from the Bacolod Academy for Culinary Arts was delivering a warm welcome to all the guests while explaining what the event was all about. Some ladies in the audience whispered that he looks like handsome Hollywood actor Matt Damon (!). Perhaps, he heard the remark as he blushed.

We were served a refreshingly delicious green-colored juice that was just right to cool us off the very warm weather. Soon, a couple of students of BACA demonstrated how to make a scrumptious salad with Victorias Spanish Style Bangus that was served to all the guests. This was promptly followed by a demonstration of Banana Bacon wrap using the VMC Bacon, that the audience gobbled up as soon as it was served. Other dishes, like the Chorizo Spider, Chorizo Patties and Spaghetti Arabiata, all using Victorias Food products, made an impact on the crowd.

It made us wonder why we still have to use imported goods for our special dishes when we have our very own excellent products here. The foreign chefs even declared that these local products are just as good, if not better, than the imported products they have been using.

***

The Circulo de Bacolod recently gave its yearly Gawad Bayani Award to outstanding students of various public elementary schools in Bacolod City for SY 2013-2014. The Award is one of the special projects of Circulo de Bacolod for the deserving students of the city.

The awardee must possess good moral and academic record, has exemplified the characters, traits, virtues, and abilities of becoming a transformative leader worthy of emulation, and must have demonstrated during his/her school life, a high sense of leadership and heroism, or heroic activities. Selection of awardees was done upon the recommendation of the teachers and principals of the schools.

The student awardees each received a beautiful medal and a cash prize of P2,000 from the Circulo de Bacolod. The awards were presented during the closing ceremonies of the selected schools.*