A triple celebration for Zion

MANILA, Philippines - Proud parents Richard Gutierrez and Sarah Lahbati marked the first birthday and christening of their firstborn Zion on Father’s Day in true star-studded fashion.  

Family and friends in and out of showbiz came out in full force to join in the triple celebration held at Wack Wack and Country Club Pavilion in Mandaluyong City. After the baptismal ceremony, guests were treated to a safari-themed party.

The Sunday afternoon affair also served as Baby Zion’s “official” public outing after the adorable toddler, who is a combination of his parents’ good looks, was first introduced on E! Channel’s ongoing family-reality TV show, It Takes GUTZ To Be A Gutierrez.

“It feels great that finally, they have met Baby Zion. It’s his first time to meet his godparents. Naguluhan siya sa mga nakikita nya but he’s very happy. And he saw a lot of babies,” shared Sarah.

“We are all overwhelmed. It’s Father’s Day and our son’s christening and also his birthday. We’re very happy,” Richard said.

Immediate family members on hand for the celebration were Richard’s parents Eddie Gutierrez and Annabelle Rama; his siblings including Ruffa with daughters Lorin and Venice, Elvis and twin brother Raymond; plus Sarah’s mom Esther Lahbati.

Some of the who’s who in showbiz and politics made up Baby Zion’s 25 pairs of godparents, among them Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada, Vice President Jejomar Binay, Batangas Gov. Vilma Santos, Richard Gomez and wife Rep. Lucy Torres-Gomez, Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama, Rep. Ronald Singson, former Gov. LRay Villafuerte, Susan Roces, Gretchen Barretto, Aga Muhlach, Willie Revillame, James Yap, Angel Locsin, TJ Trinidad, Bela Padilla, Neil Arce, Malou Choa-Fagar and Tonton Gutierrez. The baptism was officiated by Fr. Baltazar Obico, OFM of the Santuario de San Antonio Parish, Forbes Park.

Also spotted at the event were Roselle Monteverde, Solenn Heussaff, Yassi Pressman, Winwyn Marquez, Janine Gutierrez, Paolo Paraiso and sister Bubbles, Bearwin Meilly, Karel Marquez, brothers Jeric and Jeron Teng, Iza Calzado, Luis Manzano, Cristalle Henares and Dingdong Dantes.