The baby’s first birthday bash was attended by tons of children, nannies and parents, many of whom were garbed in authentic Japanese costumes. The affair was held at the tres, tres popular and so in Dish at the Rockwell Power Plant Mall. It was the first-ever children’s party hosted at the hip resto and entertainment venue.
The fun party was orchestrated by Santi’s super dad, Marc Ablaza who was dressed as a ninja and super mom Tessa who came as a geisha. The three Ablaza heirs — Xavi, Rocio and baby Santi — came as a karate kid, a little geisha, and a sumo wrestler, respectively.
And who could miss baby Santi’s wonderful grandparents, high society’s fun couple, tycoon Louie Ablaza, ultra-glam Mellie A. and our palangga, brilliant career woman Ofie Jacomina who wore authentic Japanese attire.
The Zen mood on the other hand, palanggas, was made possible by Santi A.’s godfather, talented and creative Junjun A., who used natural and muted decor including hanging figurines and Japanese paper lanterns. Murals of Japanese sumo wrestlers all over Dish enhanced the Japanese theme.
When the time came for the celebrator to blow his beautiful candle, one couldn’t help but notice the eye-catching cake created by Santi’s attractive godmother, Czarina Syquia. It was decorated with several naked Japanese baby Buddhas resembling the birthday celebrator.
Naturellement, the highlight of the affair was handiwork of the magicians who completely mesmerized the kids and their nannies who applauded more than anyone else. The puppet show afterwards really had everyone applauding for more.
Apres, eating time had the invitees returning for more food served by all the excellent Dish food outlets.
Yes, palanggas, this was one children’s party where the parents, grandparents and nannies had more fun than the kids. By 6 p.m. it was time to say, "Arigato" and "Sayonara," to our Young Prince for a Day, Santi Luis Ablaza.
Their compassion in action is usually expressed in special ways like escorting children who need medical care; delivering humanitarian aid to orphanages and clinics; and assisting at special charity events.
This time, the non-profit organization affiliated with the United Nations and recognized by the US Congress came to Manila with the super help of that airline that truly cares, Northwest Airlines, to bring cheer and much needed aid to hundreds of orphans at the Missionaries of Charity Home in Tayuman.
Moi wishes there were more people like them, dahlings.
Moi has never seen any mall blast-off like this, complete with a mini-plot and costumes! It was too, too amazing!
Naturellement, the always nice and low-profile Gokongwei battalion was there in full force led by "Lieutenant Colonels" Hope, Faith and Elizabeth Gokongwei and the "General," top honcho John Go.
Cesar M. played a role that suited him to a tee during the mini-play which revolved around RDS being under attack. The doors formally opened upon John Go’s missile launch. A mall invasion followed, with the invitees taking a look-see at the newest super mall in town.
Naturellement, palanggas, what would the mall opening be like without Cesar’s all too gorgeous photo exhibits? The touring exhibit of the now so popular Hanford Faces and Forms of Cesar Montano was on display at RDS. If you haven’t seen it, yet palanggas, yes, you’ve guessed it. It features handsome Cesar M. engaged in various sports.
Obviously, dahlings, you all know Cesar M. was Mansfield’s only choice to endorse Hanford Classic. After all, he is the embodiment of the quintessential Hanford man. A talented man who skillfully balances his career and famille while pursuing other interests that complement his life. And if you know him like I do, you’ll know that Cesar truly believes in Hanford. Otherwise, he wouldn’t endorse it.
But back to Robinsons Metro East, palanggas. Do go and check it out and see how the Taipanese won the battle.
As moi ascended the grand staircase leading to the Main Theater lobby of the CCP, moi was immediately entranced by the scent of eucalyptus and lilies. More so when moi stepped into the lobby itself. Voila! There was a 10-foot flower arrangement of Malaysian mums in orange, pink and yellow, with eucalyptus and white lilies on golden urns.
As moi gazed upward, moi beheld a fusion of fuchsia and red orchids hanging in the center of Mantones de Manila along the Second Floor hallway. Naturellement, this wonderful arrangement was created by the magical hands of talented Rachy Cuna, no less, palanggas.
The lobby was crowded with the Cosmo Manille posh-y personas led by no less than that beautiful lady of culture and patroness of the arts, golden hearted ultra-glam Imelda Cojuangco, the chairperson of the Opera Guild Foundation of the Philippines. Imelda C. looked absolutely captivating in a gorgeous Dolce & Gabanna outfit.
Circulating with the namedroppables was the mega hardworking Opera Guild Foundation of the Philippines PRO, our palangga Marietta Santos; the guild’s artistic director, vivaciously divine Fides Asencio; CCP chairman, one-of-a-kind gentleman of men Baltazar Endriga; and CCP’s well-loved president Nestor Jardin.
Opera lovers were tres visibly excited over the presentation. Naturellement, one couldn’t miss the heavyweight personas who came in full hurricane force like CCP board members Tessie Luz and Lina Litton; elegant Ruth Guingona, the wife of Vice President and Foreign Affairs Secretary Teofisto Guingona; Asia’s Fashion Czar Pitoy Moreno; mega civic-oriented Danny Dolor; tycoon Jose Martel and his wife, UNIFEM’s working socialite Olga Severino-M.; opera singer Nomer Son; Il Trovatore director Siak Fah; adorable, amiga mia, la simpatica Elena Colome, who jetted into town from Singapore for this happening and also to visit her beautiful granddaughter Alexis Heit; Irene Obligacion Rada, CCP’s workasonic PR director; Lillian Barco from the Office of the CCP Artistic Director; our palangga, National Artist for Dance Leonor Orosa-Goquingco; music critics Antonio Hila and Jess Cruz; plus so many other opera lovers like them too beautiful to mention.
Believe moi, dahlings, there is no chic-kier way to end a superb concert than with a reception for the chosen invitees catered by Makati Skyline.
Grand Chef Ed Quimson prepared excellent mouthwatering dishes like Lyches on a bed of cucumber with walnuts; carved Honey Chinese Ham; Lasagne with pure melted cheese; Lumpia Shanghai with a Twist, Devilish Liver Paté; and desserts to end anyone’s dream of loosing weight. Oh well, why not? N’est ce pas (as in, di bala)?
Remember, dahlings, to say a sincere prayer today for loved ones who have joined our Lord God and Savior.
Enjoy your weekend with your famille. Stay safe. See you!