No matter how we celebrate a milestone in our lives, it is always a joy to be surrounded with the ones we love and care for.
National Artist and legendary fashion designer Jose “Pitoy” Moreno turned 82 recently with minimum fanfare that started with a Mass celebrated by Fr. Mac Reyes in his Malate atelier-residence. It was heartwarming to see him smile when I commented that he was looking good and guapo.
When asked who made his elegant white cotton barong tagalog, he immediately replied “Siempre, ako.” The solicitous Pitoy was in high spirits while explaining to us that the food was homemade as we all had extra servings of his famous buko salad and pancit luglug. He was the compleat host that afternoon.
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Jorge Araneta’s birthday eve turned into an evening to remember when music icon Englebert Humperdinck dropped by the Bahay na Puti to greet him a happy birthday. The sold-out performance that was produced by Ovation Productions at the Araneta Coliseum was astounding as this was the fourth time the 75-year-old performer was back in recent times and he still could draw a crowd who loved his hits.
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It was one cool Saturday evening when Dette Aquino Tan decided to celebrate in her newly renovated home that features a contemporary look. Everyone enjoyed the champagne and hors d’oeuvres as they mingled during cocktail hour and admired the beautiful flower and candle arrangements that abounded in the house. Soon, everyone moved to the garden to enjoy the sumptuous dinner prepared by young culinary expert chef Koochie Laxamana. Though another year has passed for Dette, the years never show on her face due to her joyous and youthful disposition.
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Hardworking entrepreneur Allana Montelibano had many reasons to celebrate her natal day with so many positives in her life. The dinner at Cirkulo was not only super-delicious but ended with a bang when her talented guests started singing special songs to honor the celebrant. To top it off, quite a number ended up dancing around the dinner tables since the music was so infectious. Plus, there seems to be a special reason why Allana is so radiant and blooming lately.