Titas de Bacolod

Behind the Scenes with Ivy Visitacion

 Ever been to a well-dressed party where the guests kept laughing all night?

Well, this happened recently during the Sunshine Boys' joint birthday celebration at L'Fisher Hotel. Birthday celebrators, Drs. Ricardo Yanson, Serafin Jimena Jr. and Ed Mercado, Pompeyo Querubin, Judge Jesus Ramos and Milque Benedicto, were all a picture of sartorial elegance in their formal coat and tie attires. They certainly gave a party with style, even giving away raffle cash prizes from P2,000 up to P10,000!

Most of the specially invited guests were the WOW ladies, who came dressed to the nines, led by president Inday Pefianco. Wine flowed all night as the hosts mingled, making chica-chica and photo ops with their lovely guests. The always witty emcee, Monet Rojas, who was later joined by the equally witty, William Mirano, carried the ball all throughout the entertaining program with his adlibs and bon mots.

Even Bacolod Mayor Monico Puentevella sang, “It's a Wonderful World” for the birthday celebrators. This was followed by a special guest from Dumaguete City, Nene Belloso, who sang, “My Way”.

Dinner was excellent. Everyone enjoyed the array of superb dishes especially prepared for the occasion. After the meal, Monet introduced a very funny guest performer, Norman Mitchell, a stand-up comedian, singer and stage personality, who brought the house down with his antics and jokes. His side-splitting performance left the audience weak from laughing so much. He even got everyone to sing along with him (how on earth did he ever do that!), with the songs, “Matilda”, and “Day-O”.

I tell you, I have never laughed so hard at a party in all my life! HAPPY BIRTHDAY, SUNSHINE BOYS!*

Behind the Scenes with Ivy Visitacion

The moment I stepped into the Queen of Peace Parish for the elegant afternoon wedding of Erween Calvo and Jessica Ho, I was struck by how attractive and good-looking the bridal entourage and guests were.
         
Everyone was dressed to the nines - the ladies in their glamorous gowns and the gents in coat and tie. Motif of the wedding was peach and Tiffany green.
         
The first time Erween saw Jessica, he was gobsmacked by her beauty and he said to himself, “This is the girl I’m going to marry”. He wooed her until she said yes, but marriage still had to wait for another six years. Erween had to pursue his college course at West End College in London where he earned a postgraduate Diploma in Management Studies. In the meantime, Jessica left for the UK to work as a nurse at Clementine Churchill Hospital in London. Yet they kept their love burning brightly through emails, long distance calls, skype, etc.
         
Finally, the long-awaited wedding day came. Erween stood nervously at the altar as his bride walked down the aisle while a string quartet played gently in the background. The violin wrought its magic with the hauntingly beautiful love theme, “A Thousand Years” from the movie, “Twilight”.
         
The crowd oohed and aahed at Jessica’s fabulous wedding gown, highlighted by a giant petal skirt adorned with shimmering beads.
         
The wedding reception was held at L’Fisher Hotel where the guests feasted on superbly prepared cuisine while the couple made a surprise exhibition dance number. A most touching moment was the father of the bride’s emotional speech where he revealed that he didn’t want her to marry at first because in his eyes, she was still his little girl. But seeing how his daughter looked so happy with Erween, he reluctantly conceded, with a gentle admonition for Erween to treat her well or else, give his daughter back to him!

There wasn’t a dry eye when father and daughter embraced tearfully. They were soon joined by Erween in a group hug.

The couple will settle in London.*

Behind the Scenes with Ivy Visitacion

    It was time for the people of Bacolod to hear what our congressman, Evelio “Bing” Leonardia, of the lone district of Bacolod, was doing in Congress. His birthday celebration July 10 at the Garden Royale, Goldenfields Complex in Bacolod City, was a most opportune time for Bing’s State of the District Address.

    The crowd began gathering at the venue as early as 10 a.m. for the Holy Mass, concelebrated by Frs. Mao Buenafe and Belarmino Obordo. It was a heady mix of politicians, businessmen, academe, movers and shakers, media, civic leaders, supporters and well wishers, etc. A burst of thunderous applause greeted Rep Bing, who arrived with wife Elsa and daughter Kara.

    The program began immediately after the mass, and everyone was eager to hear the congressman’s report to the district. Bing began his report with a description of his assuming his congressional seat at the height of the PDAF scandal and the abolition of the pork barrel funds.

    Being a neophyte congressman, he said he refused to accept that “our congressional leadership would rise or fall on the issue of pork alone”. He then went from one Cabinet secretary to another, from office to office, seeking ways and means for the realization of a dream for a better Bacolod. His efforts paid off because while the lone district lost P35 million in PDAF funds for 2013, and another P70 million for 2014, it actually got P892,843,735 worth of public works and infrastructure projects in the last 12 months!

    The congressman then reported in detail the kind of projects the money would go to, which was met with continuous applause from the audience. He also revealed that as a representative, he is a member of eight different committees and is senior vice chair of Transportation, which is probably the highest committee position a neophyte could get in this 16th Congress.

    He has already filed 43 bills in the last 31 work weeks of Congress: an efficiency rating of 1.4 bills per week. These bills have immense significance not just to the nation but especially to the lone district of Bacolod.

    After his impressive SODA, the birthday celebration began with a sumptuous luncheon enjoyed by all the guests. Congratulations, congressman, on your job well done and HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Bing!*

Behind the Scenes with Ivy Visitacion

How can two people stay in love for 45 years?

We should ask our dear friends, Nene and Mellie (Mejeca) Leonardia, who recently celebrated their 45 th wedding anniversary in a joyful and intimate celebration at their well-appointed home in Santa Clara Subdivision, Bacolod City, with family members and friends.

Nene looked handsome and debonair in his barong, while Mellie was radiant in a pale blue outfit that was elegant in its simplicity. Fr. Felix Pasquin, a close family friend, officiated at the ceremony.

As the couple renewed their vows, the crowd burst out laughing when Nene answered, “I do!” in a loud voice when asked by the priest, “Do you take this woman to be your lawful wedded wife…?”

The reception was held at the sprawling garden, that was made festive with a big beautiful white tent draped with sheer gauzy swaths from the ceiling, while a 3-piece band entertained the guests with songs of yesteryears. Everyone enjoyed the mouth-watering dishes specially made for the occasion. Red wine was served to those who cared to have a drink while the rest enjoyed the delicious refreshing concoctions from the refreshment station.

Friends kept asking the couple what was the secret of their successful marriage. With a smile, Nene said it takes love, hard work and respect for each other. To this, Mellie could only smile and nod her head shyly. I couldn't help remembering the lyrics of my favorite song which I found so apropos, “How do you keep the music playing, how do you make it last…How do you keep the song from fading too fast?...

Ahhh, that's love!*

Behind the Scenes with Ivy Visitacion

There’s never a dull moment in a WOW gathering.

These “Women of Wonders” always manage to make each occasion a fantastic must-go happening. Not even a heavy thunderstorm and windswept rains could prevent the ladies from attending the recent second joint birthday celebration and induction of members at the Ambience Hall of the Bacolod Pavillon Hotel.

As soon as the slightly-soaked guests arrived, they were served delicious red wines especially chosen by WOW president Inday Pefianco. Soon, the hall was filled with elegantly dressed members with their favorite blings designed to compete with the brilliance of the fantastic lights in the venue.

Judge Lorna Demonteverde, in a form-fitting black dress with a stunning décolletage, inducted the members of the club. Talented member Aimee Villa entertained the audience with her upbeat songs ala Nora Jones. There were 10 birthday celebrators, who blew the candles on the huge birthday cake while the entire club sang Happy Birthday. The dance floor was filled with the adventurous members, who performed the Line Dance amid much laughter and ribbing from the audience.

Dinner was a special presentation of superbly-done dishes, which had the guests coming back for seconds. Then, it was time to let your hair down and dance, dance, dance! The entire room was swinging with ballroom dancers, who ripped up the dance floor with their unbridled energy as they danced till they dropped!

What a swellegant, elegant party it was!*

Behind the Scenes with Ivy Visitacion

A very popular lady recently celebrated her birthday and it was fabulous!

Looking regal and sublimely happy, our birthday celebrator, Mely Gonzales of Mely’s Garden Restaurant, greeted her numerous friends, and well-wishers, who trooped to their favorite restaurant to greet her on her natal day.

The place was bursting at the seams with people, undisputed proof of Mely’s popularity and esteem. Members of Bacolod’s social scene, including the WOW Ladies, led by Inday Pefianco, were there in full force to enliven the day for the celebrator and make the occasion really special. Excited voices and deafening laughter filled the room as everyone enjoyed the expertly-crafted delicacies that kept coming in from the kitchen. It was gastronomic heaven!

There was that atmosphere of fellowship and delightful sociability which makes a party a delightful celebration. Everybody was so merry and so filled with the joy of living. What a scene! This gorgeous group of ladies in Bacolod really know how to have a good time.

Through it all, our Mely made every guest feel welcome as she flitted from table to table with aplomb and her great big smile, urging each one to have some more of the never-ending, mouth-watering dishes that kept appearing at the buffet. The afternoon sun was gently setting in the horizon when we decided to call it a day.

After this swanky soiree, we can truly call our Mely, “The host with the most!” HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MELY!*

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!*