Baubles, beads and bright lights

"The times demand big men. Not men who are big shots but men who are big in heart and mind." – Richard Halverson

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The Ablaza residence became even more beautiful as the talented Jun-Jun Ablaza again utilized his talent to come up with a unique look with bright baubles and beads, garlands, candles and colored lights sparkling inside and outside the house. Jun-Jun’s Christmas trees–all 39 of them–covered by paper-thin layers of transparent capiz were the central part of the displays. They were set and trimmed with Venetian-style masks ornately embellished with jewel-toned rhinestones, headpieces decorated with gold braid, gift accents, gold tassels, multi-colored ostrich feathers and iridescent peacock feather crests, garlands of crystalline beading, rainbow colored decorative ribbon ties with fancy braid and lacy detail.

Table centerpieces included cherub figurines carrying urns of fresh grapes, uniquely shaped bowls of roasted chestnuts, jewelry chests flowing with Christmas ornaments and beaded garlands, candle holders in different heights holding vanilla scented votives, linked with fresh evergreen and orchid roots and several bejeweled Christmas trees.

Dining and dancing followed cocktails during which vintage wines complemented a steady supply of Charlie’s pritchon concoctions and a giant table laden with traditional Christmas fare.

Truly a most enjoyable Christmas celebration!

Well done!

Congratulations to the Manila Golf Team for winning one of the most difficult and prestigious golf tournaments last month, the 2002 Federation Golf League Championship.

Greetings

Belated birthday greetings to Chrysolytes Mamaril Baun, the daughter of Ray and Gigie Baun, Jan. 7 and lovely Che Singson, Jan. 14.

Bon voyage to Ambassador Jacky Foo and Dr. Yu Sumian. Also feliz viaje to Ambassador Tomas Pantoja. Vaya con Dios!

Happy birthday to our celebrator today, Karen Santos.

Advanced birthday greetings to Tony Pet Araneta, dramatic and theater actor Bernardo Bernardo and lawyer Ricardo "Dong" Puno, Jan. 20; lovely ladies Ising Vasquez, Aurora Lebron, Celia Cuasay and Gretchen Cojuangco, Jan. 21; Life and Leisure editor Ethel Soliven-Timbol and Rovy Ledesma, Jan. 22; Shirley Matias Pizarro, socialite Menchu Montilla and Ernest Escaler, Jan. 23; FCCP’s Pacita de Guzman, Jan. 24; and liposuction "queen" Dr. Vicki Belo and porcelain beauty Yoli Ayson, Jan. 25.

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For comments and inquiries, please e-mail me at: jjlitton@indanet.com.