Salonde Mellie
“Live life when you have it. Life is a splendid gift —there is nothing small about it.” — Florence Nightingale
A grand banquet befitting an empress took place in honor of Guatemala Consul Mellie Ablaza’s 78th birthday.
(Seated) Ruby Jane Chua and Mimi Tan; (standing, from left) Linda Ley, Jun Jun Ablaza, Len Olbes, your columnist, Connie Haw and Agile Zamora.
Held at the family’s sprawling hacienda in Alfonso, Cavite, the lavish Chinese-themed ball inspired by the blockbuster Hollywood film Crazy Rich Asians was a fitting way to commemorate the unparalleled consul, who is renowned for her spectacular parties.
(Seated) Consul Mellie Ablaza with Ambassadors Rolando Guevara Alvarado of Panama and Kok Li Peng of Singapore; (standing) Pinky Tobiano Robles, Ferdi Salvador and Juancho Robles.
Loving husband Zambia Consul Louie Ablaza and members of the Ablaza family were present to celebrate Mellie’s special day. Mellie’s son, style arbiter Jun Jun Ablaza, transformed the grand pavilion into an elegant oriental royal court.
(From left) Sergio and Marge Ortiz-Luis with Dr. Jimmy Laya and Baby de Jesus.
The festivities began with a thanksgiving Mass at the chapel followed by cocktails, champagne and a sumptuous assortment of dimsum and dumplings. A splendid lunch was then had inside the grand pavilion where guests indulged in a delectable Chinese-French fusion cuisine prepared by chef Jessie Sincioco. A gathering fit for an empress, indeed!
(From left) Cris Ablaza, Telly Aldana, Consul Mellie Ablaza, Fr. Alfredo Rollon Jr., Consul Louie Ablaza, Maggie Macatulad and Lambert Ablaza.
Many happy returns, dear Mellie! *
Greetings
A blessed Christmas and advance birthday greetings to Grace Gallego, Dec. 24; Cristy Soqueno, Dec. 25; businessman Macario “Cary” Rufino and socialite Mely Hechanova, Dec. 26; Jayelles president Roselle Rebano, business executive Boy Guevara and Bob Sobrepeña, Dec. 27; twin businessmen Raul Concepcion and Jose Concepcion Jr., Consul George Litton Jr., Narciso Mabanta and Dolly Dy-Zulueta, Dec. 29.
So, how was your week?
(For comments and inquiries, please e-mail me at jjlitton@indanet.com.)
