It’s only every four years that Alelee Aguilar Andanar can really celebrate her birthday since she is a leap year baby. Wanting to be surrounded by those she cherished at the intimate Back Room in Bonifacio Global City, she enthused, “Birthdays don’t really come every year, not for me. Deeply thankful and truly grateful for 48 years and all the love that has come with it. It’s wonderful to have the people I hold dear join me for my special day.”
The piece d’ resistance of the evening was Side A’s Joey Generoso, as he serenaded the cheering crowd with classic ’90s hits as the majority of the guests were transported to their teenage years. A musical mix by DJ Sky kept the energy level high till past midnight.
Currently busy working for her family’s real estate development company, Alelee is also the co-founder of Luxuri Manila, a luxury boutique business that has two branches: Commercenter Alabang and Forbestown in BGC. But her proudest achievement is being mother to daughter Alexa Andanar, who is finishing her master’s in London, while son Vince is pursuing undergraduate studies at the University of the Philippines. Doting husband Martin Andanar, who served as Presidential Communications Secretary under President Rodrigo Duterte, is back in the newsroom — this time in Beijing as anchorman for CGTN’s evening news program — and is now an avid chef learning the best Chinese recipes that he often posts on his Instagram.
As the evening ended, it was clear that Alelee is deeply appreciated by her family as daughter Alexa paid homage to her mother: “You’ve continually been my compass, best friend, everyday WhatsApp text mate, discipliner, and supporter rolled into one. As I grow older, through you I see what genuine love means — supporting my dreams despite the distance, laughing or crying with me whatever the circumstance, helping people you love, love themselves more. Thank you for being you.”
Older sister, Dr. Aivee A. Teo added, “Alelee, you deserve all the love today because you give so much love to all of us, giving so much of yourself without expecting anything in return. Our ever so gracious, generous, thoughtful and sweet sister (you got if from our Mama Mel Aguilar). Thanks for being a constant in our lives, our crying shoulder, a listening ear and being always there for each of us. Happy birthday to my dearest sister and everyone’s BFF. It’s your leap year birthday. Finally, we can truly celebrate your special day.”