Noel's great Christmas party

It was the Christmas party everyone was looking forward to and, as usual, expectations did not fail! Overflowing booze and food was expected at Noel Oñate’s annual Christmas party that also served as a reunion of great friends. It was certainly nice to see the core group that started this tradition several years ago still having a wonderful time in this most wonderful time of the year!

Of course, the cast of characters gets bigger every year with more friends bringing friends and more invitees are added to the growing list. And yes, some gate-crashers were also there!

The center of the living room had a selection of fine hors d’oeuvres and the dining room had a buffet spread to feed the entire party! Noel, of course, welcomed everyone, the gracious host that he is. Ruffa Gutierrez helped coordinate the Christmas party — exchanging gifts! People seemed quite happy with what they brought home.

This was also a time to say goodbye to several friends who were leaving to spend the holidays abroad. It was a great party that ended almost at sunrise. I certainly can’t wait until the next Christmas party!

‘Mandi’s story’

Mandi’s Story is a book that revolves around the life of Mandi Els. The inspirational autobiography is about her growing up in turbulent South Africa and living in a violent home. How she overcame it and became an inspirational speaker makes her story riveting.

Mandi launched her book in Makati after a successful debut in the recent Frankfurt International Book Fair. Joining her in what she calls a special and blessed celebration were her close friends Sonia Sorial from Dubai, Darlene Sala from the US and Christine Ng, managing director of Armour Publishing in Singapore, publishers of Mandi’s Story.

Others spotted at the book launch were some of the members of the Young Presidents’ Organization (of which Mandi and her husband are members) such as Rico Ocampo, Rick and Bonnie Santos, George Siy, Missy Ayala, and Vivian Ng. Bible-study mates Jojo Zabarte, Len Olbes, and Jacqui Dayrit-Boncan supported Mandi in her first venture as an author.

During the launch, Mandi read her favorite chapter in her book where she describes living with her alcoholic parents and finding Christ, her Savior. American author and speaker Darlene Sala, whose first book Bugs, Floods, and Fried Rice was about the experiences of a missionary wife and mother in the Philippines during the ‘70s, also read a chapter from her friend Mandi’s book.

Guests lined up to buy copies of the book that came with a bag especially designed by Tina Ocampo. The new author signed her books and included her favorite inspirational quotes.