Reigniting the spark

Just a little bit of tinsel and gold kindled the feel-good spirits of Virgie Ramos (whom everyone amiably refers to as Tita Virgie) and her close-knit Swatch family in an intimate Christmas dinner held at Virgie Ramos’s home. The reunion gathered her Swatch family in thanksgiving, for the blessings that they had seen in the year, and as a gentle reminder of the many reasons to smile despite the hardships of the times. “You’ll have a great time with Tita Virgie and the family,” assured Billy Crawford to the guests that night.

Among other things, the Swatch family celebrated the newlywed couple Chris and Clarisse Tiu; Matteo Guidicelli’s Cinema One Best Actor Award; Martin Nievera’s 30 years of work in the industry; Mikee Cojuangco-Jaworski’s milestone as the International Olympic Committee representative to the Philippines; as well as the birthdays of Alvin Patrimonio and Rowell Santiago. Guests dined on a delicious line of Japanese fusion dishes: a soft white Gindara, Black Angus Steak, and a 16-hour braised pork belly that was divine.

But the highlight of the night was a live karaoke session from some of Swatch’s belting talents. Host and singer Martin Nievera said in the beginning, “It’s open mic. Anyone can sing in this Christmas party,” and then he opened with It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year. And so the night went — Christian Bautista followed with The Christmas Song, Matteo Guidicelli and Martin Nievera sang Corner of the Sky from the currently running, big Broadway hit Pippin, Billy Crawford entertained guests with Bruno Mars’ Treasure. Comedian Vice Ganda and Mikee Cojuangco­Jaworski had a go at the microphone too, while Tessa Prieto-Valdes lip-synched instead and slow danced onstage. And though Derek Ramsay and stylist Liz Uy refused to go onstage, the convivial spirit was evident in everyone that night, as they radiated with beaming smiles.

But it was 18-year-old Julia Abueva, who recently bagged her dream role of Kim in the revival of Miss Saigon in the West End, who took everyone by surprise. Martin Nievera noted before calling her up on stage, “She was nine years old, when we first sang together and now this song has become more meaningful, and so have your roles in life,” he said in addressing Julia. Julia says she still remembers her first duet with Martin in Singapore, and she recalls what the singer said about her when she was just nine years old: “She’s now a little star. But watch this girl because she’s going to be a big star.” Martin couldn’t have been more spot-on about his prediction. As the two sang for everyone a rendition of The Prayer that night, there was no doubt that Julia is set to make it big. The moment was so precious — the voices of a singing veteran, and a budding star synching in perfect harmony.

Swatch also celebrated Julia’s coming-of-age, and there was no better way for the prodigy to introduce herself than to demonstrate her vocal prowess. Her voice, raw and organic, commanding but not overbearing, rang through the halls of the room and transformed it into a golden moment. Her solo of the classic On My Own moved everyone, and a duet with Christian Bautista of Sun and Moon from Miss Saigon symbolized her bright future. “I wasn’t even supposed to have a birthday celebration but thanks to Tita V, of course she made this all happen. I love you, Tita V, so much ever since I was a little girl and you bejeweled all my clothes with Hello Kitty. Love you ever since,” expressed Julia.

It seems the Swatch family is really blessed this year, as their family continues to grow. They continue to warmly open their arms to new and promising talent like Julia Abueva, who was clearly overwhelmed by the shower of love and support. “I don’t even know half of you but I met all of you tonight. So I want to thank you all.”

To end the evening, Virgie Ramos thanked everyone for coming, and announced a little bit about the guest’s parting gift. “The giveaway for tonight is a Kenneth Cobonpue limited edition tea lamp set, First Light, which is a collaboration with Habitat Youth Council headed by the awesome Alex Eduque. And there’s going to be more at all our Swatch Shops in Metro Manila. Proceeds of course will go to rebuilding homes of Yolanda victims.”

Far from the lavish and glamorous Christmas parties of the past, the small dinner was a thanksgiving for their blessings, and a simple reunion of family. It was a night to reignite hope, to keep alive the spark and magic of the Christmas season, and to remind everyone that even through dark times, there is always light with family.