A cozy birthday party for Norma Gullas

Whenever Norma Gullas, the First Lady of neighboring Talisay City, a big town/small city of a place some 12 kilometers away from downtown Cebu, hosts a well-thought gathering – may it be an intimate dinner, a powerhouse of a cocktail reception or a lavish fiesta – invitees are always almost certain to have a wonderful and marvelous time. And that’s simply because Mingming, as she is fondly called, never fails to delight her appreciative guests with her gift of perfectly fusing visitors, intermix with delectable food and a wide selection of wine and drinks compounded with unique presentations and innovative surprises and carefully selected music stirring in the air.

Her recent birthday bash was no exception. The celebration was held at the family’s newly completed residence, aptly known as Villa Norma Francisca, situated on the top of a hill, surrounded by lush palmeras, flowering bougainvilleas, greens and more greens everywhere stretching to the south and a breathtaking view of the quaint little town of Minglanilla, known for its skillful much-sought after burdaderas.

Just as we passed through the impressive, massive yet intricate grilled gate, we caught a glimpse of husband Eduardo "Eddiegul" Gullas, a former and active leading member of the House of Representatives and now the first Mayor of Talisay City since it was proclaimed a chartered city, ready to warmly welcome us. An assembly of unobtrusive attendants, who were all smiling, reminded me of an old Department of Tourism promotional slogan, a favorite of my brother Edu, who is a travel veteran, which proudly proclaimed "The Philippines, Where Asia Wears a Smile," stood by Eddie’s side. Their sole aim that night was to simply provide the best of service for every guest.

At the artfully designed spacious, airy azotea, the celebrant, who was stunningly slim as a reed and dressed in an all-red lace outfit, which I later gathered she obtained from a fashionable shop in Rome, one of her favorite European stopovers, was happily busy entertaining her many guests that included Ellen Climaco, Milagros Sembrano, Maribel Antunez and sisters Hazel Gonzalez and Evelyn Ugarte, all viudas that have bravely moved on to living meaningful lives.

After greeting her friends who have just arrived to the party, Norma immediately obliged all of us, as it seems customary, with a personalized tour of her weekend retreat home, annotated with amusing anecdotes along the way.

The best way to describe our feelings for this superbly put together house and its surroundings is the sensation of entering a world totally removed from the hustle and bustle of the city and its always on-the-go activities. Each room has its own distinct character, and yet there is an underlying, magical unity through the furnishings, the blending of styles and colors, which Norma chose herself.

The Gullases wanted to create a special place, a family refuge that is utterly private and remote. They have successfully achieved their dream beautifully.

Back at the party, we r-joined some of the guests, namely Rosebud Sala, Elo Fernan, Jo Magsaysay and Joe Recio, for a sumptuous buffet dinner.

Over cups of exceptional coffee and a taste of desserts that could easily instantly ruin a diet, we gladly watched the University of the Visayas Dance Troupe perform familiar songs and lively dances. Statuesque granddaughter Tonette Gullas gracefully performed the difficult steps of the singkil, a much-applauded number in any performance, to the delight of grandparents Norma and Eddie.

We could easily have stayed till midnight were it not for the rather longish ride back home that awaited us. However, we did promise we would return someday and again enjoy this paradise of a home, as well as Norma’s, with Eddie’s help, genuine, gracious hospitality.