I resolve... to feel like 18 again: Debutante raises P2 million for charity

MANILA, Philippines - When Gabrielle Antoinette Floirendo, nicknamed Gabbi, celebrated her birthday, in lieu of gifts, she asked her friends and families of her friends to contribute to “Habitat for Humanity“ with the happy news that over P 2M was raised which will go to building homes for 50 families in Barangay San Vicente, Panabo, Davao province, the bailiwick of the Floirendos. 

This was a side of Gabbi that endeared her to everybody. The younger of Tonyboy and Margie Floirendo’s two daughters, Gabbi was home from school in England. Margie immediately set her wand waving to fulfill Gabbi’s “Alice in Wonderland” dream debut. Classy invitations with an Alice in Wonderland background went out to over 300 of Gabbi’s friends while Tonyboy and Margie had their own list as well.

Guests walked in the Floirendo gardens a few months back in a tent full of whimsy! Tonyboy and Margie walked into the tent with Gabbi all grown up and pretty in her Jun Escario gown in midnight blue with a youthful tiered skirt. Margie was elegant and svelte in her beige and black lace gown while sister Monica was in an original by Jasmine de Milo , a daughter of Al Fayed — yes Princess Diana’s Dodi’s sister!  

A Cibo four-course-sit-down dinner was served with the Philippine Youth Symphonic Band of Irene Marcos Araneta providing dinner music of light classics and pop music under the direction of artistic director Arnaldo Custodio.

A surprise for Gabbi was a video that had her friends commenting on her many characteristics: from naughty to nice, bright, thoughtful, caring. All these qualities were again brought up by both Tonyboy and Margie as they invited everbody to toast to the celebrant. Then her young guests surrounded her with more wishes as she blew her cake.