Guess who didn’t come to the Christmas dinner

Hail, hail, the gang’s all here.

But wait. Somebody special was missing at the barkada’s annual Christmas party last Saturday, Dec. 14, which doubles as birthday celebration for December-born members Dolor Guevarra (Dec. 2) and Ronald Constantino (Dec. 30). There was a change of venue. Instead of Lawrence Tan’s cozy condo unit somewhere in Pasig City, the year’s “main event” was held in Sen. Grace Poe’s residence in Quezon City.

The barkada (back row, from left) Lawrence Tan, Anes Victorino, Gello Jamias, Veana Fores (little girl is Mia Amari, Dolor Gueverra’s apo), Malou Choa-Fagar, JP Victorino, Eric Quizon, Mother Lily Monteverde, Ronald Constantino, June Torrejon-Rufino, Madz Tuviera, Dolor, Betchay Nakpil, Shirley Kuan, Tony Tuviera and Pat-P Daza; and (front row, also from left) Danny Dolor, Susan, Helen, Sen. Grace Poe and Your Funfarer.

All was accounted for, but sorely missed was Marichu “Manay Ichu” Maceda who is on extended, uhm, “staycation” due to health concerns. But she was present in spirit, even if she missed the group’s favorite dessert — the hot showbiz items that never see print. There’s an unarticulated “vow of silence” — you know, what happens “here” remains “here.”

The members actually meet (and eat) regularly to mark a special occasion (a member’s birthday, etc.), usually on weekends. Everybody shows up, except Saturday last week.

The Christmas dinner is something else, usually potluck. Helen Gamboa brought loads of fat crabs that lorded over the buffet table. If there was a crab shortage in Metro Manila that day, you know why. More food (glorious food!) from other members: mouth-watering lechon from Susan and Grace; salads from Pat-P Daza; grapes and apples from Danny Dolor; biko and mechado from Dolor and daughters JP and Anes; cake from Gello Jamias; sweet ham from Shirley Kuan; clams from June Rufino; lengua from Betchay Nakpil; steamed fish from Mother Lily Monteverde, Malou Choa-Fagar and Lawrence; roast beef and Bacolod lumpia from Veana Fores; drinks from Eric Quizon; chocolate cakes from Tony “Mr. T” Tuviera and wife Madz; and toasted siopao from Ronald and Your Funfarer.

Aside from empty tummies, the members were reminded to bring something (worth P3,000 or less) for the exchange of gifts that capped the get-together. It wasn’t the usual Kris Kringle but it was more fun (since you didn’t know whose gift you are bringing home).

You guessed it: everybody left Grace’s home with a big burp and a big box (I got the one from Mr. T).

Ovation Productions’ Renen de Guia (center) and wife Celinda and Joed Serrano (who co-produces some of Ovation shows)

More power, Renen!

Just a short note about Renen de Guia of Ovation Productions which is marking its 40th anniversary.

Maybe the best tribute Funfare can give Renen is a roll call of some of the world-renowned artists he (and his wife Celinda) have brought to the country, at random: Celine Dion, Josh Groban, One Direction, James Ingram, Sting, David Copperfield, Bon Jovi, Metallica, Ed Sheeran, Gloria Gaynor, Psy, Ultra Music Festival, K Pop Big Bang, Tears For Fears, Spandau Ballet, Backstreet Boys, Lady Gaga, Pet Shop Boys, Fall Out Boy, Zedd, Alesso, Paramore, New Kids on the Block, Chicago, Depeche Mode, Toto, Incubus, Kenny Rogers, Jason Mraz, Don Moen, Dionne Warwick and many more.

My New Year wish for Renen (who incidentally turned 65 last Dec. 17)? More and bigger artists to come in 2020.

Kuh Ledesma and daughter Isabella

Christmas with Kuh and daughter Isabella

Kuh Ledesma believes that there’s nothing quite like spending Christmas with people you hold dear. That’s why she and her team at Hacienda Isabella came up with a fun, unique way to celebrate the season.

You can bring your family and friends to Hacienda Isabella (a sprawling bed-and-breakfast resort in Cavite owned and operated by Kuh herself). If you avail of Hacienda Isabella’s special overnight Christmas Eve package, you and your loved ones can join the Pop Diva on a holiday celebration like no other.

Dubbed Sama Sama sa Pasko, the package includes a scrumptious dinner (“the Krunchy Buffet”) and a Noche Buena buffet comprised of various Filipino delicacies. The morning after, guests will be treated to Hacienda Isabella’s signature breakfast on Christmas Day. And as if all that wasn’t enough, those who avail of this package will also get the chance to watch a Christmas Eve concert featuring Kuh herself, her talented daughter Isabella, and some very special guests.

(For further inquiries, call 09178139065 or 09202868895.)

(E-mail reactions at [email protected]. For more updates, photos and videos, visit www.philstar.com/funfare or follow me on Instagram @therealrickylo.)