Titas de Bacolod

Thursday, February 22, 2007

Thursday, February 22, 2007

Behind The Scenes - February 22, 2007 : 'A fun-filled night in Bacolod'

Behind The Scenes,
Behind The Scenes - February 22, 2007 : 'A fun-filled night in Bacolod'
Behind the Scenes with Ivy Visitacion

One of the great pleasures of living in Bacolod is the vibrant nightlife where you enjoy seeing old and new friends, all with a zest for living and having fun. This was even more apparent last Valentines Day when most of the restaurants were filled with people: entire families with kids, couples, lovers and groups of friends.

Knowing that traffic would be horrendous at night, our group led by Dr Ver Lacson and his kids Summer and Ken, together with Manang Alice and Marilyn Lopez set off early, hoping to find a convenient parking space. Alas, we soon found out that lots of folks had the same idea in mind and it was a mad scramble looking for a place to park.

Valentine's dinner was at the ritzy, glitzy L'Fisher Hotel which was overflowing with the beautiful people of Bacolod. By the time we arrived, the hotel lobby was already filled with diners who came for the excellent buffet and the evening's entertainment - the Kulay Pikata singing group. Everyone enjoyed the gastronomical delights while being serenaded with romantic love songs by the balladeers.

After dinner, the night was still young and so our next destination was the Valentines Celebration of the Bacolod Sampaguita Lion's Club at Sipango, where we were invited by former club president Perla Leonardia. The elegant ladies of the club were at the dance floor dancing the night away and having the time of their lives. It was a joy to see them tripping the light fantastic with such grace and style. Before I could catch my breath, my good friend Lydia Tison insisted that I dance with her DI. (Boy, was that fun!).

We were told that these kindhearted ladies have found a way to use their favorite pastime - dancing, to generate funds for their charitable projects. What a beautiful way to celebrate the day of love! Kudos to the members, especially the club presidents (past and present), for a most successful affair!*


---------------------







Follow me on Twitter @TitasdeBacolod


Related Posts:


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

It has been 29 years since they were chased from the palace. Amid a stream of discoveries regarding the unexplained wealth, more than 70,000 imprisoned, poverty level at 42% and thousands tortured and “salvaged”. ......Read More







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



Continue Reading
Postado por �s
Marcadores:

Thursday, February 15, 2007

Thursday, February 15, 2007

Behind The Scenes - February 15, 2007 : 'My best love story of all time'

Behind The Scenes,
Behind The Scenes - February 15, 2007 : 'My best love story of all time'
Behind the Scenes with Ivy Visitacion

So how was your own Valentine's Day celebration yesterday? Was it beautiful and magical as you wanted it to be? Ahhh, the Day of Love! This is the time of year when lovers get silly and romantic. Some say it with flowers, others with candy; while the gallant ones give jewelry and precious gifts.

The beauty of love has been immortalized in love stories the world over. Being a hopeless romantic, I have my own collection of love stories and poems which I have treasured through the years. But my favorite happens to be a poem written by King Edward VIII, the British monarch who gave up his throne for the woman he loved. Their story has been told and retold in countless books, magazines and the movies. The king was so hopelessly in love with the American divorcee Wallis Simpson, that he even wrote a poem for her:

"My friend, with thee to live alone Methinks tis better than to own,

A crown, a scepter and a throne"

* * * *

It's been a round of parties given by Rich Loveland, of TelePerformance for their guests recently. There was a Fellowship Night for the I.T Schools Network of Negros Occidental held at MO2 Annex.

What a swinging affair it was! At the height of the fun night, Raymund Sabay of UNO-R, challenged Rich Loveland to a game of 8 Ball Billiards. (Don't ask who won - US or Phil!). Seen enjoying the evening were Che Londres of Star of Asia, who came with hubby Paul. Also there was Cesar Tianonoy of X-El Magazine who exchanged pleasantries with Councilor Jocele Batapa-Sigue and hubby Arnel.

Another shindig hosted by the company was for the Bacolod City Hall Press Corp. Again, Rich Loveland made sure everyone was having a ball. On hand to help him welcome company officers Paul Felton, Sharon Cabral and Bazil Abrire. The guests headed by Elsie Jolingan, City PIO, enjoyed the delicious food and had so much fun. Wotta night!*


---------------------







Follow me on Twitter @TitasdeBacolod


Related Posts:


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

It has been 29 years since they were chased from the palace. Amid a stream of discoveries regarding the unexplained wealth, more than 70,000 imprisoned, poverty level at 42% and thousands tortured and “salvaged”. ......Read More







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



Continue Reading
Postado por �s
Marcadores:

Thursday, February 8, 2007

Thursday, February 08, 2007

Behind The Scenes - February 8, 2007 : 'The lady has flair!'

Behind The Scenes, Events
Behind The Scenes - February 8, 2007 : 'The lady has flair!'
Behind the Scenes with Ivy Visitacion

It was a night of fashionable guests, excellent food and ballroom dancing! Dr. Evangeline "Gigi" Johnson, president and CEO of the Our Lady of Mercy Specialty Hospital, celebrated her birthday recently with a mega celebration. L'Fisher Hotel's La Proa was filled with her family and VIP guests from the local government sector, business, medical profession, pharmaceutical companies, civic and society circles, who came to greet this admirable lady on her natal day. Gigi looked so radiant in her jonquil-yellow gown as she welcomed her well-wishers. Everyone enjoyed the delectable dishes specially prepared for the occasion.

Guests were treated to an audio-visual presentation showing her achievements (she also happens to be the president and CEO of various medical hospitals in Iloilo and Angeles, Pampanga). Tributes poured in for this much-admired woman of substance who has one of the rarest combinations of public and personal style (beauty, brains, breeding and integrity).

People from all sectors spoke of their admiration for her genuine concern for the less fortunate. There were dance numbers galore presented by her employees who gave their all for their beloved boss.

Gigi was deeply touched by the show of love and affection shown to her that night. She spoke of the secret of her success - hard work and surrounding yourself with the best people. She also paid tribute to her "mentor," the late Dr. Patricio Tan, who she said, helped her turn Our Lady of Mercy Hospital into "one of the best alternative hospitals for the less fortunate".

The celebrator danced with her loved ones to the delight of the crowd. It was the cue for the rest of the guests to start their ballroom dancing until late into the night. HAPPY BIRTHDAY DR. GIGI!*


---------------------







Follow me on Twitter @TitasdeBacolod


Related Posts:


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

It has been 29 years since they were chased from the palace. Amid a stream of discoveries regarding the unexplained wealth, more than 70,000 imprisoned, poverty level at 42% and thousands tortured and “salvaged”. ......Read More







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



Continue Reading
Postado por �s
Marcadores: ,

Thursday, February 1, 2007

Thursday, February 01, 2007

Behind The Scenes - February 1, 2007 : Wow! What a show!

Behind The Scenes,
Behind The Scenes - February 1, 2007 : Wow! What a show!
Behind the Scenes with Ivy Visitacion



It was definitely the bubbliest show in town. Last Sunday, traffic was practically at a standstill on all the roads leading to St. Scholastica's Academy, during the SSA Family Day. Parents, students and the SSA Faculty held a very successful Family Day featuring a spectacular extravaganza entitled, "Hold on Together". A huge crowd gathered at the school gym for the much-awaited variety show. And what a show it was.

We were all amazed at the parents who displayed their fantastic dancing skills onstage together with their kids. The show opened with a Broadway number complete with colorful costumes and props which had the audience clapping like mad. It reminded me of Liza Minnelli performing her difficult dance routines choreographed by the late dance master, Bob Fossey. Soon the stage exploded with sounds and colors during the electrifying Latin dances, Hip Hop, Jazz and even the Belly Dancing.

I learned that the performers had been rehearsing for weeks to put up a good show. When the emcees, Anthony and Jonali Visitacion, asked the audience if they had ever seen the Benedictine Sisters dancing, we all thought they were kidding us. But to our amazement and delight, the good sisters of SSA wowed the crowd with their fantastic performance of "I Will Follow Him" from the movie, 'Sister Act' (talagang bigay na bigay!). It was even better than the performance of Whoopie Goldberg and her group in the same movie! The entire gym resounded with cheers and applause for this adorable surprise number. Not to be outdone, the elementary and high school teachers gave their all as they displayed their terpsichorean skills. The two-hour show was packed with musical numbers from the 70s down to the present. We especially liked the number entitled "We are Family".

It was truly heartwarming to see entire families enjoying themselves and having the time of their lives. The grand finale had the audience standing and waving their arms as they sang "If We Hold on Together". The effect was breathtaking! Kudos to the hard-working PTA Board headed by its president Violy Montelibano, for organizing the show. Bravo!*

---------------------







Follow me on Twitter @TitasdeBacolod


Related Posts:


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

It has been 29 years since they were chased from the palace. Amid a stream of discoveries regarding the unexplained wealth, more than 70,000 imprisoned, poverty level at 42% and thousands tortured and “salvaged”. ......Read More







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



Continue Reading
Postado por �s
Marcadores:

Thursday, January 18, 2007

Thursday, January 18, 2007

Behind The Scenes - January 18, 2007 : A grand wedding in the north

Behind The Scenes, Events
Behind The Scenes - January 18, 2007 : A grand wedding in the north
Behind the Scenes with Ivy Visitacion

It was a beautiful sunny Sunday afternoon when two hearts became one. This was a union of two prominent families from the north. Maricel Orceo Acuña, daughter of Pepe and Minda Acuña of Victorias City, said "I do", to Jun Senen Hinlo Javelosa, son of Mrs. Totong Hinlo Javelosa of Manapla and Victorias. The bride looked absolutely luminous in her elegant wedding gown, while the nervous groom looked handsome in his barong as he waited for her at the famous Church of the Angry Christ at the VMC Compound.

Principal sponsors are Gov. Joseph Marañon (who was represented by Toto Salado), the relatives of the bride: Mayor Vero Palanca, BM Gary Acuña, Vice Mayor Wantan Palanca, Ray Bantug and relatives of the groom from Victorias and Sagay, JV Hinlo, Gilbert Hollero, Berning Javelosa, Elwin Javelosa and Ben Siana. The female principal sponsors in their eye-catching classy gowns were Femy Octaviano, Anet Acuña Antonio, Suzzette Bantug, Jo An Lo Henares, Ninfa and Nena Hinlo, Epin Javelosa Regalado, Cirila Amahit, Azucena de Ramos and Lina Manaloto Lim. Vice Governor Isidro Zayco was one of the couple's specials guests.

Guests were delighted at the unique rustic setting of the wedding reception which was held at the fabulous Toreno garden and fishpond owned by Remedios Bantug, who was there to welcome the visitors. There couldn't have been a more charming hacienda setting for the romantic wedding reception as the guests enjoyed the sumptuous feast under the giant trees with a cool breeze blowing gently around them. The glittering lights decorating the trees cast a special glow adding to the dreamy ambiance. The party ended with an awesome fireworks display while the guests enjoyed dancing until the wee hours.*


---------------------







Follow me on Twitter @TitasdeBacolod


Related Posts:


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

It has been 29 years since they were chased from the palace. Amid a stream of discoveries regarding the unexplained wealth, more than 70,000 imprisoned, poverty level at 42% and thousands tortured and “salvaged”. ......Read More







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



Continue Reading
Postado por �s
Marcadores: , ,

Thursday, January 11, 2007

Thursday, January 11, 2007

Behind The Scenes - January 11, 2007 : Isn't she lovely?

Behind The Scenes, Events
Behind The Scenes - January 11, 2007 : Isn't she lovely?
Behind the Scenes with Ivy Visitacion

It's the season of endless parties! The invitations just kept pouring in, creating havoc on our already expanding figure. Omigosh, how did we ever survive it?

One of the loveliest outdoor garden parties we have been to recently, was the Christmas dinner hosted by our dear friends Perla and Bernard Koehn at their classy, newly-renovated residence. Bernard was the picture of a charming host as he greeted the guests at the entrance. Tall and dusky Perla welcomed us with her stylish elegance and grace. This was an international party filled with their fellow expats from the UK, Australia, France, Yugoslavia, Hongkong and the USA.

The tables were laid out with top-of-the-line silverware and China, complementing the fabulous cuisine which everyone savored with gusto. The guests were in a party mood in no time as wine flowed all evening. The after-dinner conversation was brilliant and scintillating as delightful raconteur Boy Montilla, had us all in stitches with his outrageous stories and jokes. Perla and Bernard's dinner parties are always so delightful and this was no exception. What a beautiful evening it was!

* * *

Boy Montilla hosted his own holiday dinner party at his turn-of-the-century ancestral home few nights later. As we walked into the foyer, we were greeted by the sounds of music from the second floor! Msgr. Gigi Gaston had brought with him the evening's entertainment - a romantic balladeer named Charles Tan, whose singing style reminded one of Josh Groban or Frank Sinatra. The guests settled down with their glasses of red wine and scrumptious canapés as the romantic mood of the love songs filled the air.

After the mini-concert, we all were pampered with Boy's excellent dinner, specially prepared for the occasion. Sounds of laughter filled the air as jet-setter Edouard Garcia regaled us with his funny stories and comments. It was a most enjoyable evening of good food, vivacious guests and enchanting entertainment. A lovely time was had by all!*


---------------------







Follow me on Twitter @TitasdeBacolod


Related Posts:


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

It has been 29 years since they were chased from the palace. Amid a stream of discoveries regarding the unexplained wealth, more than 70,000 imprisoned, poverty level at 42% and thousands tortured and “salvaged”. ......Read More







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



Continue Reading
Postado por �s
Marcadores: , ,

Thursday, January 4, 2007

Thursday, January 04, 2007

Behind The Scenes - January 4, 2007 : Parties, parties, parties galore!

Behind The Scenes, Events
Behind The Scenes - January 4, 2007 : Parties, parties, parties galore!
Behind the Scenes with Ivy Visitacion

It's the season of endless parties! The invitations just kept pouring in, creating havoc on our already expanding figure. Omigosh, how did we ever survive it?

One of the loveliest outdoor garden parties we have been to recently, was the Christmas dinner hosted by our dear friends Perla and Bernard Koehn at their classy, newly-renovated residence. Bernard was the picture of a charming host as he greeted the guests at the entrance. Tall and dusky Perla welcomed us with her stylish elegance and grace. This was an international party filled with their fellow expats from the UK, Australia, France, Yugoslavia, Hongkong and the USA.

The tables were laid out with top-of-the-line silverware and China, complementing the fabulous cuisine which everyone savored with gusto. The guests were in a party mood in no time as wine flowed all evening. The after-dinner conversation was brilliant and scintillating as delightful raconteur Boy Montilla, had us all in stitches with his outrageous stories and jokes. Perla and Bernard's dinner parties are always so delightful and this was no exception. What a beautiful evening it was!

* * *

Boy Montilla hosted his own holiday dinner party at his turn-of-the-century ancestral home few nights later. As we walked into the foyer, we were greeted by the sounds of music from the second floor! Msgr. Gigi Gaston had brought with him the evening's entertainment - a romantic balladeer named Charles Tan, whose singing style reminded one of Josh Groban or Frank Sinatra. The guests settled down with their glasses of red wine and scrumptious canapés as the romantic mood of the love songs filled the air.

After the mini-concert, we all were pampered with Boy's excellent dinner, specially prepared for the occasion. Sounds of laughter filled the air as jet-setter Edouard Garcia regaled us with his funny stories and comments. It was a most enjoyable evening of good food, vivacious guests and enchanting entertainment. A lovely time was had by all!*


---------------------







Follow me on Twitter @TitasdeBacolod


Related Posts:


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

It has been 29 years since they were chased from the palace. Amid a stream of discoveries regarding the unexplained wealth, more than 70,000 imprisoned, poverty level at 42% and thousands tortured and “salvaged”. ......Read More







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



Continue Reading
Postado por �s
Marcadores: , , ,

Wednesday, January 3, 2007

Wednesday, January 03, 2007

Crowns and chandeliers

#Europe, People
Crowns and chandeliers

From Edouard L. Garcia's Sweet and Sour in the Visayan Daily Star

 

 

This holiday season, the French capital of Paris was full of crowns and chandeliers decorating stores, restaurants and clubs…as if Paris never had enough of chandeliers! But the royale combination of crowns and chandeliers was never more apparent than this season of Christmas.

Coming into Bacolod for the holidays was New York-based Hinobaan Princess Conchita "Chita" Reyes whose Melanie Griffith voice and Marie Helvin classic face has been missed sorely in this city's social scene.

Footloose and fancy free, she has several suitors in the Big Apple but has chosen single blessedness, which she has missed for several decades. She devotes most of her free time now to ballet, taekwondo and yoga classes. With her impish laughter and her graceful gait, I doubt if Chita can stay single for long… However, choosing between a crown and a chandelier pose, she obviously took the crown.

Sisters-two Pangging and Panee Rosales sailed into town also for the holiday season. These local Hilton girls are the most fun-loving and sweetest from Iloilo. Busy making loads of money in their real-estate and pharmaceutical businesses, they bombed into the Bacolod night scene and came out unscathed and triumphant with several hearts thumping for their constant crystal-clear laughter. Pangging chose a regal chandelier pose while Panee took a bunch of crowns for her calendar pose. Here's hoping to see more of these gals on this side of the Guimaras Strait. Making sure that no brute gets in their way was Iloilo's social arbiter Nonoy Ybiernas and bon vivant Bob Jarder.

I'm still dreamy-eyed from my trip to Paris last November where I finally entered the new Paris Opera de la Bastille! For starters, I took in two operas--"L'amour des trois oranges" by Serguei Prokofiev and "Der Rosenkavalier" by Richard Strauss. Of course I took the most expensive seats, since IT IS OPERA! And I wasn't disappointed.

The crowd was trés elegant and this new edifice built by the man behind Yves Saint Laurent, Pierre Berger, is surely one of the best theatres built at the end of the last century. The interiors are in matte minimalist black with the stage curtain split by a single silver stripe. The balcony and boxes are highlighted by Klein blue fluorescent lights.

Of course, everyone races to the bar for the intermissions where only champagne pops for the select few as cashmere and sable drip onto the floor, dragged by the most lithe and nimble bodied socialites as their gallant escorts carry the evening's programs, whispering the next act's important scene into their perfumed ears. I love Paris in the fall when the ballet and opera seasons start. It is the height of sophistication and luxury which no other world capital could ever equal! You must experience it once in your life.

MY PRAYER

May my choice of priorities this year be pleasing to You, my God-as pleasing as Jesus' offering.* 

Continue Reading
Postado por �s
Marcadores: ,
- © Titas de Bacolod 2021