‘Dots Entertainment’

My good friend Tim Yap recently celebrated his birthday at the Mistral Rooftop Bar of Raffles Makati.

Dubbed “Dots Entertainment,” the party was a hit with its fun polka dot theme, where guests arrived in playful polka dot outfits. The venue was transformed by Moss Manila into a whimsical polka-dotted paradise.

At the lobby of Raffles Makati was a path of dots that led guests to the elevator that brought them to Mistral. This was all prepared by top stylist Barbie Pardo who said, “This is our annual starter.” For many years now, Barbie has been collaborating with Tim and Yaparazzi Events’ main man and Tim’s partner, Javi Martinez.

A hologram photo booth by DJ Coki greeted guests upon their arrival at the venue. Raffles Makati chefs prepared delicious food that matched the theme of the night, which happened to be the eve of Chinese New Year as well. There were specially concocted drinks and flowing wine, plus a beef carving station, too.

Tim’s huge black-and-white photos by photographer Mark Nicdao “dotted” the walls leading to the rooftop bar. Special guest DJs Deej Diaz and Mike Reefer played tunes throughout the evening. Blues fusion band Basically Saturday Night jazzed up the party following Tim’s annual tradition of putting a spotlight on up-and-coming acts you should watch out for. 

Guests in best polka dot outfits won prizes including Tessa Prieto-Valdes, who won a stay at a Raffles Suite; Rey Rolle, who won a Tim Yap x Renegade Concept food cart franchise; and Apollo Lara, in a full polka-dotted body suit, who won the top prize — a Business Class ticket to any destination in Europe courtesy of Turkish Airlines. Apollo’s face was completely covered the entire night and he even showed me how he was able to drink through that sheer fabric! 

At midnight, Tim gathered the crowd, lit incense and faced the west. He asked everyone to make a wish with him and to visualize it and manifest it together.

Happy birthday, Tim!