The invitation was sent through a text message which said, “Please join me for a surprise party for myself as I celebrate my golden birthday celebration.” This was how the bubbly and articulate tri-media asset Sam Costanilla invited his closest friends from the media, government service, business and entertainment world when he turned 50 two Thursdays ago. Of course, I made sure to make it to that happy event and was truly looking forward to a night of fun and laughter. With Sam as the celebrator, having a blast was a given, never a doubt.
Handuraw along Gorordo Avenue was the venue that night with their main dining area reserved exclusively for Sam’s fete. The invitation was at 8:30 in the evening, so I presumed that it was an after dinner thingie with all kinds of pizza Handuraw is known for. But it was the other way around. A full spread of pasta, crispy shrimps, sautéed beef, braised pork, crispy fried chicken, desserts and two lechons were specially prepared by the kitchen staff to stuff every guest for the long night ahead.
Sam’s treasured friends from the entertainment industry took turns and offered the celebrator with beautiful songs. No less than Cebu’s pride Raki Vega and Apple Abarquez belted it out and awed everyone. Senior media man Max Andrino shared the stage with Sam with their antics, which brought down the house, while good friend Efrain “Jun” Pelaez, The Freeman’s Bobit Avila, Philogene Florita and some others gave their testimonies on how Sam is as a friend and how special he is to them. Former beauty queen Gloria Sua-Villarojo and Roy Caballero were the hosts for the night and were big factors of that lively get together.
Noticed, too, that night were the renowned Sakdap group, the well-loved Sogod Mayor Liza Marie “Moonyeen” Durano, Richard Streegan, Vice Governor Greg Sanchez, Sunstar’s Roger Serna, the glamorous as ever Mila Demecillo, Alegria Town Mayor Maggie Magallon and his wife, Councilor Verna Magallon, award-winnning composer Jun Cavillar, Engr. Greg Senining, The Freeman’s Loy Jurado who was all around taking pictures (thanks, Sir Loy, for these beautiful photos!) and a lot more.
Everyone really had a grand time that evening. I wish all parties will end up that way, too, never a dull moment. By the time this coverage will see print, Sam, the “golden boy” will still be in Kuwait to host an orientation organized by Pinoycare Visa Center, a Cebu-based company whose main thrust is to help those wanting to reside in Canada and will proceed to Dubai for the same purpose.
To you Sam “the golden boy” Costanilla, may you have many more to come! Cheers!