Candice Gotianuy, stunningly lovely in an exquisite orange bustier silk gown by one of Cebu’s foremost lady designers Ditas Rodriguez, together with proud parents, dad the entrepreneur-educator Augusto and mom the fashion plate woman-in-travel, Elizabeth Gan Go, stood by the entrance of the newly-completed impressive Atlantic Ballroom and welcomed the many guests.
The well-wishers included a host of glamorous women such as socialite Annabelle Luym who came with her ace photographer daughter Amanda, fashionable in an all-white number, lover of arts and everyone’s ideal committee chairperson Mariter Klepp and Cebu’s premier party organizer Teresin Mendezona, stylish in a dramatic red-and-black gown.
Ladies who opted to go solo came in full force as well. Busybody Bunny Ludo, becoming in a turquoise slip gown, was joined by innovative restaurateur and soon-to-be-June bride Julie Alegrado in a striking red outfit and always-ready-to-assist Marissa Fernan, excellently fitted in a perfectly tailored beaded black pantsuit.
We spotted publisher Jay Aldeguer of the souvenir empire who looked dashing. And not to be outdone were the young promising lawyer Joseph Gonzalez and sports enthusiast with a mission Quinito Moras.
Popular couple Jayjay Neri and his charming wife Marilou, Dean Diez and his inseparable Lolly and giants in the world of retail merchandizing Joseph and Gloria Gaisano also attended the affair.
Childhood friends currently residing elsewhere and former classmates from Manila who flew in just to join the celebration were Budiette and Brandie Tan, Andre Quintos, Alma Junia, Eric Tamayo and doctors Mike and Lea Famularcano. They merrily took turns in sincerely toasting and at times roasting the celebrant but always con mucho cariño, with much fondness, affection and love.
While guests were enjoying their after-dinner drinks as others leisurely sipped their tea or coffee, the Theater Workshop Company of the family-owned University of Cebu, took center stage with their original interpretation of a child’s search for happiness amid life’s trials and challenges which drew much applause. Rudy Aviles conceptualized the presentation, nationally-acclaimed Raymond Abao and Lucien Letaba did the musical arrangements and the talented Orlando Magno was the director.
It was an endearing gathering, one that the soft-spoken Candice always wished for. "Friends are very important to me," she claimed. And they were all accounted for to help her celebrate her 30th special day.
To Cebu-born Candice, who attended and graduated with honors from Brent International School, Ateneo de Manila and Harvard and is today the lady chancellor of one of the city’s largest universities, our best wishes for the very best in life.