Welcome to the Aivee league

It was a scene straight out of hit TV series Magkaribal, minus the drama.

I entered the French boudoir-styled hall to see Ben Chan and Miguel Pastor in one table seated with People Asia editor-in-chief Joanne Rae Ramirez, who was having a light-hearted conversation about the fashion-inspired telenovela with Henri Calayag and Kaye Tinga, who plays herself on the show.

This intimate gathering was not to celebrate the success of Vera Couture, but close. Dermatologist Dr. Aivee Aguilar-Teo just turned a year younger, and so there was plenty of reasons to celebrate!

If you put together the list of people that Dr. Aivee Aguilar-Teo makes younger, thinner and happier, it would constitute almost the entire fashion industry. Add to that list A-list showbiz peeps, politicians, society denizens and you have a clear picture of the people who frequent Aivee’s clinic — the opulent French deco- style hall mentioned above — now Manila’s best kept (open) secret.

Next generation: Dominique Cojuangco and Daniella Padilla

Supportive hubby and sparring partner, Singapore-based Dr. Z was by Aivee’s side as she entertained her guests right inside her clinic — a clinic that doesn’t look like a clinic at The Fort. Between the two of them, they are beauty’s new power couple.

The invite was for 5 p.m., but everybody arrived at half past 7. Good thing this wasn’t an appointment to see the much in-demand doctor as the wait list will surely be long, as is always the case for Dr. Aivee, who works non-stop — shuffling between her Taguig and Alabang clinics.

Walking into the next hall where Aivee sees her clients, I stumble into the Barretto sisters Gretchen and Marjorie together with next-generation Barretto girls Dominique Cojuangco and Daniella Padilla — I can really tell that beauty runs in their veins. Other guests included magazine editors, political scions and stalwarts of industry.

A yummy buffet spread was served by La Tasca while another table had birthday cakes sent by Aivee’s clients and friends. I guess it was okay for everyone to indulge that night. No fear of gaining extra pounds. Everyone looked fresh. Welcome to the Aivee league!

( Indulge your senses, follow me at twitter.com/iamtimyap