Olé!

Spain celebrated its National Day a new moon ago, dahlings, with a grand reception at the sprawling Forbes Park residence of well-respected Spanish ambassador, el muy simpatico Tomas Rodriguez-Pantoja. Part of the night’s super success was the fantastic turnout–there were over 1,500 invitees from the cultural, diplomatic and political sectors, members of the Filipino-Hispanic society and the Spanish community. The ceremonial toast was done in the presence of the Apostolic Nuncio Antonio Franco and Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Franklin Ebdalin.

As in all the Spanish ambassador’s receptions, the invitees were thrilled by the many delicious dishes and finger-food–the popular paellas from La Tienda superbly prepared right next to the pool by super talented amigo, Javier Lekumberri. In another part of the garden stood the buffet tables heavily laden with sumptuous tapas expertly prepared by the Embassy’s top chef. Refreshing sangria pleasantly accompanied the Spanish delights.

The party extended way past the cocktail hour with some invitees ending the night with song numbers accompanied by a musical trio.

RJ and Friends rocks the high seas

One-of-a-kind rock and roll legend Ramon "RJ" Jacinto and his band RJ and Friends definitely rocked Asia’s best cruise lines, Star Cruise’s Superstar Leo, with their unique brand of rock and roll during the specially-themed cruise Rock the Boat

Rock the Boat, dahlings, was a pioneering effort by producer-impressario, Danee Samonte to present Filipino home-grown talents in the cruise. Themed cruises have been around for about 50 years. Since art appreciation, literature, celebrity, gourmet, ballroom dancing, Beatles, Elvis and even Disney-themed cruises take place worldwide all year-round, Samonte felt it was time to introduce Philippine talent in a themed cruise with the grand man of rock and roll, RJ no less.

The four-day, three-night Rock the Boat cruise sailed from Hong Kong to the beautiful, tropical Sanya Island in Hainan, China, then on to Halong Bay in exotic Vietnam. It offered two nights of rollicking, swinging fun, as passengers danced the night away to the beat of rock n’ roll. "We have never seen so many people dancing and enjoying themselves at the Galaxy of the Stars," said the main bartender at the top entertainment nightspot on the Superstar Leo. RJ and his band’s special performances created such a buzz onboard that no less than the ship’s captain and other officers couldn’t resist taking a peek and then giving it a go on the dance floor!

With a considerable contingent of Cosmo Manille hotshots, palanggas, the cruise was off to a good start. Daytime was reserved for land tours; exercising at the gym; sunbathing or soaking in the hot tubs; participating in the numerous onboard activities; exploring the different, intriguing features of the beautiful 13-storey ship; or simply lounging on one of the deck chairs and taking in the fresh sea breeze while watching the breathtaking sceneries.

On board to support their famous cousin were renowned photographer, Rupert Jacinto and his wife, Tina, his mother Red, sister Baby with musician hubby Danny Favis, plus sister and superb drummer Nora who did a well-applauded drum exhibition. Also there was the gang of dancing glamour gals Eva Abesamis, Jojo Zabarte, Therese Coronel Santos and Vancouver resident Marife Furber who managed to get the ship’s captain, Lars Bengtsson, to drop his guard and wiggle to RJ’s sounds. Dance floor regulars, palanggas, were the groupie of Amboy and Nini Valdez, Angie Rodriguez, Celia Teves, Jean Salvador, Rep. Raul Villareal and his fashionable wife, Jolita. Celebrating their ruby anniversary on board was Judge Demetrio Macapagal and his wife, MTRCB director Sofia M. with their brood.

Judes Echaus did a mean swing with his ladylove, eye-catcher Tina Bernasconi who traveled with pretty, pretty daughter, Magali. Hotshot lawyer Bobby San Jose took some time off with his wife, Leilani and their three daughters. Clearly dominating the dance floor, dahlings, were top PR ladies, Boots Moyer and Rosary Ysmael of the in-demand Ysmael, Moyer, Valenzuela & Associates, Inc. who boogied with National Broadcasting Network director, Rolly Magat.

A different perspective on enjoyment was provided by the super fun pack of Tourism students of the University of Santo Tomas who were doing their practicum on board with two of their professors and the youthful head of the UST Education Department, Fr. Romulo Rodriguez. The students’ irrepressible energy was keenly felt by those on the dance floor and was thoroughly contagious.

Providing the needed assistance was Star Cruise Philippines’ mega sales persona, Jon Basa who traveled with Hong Kong-based sister Yasmin of Cartoon Network, Infinite Travel’s Rene Lazaro, Great Ship Adventure’s Karen Obal and Oltre Mare Travel’s Arlene Tabor.

Naturellement, palanggas, music appeals to all races so it didn’t take any coaxing to get the Chinese, Japanese, Tahitian, Hong Kong, English and Australian cruise passengers to join in the action and rock on the dance floor with or without partners to the beat of RJ’s pulsating music.

Due to the huge success of this special cruise, watch out for Danee Samonte’s Star Cruise Valentine special designed to melt the hearts of romantics of all ages and enthrall them with four days of music and romance.

Check it out, palanggas, and hop on board.

Happy cruising in one of the best sailing ships of the sea, Star Cruise’s, naturellement. Smile and see you!