Yes, the rumors are true. Anne Curtis did buy a club recently. It’s not the club you think. She also bought it for one night only — her birthday. And she didn’t have to buy you or your friends. She has more than enough.
At the 71st floor of the Gramercy Residences on a Sunday night, Anne had gathered a tight bunch — a select group of 150 of the industry’s hottest, brightest and most celebrated individuals — on the eve of her birthday. “Everyone who’s here is here for a reason. You’re all very special to me, you’ve touched my life one way or another, and I’m very thankful,†Anne said after a midnight climax of a champagne sparkler parade after a non-stop rockeoke session with all her guests.
Looking around, you’d see the industry’s shakers all letting their hair down — taking selfies with each other, mouthing the lyrics of some hit song and dancing to it at the same time — everyone was just having a good time, without fear of judgment. There were no paparazzi, no “outsiders†to be wary of (save for two gatecrashers that were later politely escorted to leave the party premises) and no network allegiances. It was a fun, fun night!
“No more slapping, no more scandals, please,†Anne publicly professed to her friends that had gathered that Sunday (open only that night for Anne’s birthday) at 71 Gramercy. It was like she was talking to the universe, conspiring with it to move on to the next chapter, as she has. She called on little sister Jas to jam with her. They sang Mr. Brightside.
After a few songs, the birthday cake and a few thank you’s, I tried looking for Anne. I spotted her beside her father, tucked away in a semi-quiet part of the party venue. They were having a nice father-and-daughter bonding, with Anne looking like a little girl (despite the naked back and giant slit of her dress. Still classy ‘coz it’s Anne!) next to her father, whispering sweet somethings that only father and daughter could understand.
Next thing you knew she was on the dance floor, telling everyone to remove their shoes and dance. It is this sense of family and spontaneity that makes Anne doubly endearing. “Asia’s Sweetheart†indeed, as People Asia rightfully dubbed her.
AND LIZ DOES A DOUBLE WHAMMY
The Sunday before that, my dear friend Liz Uy brought a different meaning to “Sunday’s best†when she decided to throw a double celebration at 71 Gramercy. As we all know, Liz’s StyLIZ-ed book is a bestseller, gathering crowds and crowds of people whenever she has book signings and appearances. Tonight was Liz’s birthday and thanksgiving. Indeed, she has lots to be thankful for.
Liz’s Tattoo-powered event, supported by Liz’s father-brother tandem in both Ben Chan and Miguel Pastor, started early and ended really late. In fact, Liz’s party didn’t want to end. The power crowd was composed of every cover girl that has graced every top magazine this past year, every It girl with a shampoo and skincare endorsement and the creative director, the style team, and the dancers and the bloggers that went with it. In other words, for Liz, family.
Mark Nicdao proved that he wasn’t just the bad boy of photography, he also had fun killing it as the night’s opening DJ, all done for fun, all for Liz. The professionals Mars Miranda and Euric Lumanog followed, making our feet move nonstop until the signs of Monday’s sunrise threatened to make an appearance.
A Moët & Chandon shower, giant Belvedere bottles and two years’ supply of liquor from Meritus Prime all fueled the party just the right way. A dance-a-thon, with Liz being lifted by the G-Force dancers, naturally ensued.
Throughout the night, you’d see Liz hop from being the queen of the night — enjoying the crazy side of the party — to being the hostess with the mostest, making sure everybody was part of the party, having as much fun as she was. Therein lies the power of Liz. She gets powered by empowering others; I guess that’s why her book is a hit. I guess that’s why she is a hit.
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