Titas de Bacolod

Thursday, October 30, 2014

Behind the Scenes - October 30, 2014 : Leaves are Supposed to Fall Not People

Behind the Scenes with Ivy Visitacion

“Have you had any falls in the last 12 months?” was the first question that Jonathan Fidel Zulueta asked the audience during a gathering of the WoW Club members at the GT Hotel in Bacolod City recently.

Jonathan is a former Bacoleño, who has been a successful physiotherapist in London for the past years. When the club learned from his mother, Virgie Fidel Zulueta, who is also a WoW member, that Jonathan was coming to Bacolod for a visit, the WoW president, Inday Pefianco, immediately invited him to talk to the club members and some invited guests from other clubs in Bacolod, on how ageing affects balance and what older folks can do to avoid injury.

The WoW members came to the gathering wearing their MassKara masks for the Best in Mask contest. Everyone waited with anticipation to hear what Jonathan would say. The minute Jonathan went up front, there was a buzz among the ladies. He certainly impressed the crowd with his clean-cut looks and suave manner. The audience tittered when told that he was still a bachelor and “very available”.

Thus, when Jonathan asked his first question, most of the ladies raised their hands. He then launched into a very interesting lecture on why older people are prone to falling and what can be done about it. We were asked to perform simple exercises to find out how balanced we are. It was a mind-opening experience.

One of the exercises he recommended was tai chi, that he said would be very good for proper balance. He also gave us tips on simple exercises that we can do while performing our daily tasks. The audience peppered him with lots of questions and he answered each one with authority. The thing he emphasized the most was to keep exercising to keep the body in good shape.

What an interesting evening it was. Kudos to the WoW organizers for putting up such activities where we learn so much.*

Thursday, October 23, 2014

Behind the Scenes - October 23, 2014 : Bacolod's Newest Attractions

Behind the Scenes with Ivy Visitacion

“Stupendous!”

This was how the huge crowd described the P1.5 billion SM City Bacolod expanded north wing at its inauguration last week. The affair was attended by top local officials as well as Hans Sy, president of SM Prime Holdings, who came with top Manila executives of the company.

It was certainly an awesome experience to walk around the gleaming edifice that spelled opulence and luxury at every corner. The new section is almost double the size of the original mall. It features 200 more retail stores for global and national brands. Our eyes were mesmerized by the grand atrium and amazing cyberzone.

Being a hopeless foodie, I quickly checked out the new Food Court that is bigger and grander than ever. I was told that this area was designed by a famous Australian designer, that spells “world class”. Smiling faces and delicious aroma greeted me at each turn. I even got a most scrumptious serving of “to-die-for” Italian pasta given away by a famous Italian food concessionaire. Yummy!

The next day, I was again at SM for the opening of the new 4,000-seater SMX Convention Center. It was fantabulous! Really something to rave about, with its humongous size and ultra-modern accoutrements. The place was overflowing with VIPs, guests and program performers for the opening of the First Bacolod Trade, Expo and Conferences.

Special guests were Mark Lapid, chief operating officer of the Tourism Infrastructure & Enterprise Zone Authority, who impressed the audience with his movie star good looks, and Senator Cynthia Villar, who couldn't help raving at the new addition to the attractions of Bacolod City.

One of the booths opened was the Orola Group of Companies and VMA Global College that presented its accomplishments in education, maritime industry, overseas employment, and promotion of southern Bacolod for eco-tourism.*

Thursday, October 9, 2014

Thursday, October 09, 2014

Behind the Scenes - October 9, 2014 : A Spectacular Homecoming

Behind the Scenes with Ivy Visitacion

It was a glorious Ruby Jubilee celebration that the 40th La Consolacion College High School Class '69 held in Bacolod City recently. The group decided to hold a reunion every five years thereafter, realizing that “we are not getting any younger and so we shouldenjoyeach reunion to the fullestas if it will be our last”.

So,for their45th class reunionspearheaded by classmates from theU.S.A. and in agreement with classmates from PH, the plan for the LCC High School Class '69 45th alumni homecoming materialized.

It was a three-day affair with the overall theme of "Kalipay sa Pag-Inupdanay". The venue of the first two days was Sta. Fe Resort where everybody stayed at the cottages while bonding with teachers and former classmates. Everyone had a great timereminiscing about the good old days of their high school life. Every night, there was an event with its own theme and attire.

The highlight was the “Glamour Night" held at the Sta. Fe Resort Cactus Hall.The gentlemen looked so handsome in their sartorial elegance while the ladieslooked über-gorgeous and veryglamorous indeed in theirdazzling, beaded eveninggowns. There was fantastic entertainment with singing, dancing andafashion showof the 60s by the children and relativesof Class '69, followed by “dancing till you dropped” with The Buklod Band.

The day after, a sumptuous lunch was held at The Virginia Hall, followed by thecolorful"Caribbean Night" at the Cactus Hall,sponsored by classmates from the Philippines as host. There was a variety show ofgames, dancesand “Best in Costume” contests. The atmosphere was very festive and colorful, with the guests savoring the superb cuisine. The contestants looked fabulousand radiant in their snazzycostumes. There werelots of prizesgiven away!

On the third day, the group joined the LCC motorcade around the city and mass at the LCCauditorium. Then the "Luau Night" was held at Anne Seago's place inVilla Angela to celebrate the birthdays of September celebrators Editha Jolingan Benjamin, Mabel Jayme, Coca Yolola, Lydia Lacson and Menchu Cuadra Kabigting. A slumber party at the same place culminated the three-day affair, where classmates spent the last night bonding.

What a reunion!Its success was due to the full cooperation and support of every member of Class 69, who all played a vital role in making the event a reality. Mabuhay ang LCC High School Class '69!*

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!*