Family jewels

MANILA, Philippines - It was a sparkling moment for Miladay Jewels when it celebrated its 45th anniversary at the Rigodon Ballroom of The Peninsula Manila recently by launching its newest jewelry collections. Like a scintillating diamond, the affair became more dazzling as guests came in droves — couple by couple, family by family.  The Dayrit siblings have taken this business started by their parents in their garage in their humble home to greater heights. They have kept their promise to their late parents Mila and Ting Dayrit to carry out Miladay’s clear and sparking mission: for every Filipino to own a piece of Miladay, no matter how small. 

The invitation to the jewelry show said the event would start at 6 p.m of Aug. 26. As early as 2 p.m., guests started to arrive as they excitedly viewed the brilliant and beautiful collections. Come the appointed time, the ballroom was already filled to the rafters. The occasion ended a little before 1 a.m. the following day, proof enough of the enduring trust and love of the friends and family of Miladay.

(From left) Jaqui Boncan, Michelle Soliven, Mark Dayrit, Christine Dayrit and Yvonne Romualdez. Photo courtesy of thefashpack.blogspot.com

The 45-minute jewelry fashion show, participated in by Miladay’s longtime clients, friends and family, showcased the dazzling collection of the jewels of life, through a show complemented with movie themes from Hollywood to Bollywood. “Singular sensation” rings and earring blings in black and white diamonds and agate sets added glitz and glamour on stage. Sparkling jewelry pieces for debutantes and brides as well as stand-out pieces for men, teens and children made the ballroom look like a treasure chest of sparkling sets. As the five Dayrit siblings — Jaqui Boncan, Michelle Soliven, Mark Dayrit, Christine Dayrit and Yvonne Romualdez — walked down the ramp to the tune of Diamonds Are Forever, the audience broke into wild applause, some were teary eyed to witness such love and camaraderie among the siblings. The third generation, Christel Dayrit Boncan, Alexandra and Samantha Dayrit and Vincent Soliven also pumped up the ramp with their energetic numbers.

Also on hand to welcome almost a thousand guests to the ballroom were the Dayrit siblings’ spouses and their children: Boom Boncan with daughters Nikki and Christel; Benny Soliven with son Vincent; Mylene Dayrit with children Alexandra, Samantha and Matthew; and Pael Romualdez with kids Carin and Cito.

“Thank you very much for celebrating this sparkling moment with us, our 45th anniversary. Early on we were taught that the most valuable and cherished gems are family and friends,” said Miladay president Michelle Dayrit-Soliven. “You are Miladay’s treasures. Thank you for your unwavering trust, we are able to continue the Miladay legacy.”

Michelle also said that part of the jewelry fair’s proceeds would go to the education of the more than 200 students of the Divine Healer Academy in Cabid-an, Sorsogon.

(The House of Miladay is located on Jupiter Street, Bel-Air, Makati. Miladay branches can be found in Alabang Town Center, SM Mall of Asia, The Podium, Glorietta, SM Taytay, SM The Block and TriNoma. For more information, please call 895-0948 or 896-8214. You may also log on to www.miladayjewels.com.)