Princess’ diary

This Princess surely had a fairy-tale wedding.

For her wedding to Anthony David Yang at the Santuario de San Jose in Greenhills, Princess Carmela Lugtu arrived in a restored 1970 280S apple green Mercedes Benz (from Tito Mike Lugtu). Her radiance was further enhanced by fashion maven Robbie Pinera (who has done fashion magazine editorials). Her classically romantic gown was designed by Carla Guiao. As she walked down the aisle, the enchanting voice of Mae Dichupa, a cousin of the groom, filled the church.

The theme of the wedding was "Around the World," inspired by the couple’s dream of traveling the world together. The theme was fulfilled with the combined magic of florist Jun Hen, Rustan’s and chief creative consultant Martin Jamora.

At the reception at the Wack Wack Country Club, the guests were asked to write their messages for the newlyweds on special postcards from around the world. The guests were then asked to pin these to a giant postcard, displayed for all to see.

There were distinct international food stations: Japanese, Filipino, Italian, Chinese (by The Plaza) with Bizu providing the mouthwatering desserts. The couple also gave away "souvenir passports" to their guests, which contained valuable snippets into what they (fondly) thought of their entourage.

The cake by Karla Magbanua of Claycakes, too, was made with the international theme in mind, showing icing representations of the places the couple wanted to visit.

The party was a world-class celebration: confetti, dancing, fireworks, flowing red wine and champagne (there was even a champagne tower!) and tons of good looking people.

The guests were entertained by Lynn Sherman (of the Lynn Sherman Show) and master drummer Koko Bermejo (an uncle of the bride).

May Dave and his Princess have a storybook life and live happily ever after!

A milestone for Frank

It was a night to celebrate a life well lived as civic leader and businessman Frank Evaristo celebrated his 65th birthday recently.

To mark the milestone, Frank hosted a memorable party at the elegant poolside of the Manansala Building in Rockwell, Makati and it was a measure of how well-loved the man is that family, colleagues and friends all flocked there to honor him.

Frank’s children Jun, Caroline, Amy, Carlo and Lorraine organized the event and they pulled out all the stops to ensure an unforgettable evening for their Dad. Underneath a canopy of twinkling stars and perfect weather, the seventh floor poolside was transformed into an enchanting tableau, with muted lights, rose petals strewn on the water, a jazz band Vince Lahorra playing sentimental favorites and a breathtaking view of the city below.

Frank’s children and four grandchildren (Anton, Arsee, Angel and Allie) were all on hand to support and cheer him.

Speaker Jose De Venecia led the well-wishers. Other guests included Finance Secretary Margarito Teves, Social Welfare Undersecretary Celia Yangco, former Senators Loren Legarda and Letty Ramos Shahani, and former ARMM Gov. Parouk Hussin, Luis Liwanag from Malacañang and former Tourism Secretary Tony Gonzalez.

From the diplomatic circle came Ambassadors Jorge and Johanna Montero of Chile, Mario Schuff of Argentina and Theo Arnold of the Netherlands, and Minister Counselor Tith Sarewnreth of Cambodia. Also present were several Philippine diplomats including Ambassador Raul Goco, Victor and Connie Garcia, Danilo Victoria, Paco Atayde and Jaime and Conchita Bautista, Consuls Evie Costa, Fortune Ledesma, Vince Carlos, Mike Guerrero, Helen Ong and Nissim Palomo.

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