Having a ball with Club Bulakeño

Ever since its inception, the Club Bulakeño has made the ballroom of the Westin Philippine Plaza the home base for its annual fund-raising ball.

And this year, marking the 14th anniversary of the club as the leading association in Bulacan engaged in civic and charity work in the province, the Westin ballroom was once again converted into a home away from home for the unfailingly sparkling annual event.

While inside the ballroom, Rustan Flower Shop worked on the elegantly laid-out tables decked with palm fronds that provided an eye-catching centerpiece (with sweets from Bulacan strewn on the tables adding an extra homely touch), in the hallway outside various products from Bulacan were on sale in a bazaar setup by Rustan Visual Merchandising Department.

A poignant and well-received, highlight of this year’s ball was a moving music and dance tribute to National Artist Levi Celerio, Bulakeño and who passed away early this year. Rustan Marketing Corporation sponsored the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra’s performance.

His beautiful songs that have charmed, and continue to charm, generations of Filipinos were soulfully rendered by well-known guest soloists Aileen Espinosa-Cura, Rachelle Gerodias, Nolyn Cabahug and Vladimir Valera – with the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra, under the baton of maestro Ruggerro Barbieri, lending masterful support together with its own spirited interpretations of Levi’s music.

Adding a delightful personal touch was Levi’s son, Lovie Celerio who, taking a leaf from his dad’s book (Levi having perfected the art of performing music on common garden leaves) provided leafy entertainment of his own.

The crisp dance sequence that was tightly coordinated and daintily executed – to Levi’s music, of course, provided by the PPO – was expertly choreographed by dance icon Bujing Banao.

The lineup of 17 pairs of dances included Club Bulakeño founders engineer Gene and Lydia Reyes, incumbent joint presidents Nedy Tantoco and Sonny Tanchanco. Sander Tantoco and wife Mons Romulo-Tantoco debuted in this ball. Proud parents and Gawad Dangal ng Lipi Awardee Executive Secretary Bert Romulo and wife Lovely were present to cheer for their beautiful daughter and handsome son-in-law.

The other dancers were – past presidents Ogie Villamar and Linabelle Villarica, adviser Louie Ablaza and wife Mely, Sec. Lucy Wycoco and Dr. Manny Almelor, Bonnie Vergel de Dios and wife Virma, Willy Talag and mother Letty Tayag, adviser and past president Tess Castro and vice president John Gaddi, adviser and past president Oca Bautista and wife Fely, adviser and past president Ofelia Trinidad and treasurer Ben de Jesus, executive vice president Berna Lomotan Rustia and Mari Lacson, vice presidents Berting Hermoso and Zeny Reyes, vice president Boy Carlos and Luz Viado, Col. Jun Cruz and wife Linda, Ding Trinidad and wife Gina, Daniel Cruz Jacinto and Atty. Dolores Peralta Beley.

Adding her own charm to the evening with a well-spoken and inspiring address was Bulacan Governor Josefina dela Cruz. Another political notable present was Bulacan Congressman Willie Villarama and his wife Tessie. Susana Ople, Sen. Loren Legarda Leviste, Ambassador Umberto Colesanti, former chairman of NCCA Jaime Laya, chairman Baltazar Endriga of CCP and chairman Efraim Genuino of Philippine Amusement & Gaming Corporation were also seen.

Lending their generous support to the Club Bulakeño ball were former president Oca Bautista and wife Fely, Philippine Amusement & Gaming Corporation, Rustan Marketing Corporation, Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office, Philippine Leisure & Retirement Authority and the Catholic Women’s Club.