Titas de Bacolod

Thursday, October 2, 2014

Thursday, October 02, 2014

Behind the Scenes - October 2, 2014 : A Most Romantic Wedding

Behind the Scenes with Ivy Visitacion

It was one of the happiest weddings we’ve ever been to (and we’ve been to so many). The wedding ceremony of Joebert and Jen (Concepcion) Leonardia last Saturday afternoon at the Birhen sang Barangay Chapel at Santa Clara Subdivision was an intimate family affair with mostly family and close friends present.

Joebert looked so happy as he marched down the aisle with his parents Nene and Mellie Leonardia. The principal sponsors looked elegant in their rose pink gowns for the ladies and barong for the gents. Suddenly, there was a collective gasp of admiration from the crowd as the radiant bride appeared in her stunning wedding gown. She glided down the aisle while the violin played the haunting theme “For A Thousand Years” from the movie, “Twilight”. I noticed that this beautiful song seems to be the romantic favorite during weddings or any affair in town. Fr. Ruel Jundos officiated at the wedding mass and gave a most meaningful homily.

After the wedding ceremony, everyone trooped to L’Fisher Hotel where refreshing cocktails and canapés were served. Soon, the doors to La Proa were opened and guests oohed and aahed at the fabulous décor of the grand ballroom. Adding to the romantic ambience of roses, orchids and tiger lilies at each table were huge swaths of shimmering white cloths billowing from the ceiling highlighted by dramatic lights and the glow of chandeliers.

Seen among the guests was Senator Juan Edgardo “Sonny” Angara, a good friend of the groom’s brother Glenn. A musical fanfare was heard and the arrival of the newlyweds was met with rousing applause. After the prayer before meals, everyone enjoyed the delectable array of mouth-watering dishes specially prepared for the occasion.

The groom’s father Adolfo (Nene) gave a heartfelt speech where he spoke of the secret of a happy marriage: patience, humility, mutual understanding and most of all, love. This guy sure knows whereof he speaks, judging from the successful 45 years of his married life with wife, Mellie. There were other speeches from the best man, bride’s best friend, etc. Family members also rendered songs to the delight of the audience. Laughter and cheers could be heard during the brief audio-visual presentation showing the couple and their friends. Dancing and singing went on, nobody wanted to leave until past midnight.

To Joebert and Jen, we wish you all the happiness in your married life. Cheers!*

Monday, September 22, 2014

Behind The Scenes - September 25, 2014 : Big Night at Casa Orola

Behind the Scenes with Ivy Visitacion

When John Orola throws a party, you can be sure it’s done with flair and pizzazz.

Last weekend, Casa Orola was filled with lights, music and sounds of people’s laughter to celebrate the birthday of his sister, Fannie Balenia, and to welcome the VIP executives of Swan Christian Education Ass. Inc., the Australian group from Perth, who came to finalize plans for putting up an international school in Bacolod: Southern Hills Christian International School.

The Aussies were delighted with the turn-of-the-century, old-world charm of Casa Orola, that they found most interesting, while British guests Hazel Stuart and Robert Harland were busy filming the affair for a TV documentary.

The evening started well, everybody feeling at ease over wine and hors d’oeuvres. Dinner was a superb presentation of dining pleasure with an array of epicurean delights specially created for the occasion. The biggest hit for the Aussies was our very own lechon that they enjoyed with an excellent paella.

The guests were blown away with the varied repertoire of the entertainment: good-looking Rey Segovia, who sang ala Michael Buble; Nick Tugaff with his magnificent Pavarotti-like tenor that shook the chandeliers, accompanied by the thunderous piano of musical guru, Norma Garbanzos. Our cheeky host John even got me to sing with him “C’est Magnifique”, while soprano Hazel Stuart sang “Wouldn’t It Be Loverly” from My Fair Lady. (Julie Andrews, eat your heart out!). Not to be outdone, our Aussie guests bravely performed “Waltzing Matilda” to the delight of the crowd.

Wotta night! I’m sure our guests from Down Under still haven’t recovered from the crazy way we let our hair down at parties. After all, it’s more fun in the Philippines, isn’t it? Kudos to John, our host with the most! You’re a hard act to follow, my friend!*

Thursday, September 18, 2014

Behind The Scenes - September 18, 2014 : Soroptimist Int’l of Bacolod

Behind the Scenes with Ivy Visitacion

The ladies looked fabulous in their smart uniforms and the guests enjoyed themselves immensely during the Soroptimist International of Bacolod’s installation of officers and induction of new members, held recently at L’Fisher Hotel.

The noontime affair opened with the processional of past presidents, officers and members of the club. Lunch followed immediately after the acknowledgement of the guests and welcome remarks by president-elect Sonya Verdeflor. A special entertainment number was performed by Haironezza Abdullah, who enchanted the audience with her brilliant soprano as she sang the haunting love theme, “A Thousand Years”, from the movie, “Twilight”.

A funny moment occurred when the emcee introduced Bacolod Vice Mayor Greg Gasataya as “Vice-President”, which made Gasataya look quizzically around the room. He said later he thought Vice President Jejomar Binay had arrived!

After the induction of new members and installation officers, a moving candle lighting ceremony was held. Melba Tan gave a wonderful valedictory address. The new president, Em Ang, impressed the crowd with her splendid acceptance speech. After Dr. Cecile Salvador’s rousing introduction of the guest speaker, we were all raring to listen to Myra Paz Abubakar, SIPR governor, who braved the bad weather due to typhoon “Luis”, to come all the way from Zamboanga City to attend the affair. She looked like a beauty queen with her towering height and dusky complexion. She was after all, a former Miss Zamboanga. (We noticed her similarity to our own beauty queen, Miss Centennial Carmela Arcoles Gamboa). Her excellent speech did justice to her impeccable credentials. She is also a city councilor of Zamboanga.

Kudos to the Soroptimist Int’l of Bacolod for a successful and well-organized affair.*

Thursday, September 11, 2014

Behind The Scenes - September 11, 2014 : A New Japanese Resto

Behind the Scenes with Ivy Visitacion

People in Bacolod have come to love Japanese food for its simplicity and freshness, highlighted by the neatness of its presentation. They look forward to the subtle flavors of each dish, the textures and the quality of its ingredients.

Recently, we attended the soft opening of the new Japanese restaurant – Nippon Ichi – at the second floor of Villa Angela Hi Strip at Circumferential Road in Bacolod. As soon as we stepped in the cool and elegant surroundings, we were warmly welcomed by the owners, Dr. Yutaka Ichikawa and his lovely Filipina wife, Nonita Gurio Sugiyami.

Soon, guests filled up the dining room bedazzled by its zen-like ambiance. We were particularly impressed by the top-of-the-line comfort room with its ultra modern fixtures – a toilet bowl that automatically opens when the user comes near (look Ma, no hands!).

I asked Yutaka why they decided to open a Japanese resto here and he said they love eating out with his family but they wanted an authentic Japanese restaurant to cater to their needs. Hence, they decided to open Nippon Ichi that features Kazumi Kimura, a celebrity chef for 35 years from the Ginza District in Japan. Incidentally, chef Kimura is still single (!)

As soon as we were settled at our table, we sampled the fantastic menu. For foodies like us, it was a most enjoyable evening, indeed.*

Thursday, September 4, 2014

Thursday, September 04, 2014

Behind The Scenes - September 4, 2014 : Happy Get-togethers

Behind the Scenes with Ivy Visitacion

We've been to two cozy, intimate gathering of friends, that we really enjoyed recently.

One was the birthday celebration of Bacolod's glamour lady, Edith Robillo, who celebrated her natal day with a sumptuous lunch at Bob's Restaurant, Robinsons Bacolod. Her guests, composed of close friends and members of her various civic organizations, soon filled up the two long tables of the resto. Edith told everyone to choose their preferences and soon, the waiters were very busy taking down the orders of the noisy group. I noticed that sizzling steak was the favorite choice of most of the guests.

The place was soon buzzing with laughter and stories from the group, who sang Happy Birthday to our beaming celebrator. She happily informed us that Congressman Bing Leonardia called her from Manila to wish her a Happy Birthday. Soon, the aroma of sizzling steaks whetted our appetites and in no time flat, we demolished the juicy meal set before us.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Edith!

Thursday, August 21, 2014

Behind The Scenes - August 21, 2014 : 12th Waling-Waling Festival

Behind the Scenes with Ivy Visitacion

The Negros Occidental Orchid Society presented its much-awaited 12 th Waling-Waling Festival recently, at the Fountain Area of Robinsons Place Bacolod, highlighted by the launching of a commemorative magazine in honor of the late Julie Benedicto, founder and first president of the NOOS.

Tita Julie, as she was fondly called, firmly believed that the majestic Waling-Waling deserved to be recognized as the “Queen of Orchids” in the Philippines. Truly, the Waling-Waling is a sight to behold – in shimmering colors of vermilion, burgundy, pink, cerise and lavender. This native orchid that blooms only in August, spells love beyond time and space.

The entire fountain area was magically transformed into a spectacular orchid garden with different varieties in full bloom, drawing raves and gasps of delight from the guests. The festival opened with the club members looking lovely in their colorful Filipiniana attire.

After the ribbon-cutting, Fr. Nomer Esposado held the blessing of the exhibit and booths. NOOS president Ana Mercedes Gatuslao gave the welcome address and treasurer Valentina Benedicto read the special tribute to Benedicto, written by Ponchit Ponce Enrile, former NOOS president. A tribute by Bacolod Mayor Monico Puentevella was also read by Patching Puentevella. A song number was performed a cap pella by Dennis Lutao. The finale was the launching of the commemorative magazine in honor of Tita Julie, who will always be remembered as “a very gracious, unassuming, prayerful and generous lady with a pure heart”.

Thursday, August 14, 2014

Behind The Scenes - August 14, 2014 : Dr. Rudy Patiño’s Birthday Bash

Behind the Scenes with Ivy Visitacion

“Omigosh, Wow!”

This was the inevitable reaction of guests to Dr. Rudy Patiño’s newly renovated house in Silay, during his birthday celebration recently. We were happily surprised to see the front lawn spruced up with plants and greens, creating a fitting entrance to the house.

Our affable and genial host greeted us warmly and immediately led us to a tour of his spectacular bedroom, which simply took our breaths away. The room was enormous with a sunken entertainment area done in immaculate white. His fine collection of huge reproductions of famous paintings in Europe dominates the entire room. Various objects d’ art were strategically placed to enhance the effect. The king-sized bed looked so inviting that our whole group couldn’t resist sitting on it for a photo op with former Rep. Kako Lacson.

Dr. Rudy then led us to his incredible bathroom which was as huge as an entire living room. Various works of art filled the room, including a beautiful chandelier, giving it a romantic glow. We noticed the top-of-the-line accoutrements for the toilet and bath. My goodness, one would feel like a king to bathe in a place like this!

When asked who was his interior designer, Dr. Rudy smilingly said, “That’s me!”

Soon, the rest of the guests arrived and everyone indulged in the gustatory pleasures the doctor had tastefully laid out especially for guests. It was a delightful evening of fine friends, who enjoyed each other’s company amid a very welcoming relaxed ambience.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, DR RUDY!*

Thursday, August 7, 2014

Thursday, August 07, 2014

Behind The Scenes - August 7, 2014 : Laughter at Sunshine Boys' Party

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!*

Thursday, July 31, 2014

Behind The Scenes - July 31, 2014 : A Wedding to Remember

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.*

Thursday, July 17, 2014

Behind The Scenes - July 17, 2014 : Bing's Birthday Celebration

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!*