‘Incredibly happy’
Celebrations are breathtaking because in them are moments that make people happy.
“I’m so incredibly happy tonight,” beautiful Joanne Rae Ramirez said, her heart bursting with gratitude as she blew out the candle on her birthday cake. She melted in the arms of her husband Ed, who lovingly said, “More years for us.”
Joanne, editor in chief of the trailblazing and no-nonsense PeopleAsia magazine, yearly gets to be feted with a tradition — that of an intimate post-birthday celebration hosted by “dearest” Rachy Cuna, creative and style director of Manila Hotel. It’s been a tradition of love held since 2006.
“Celebrating Joanne’s birthday is a tradition and friendship should always be special and memorable,” said Rachy, dubbed as the country’s “floral architect.”
Friendship is a tradition. And tradition ought to be celebrated. The friendship between Joanne and Rachy is a tradition. That night, at the Champagne Room of Manila Hotel, friendship, real and rare, was the main course that was matched by the sumptuousness of prime rib, French onion soup, Caesar salad, Baked Alaska, and pralines.
There was a confetti of love, kindness, and blessings that rained that night at the Champagne Room as each of her guests greeted her with well wishes.
“Cheers to more birthday celebrations,” said Transportation Secretary Jimmy Bautista.
His wife Joji Bautista cheered on: “Best wishes for a happy life.”
“Wishing you good health and apos (grandkids) already,” quipped Leon Gallery’s Jaime Ponce de Leon.
“Thank you for inviting all of us. Happy birthday, Joanne. More blessings,” said lawyer Albert Arcilla, president and CEO of Volvo Cars Philippines.
“I’m wishing you more wonderful memories with family and friends,” said former Justice Undersecretary Em Aglipay Villar.
For his part, Volvo Cars Philippines’ Chris Yu said, “Thank you for always giving joy to people’s lives. May you also always have joy in your heart.”
“Thanks for being a blessing to all of us. And we are so blessed to be with you,” said Miladay owner and STAR travel columnist Christine Dayrit.
“Joanne, you are a treasure. Thank you for making me a part of your celebration. This memory I will treasure as well,” said Angkas CEO George Royeca.
“Thank you for inviting us to this fairytale setting. Thank you for always being vibrant, happy and elegant,” George’s “boss” and wife, Angeline Royeca, said.
There were only 13 people that night but the electrifying joy seemed to emanate from a thousand guests. It must be the sincere friendship enjoyed by everyone. It must be the tradition of love.
“See you again next year,” Rachy told Joanne from across the table.
This early, Rachy and I are preparing how to make Joanne feel “incredibly happy” again.
Happy birthday, Sultana!.
(For your new beginnings, e-mail me at [email protected]. I’m also on Twitter @bum_tenorio and Instagram @bumtenorio. Have a blessed weekend.)
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