It was a night of fun, laughter and surprises when former beauty queen and ramp model Mercedes “Merce” Abellana-Brenner turned 44 last October 30. No less than her ever-loving husband, businessman Stuart Brenner, despite his very busy schedule, flew in direct from Bangkok where their business is located and took time to conceptualize the whole event, including the gimmicks. He of course provided all the exciting prizes for the different games and raffle.
Merce’s annual birthday celebration is something that all of her closest friends look forward to because of the different themes and motifs each year, making it always exciting. This time, Merce opted to have a “glamorous Halloween” theme, and every guest gamely cooperated. Some came in costumes and some donned their best glamorous party outfits.
There were a lot of highlights during the night, which included a surprise number by Merce’s equally lovely daughter Gabrielle who rendered a song she composed and accompanied herself on the guitar. Cebu’s “The Divettes” performed to everyone’s delight some Lady Gaga songs with matching costume changes. Of course, there were special awards given to the guests. Best in Group Costume went to Monching Ceballos and his friends Danny and Joshua, Best in Costume – Female to Janice Lai, and the Early Bird award to Greg Orosio. Aside from the other interesting prizes that Stuart raffled off, Mafe Barcelo and Boyet Malinao won Rustan’s Gift Certificates worth P2,500 and P5,000.00 each respectively while Sunny Conde got a two-night stay at the Shangri-La’s Mactan Resort & Spa, and Helen Bejoc got the grand prize, a round trip to Hong Kong via Cathay Pacific. The main highlight of the evening was the surprise production number by Merce herself which left everyone in awe. Together with her friends who are dance sports winners Sunny Conde, Bjorn Torreon and Boyet Malinao, they performed sexy rumba, samba and mambo numbers. Impressive!
It was truly another one great birthday celebration Merce had this year. With all her friends accounted for that night, including some who really flew in from as far as Hong Kong, Bangkok and the U.S. just to celebrate with her. The party ended with dancing ‘til 5 in the morning….need I say more? Happy birthday, Merce dear, and here’s looking forward to your 45th! Cheers and God bless!