Jennifer Helen Weigel Sarmiento’s 50th birthday celebration was a glittering and star-studded affair. And on her dramatic entrance, solo, she walked down the aisle of the newly renovated Grand Ballroom of Marco Polo Plaza Hotel stunning and gorgeous in a gown by Junjun Escario.
As soon as she settled down at the presidential table, Penny, as she is fondly called by dear relatives and friends, was surrounded by members of her family: husband Engr. Edgar Mary Sarmiento, son Andrew Philip, daughters Jasmin Ellen and Jennifer Elaine, mother, Mrs. Paz Weigel and brother-in-law DILG Secretary Mel Senen Sarmiento, and later on, Cebu City Mayor Mike Rama joined them at their table.
As special dinner was still going on, multiplatinum crooner Richard Poon entertained the three hundred or so guests with songs of yesteryears. And we love his crooning of Matt Monroe’s “Portrait of my Love.”
With Johnny Litton as the inimitable host for the evening’s glittering affair, of course, all the guests expected a non-dull moment but “muy alegre.” He also greeted Amparito Lhuillier whose birthday was marked the day before.
After dinner, the OPM legends Marco Sison, Haji Alejandro, Rey Valera and Rico J. Puno belted beautiful romantic songs while Asia’s Jazz Queen Jacqui Magno sang songs of the eighties. All are beautiful to be true.
Before ballroom dancing started, Penny changed her gown, this time, with a beautiful creation of couturier Philipp Tampus. Danceable music was provided by the Ramon Villanueva Band, and dancing continued till after midnight. Oh, by the way, the magnificently made stage backdrop and ballroom décor, were all done by Ritchie Mendoza. Kudos Ritch!