A grand birthday celebration

When someone like the charming Mely Concepcion- Hechanova celebrates her birthday, you know that it is bound to be a grand affair. And a grand affair it was, as the Tower Club’s Taipan Restaurant overflowed with over 200 guests.

Mely’s loving husband Paing Hechanova warmly welcomed arrivals at the lobby, while Mely’s pretty daughters Renna, Raissa and Riana graciously helped guests to their seats. The guest list included handsome couples Jose and Vicky Cuisia; Raul and Menchu Concepcion; Oscar and Connie Lopez; Mellie and Luis Ablaza; and P.L. and Madeleine Lim; gorgeous Vicky Zubiri; elegant Meldy Cojuangco; and ageless beauty Mary Prieto, among many others.

Guests enjoyed the sumptuous smorgasbord of delicious Chinese dishes served for dinner: double boiled bamboo with black mushroom, sweet and sour pork with pineapple, deep fried fish fillet with garlic oyster sauce, yang chow fried rice, pork ribs with King Dao sauce, sautéed prawns with asparagus and garlic sauce, braised bean curd with black mushroom, and steamed garoupa with fine soya sauce.

The happy well-wishers brought birthday cakes for the celebrator. One cake stood out among the rest – the one decorated with one of Mely’s fashionable handbags! After Mely blew out the candles on her cake, everyone approached the principal table to wish her happiness and a long life.

Many more to come, Mely!

Crystals, Chiffon And Chi

Hollywood glam pervaded the Manila Polo Club ballroom when stunning socialite Joanne Matschuck celebrated her golden year. While the venue sparkled with crystals, gold satin and green spangles, guests were radiant in their classy dresses and trim suits. The lovely Joanne, who wore a magenta silk taffeta evening gown, was a picture of grace and bliss.

Joanne and her loving husband Gunther received their special guests, Mellie Ablaza, Letty Syquia, Jojo Zabarte, Yolly Ayson, Nini Licaros, Geena Zablan and Kathy Park, among them. The enchanted evening was filled with good music, sumptuous gourmet dishes and surprise Hollywood musical numbers from the celebrator’s friends. Much more memorable was Joanne’s wish that in lieu of gifts, donations be made to St. Joseph’s Parish in Romblon. It is no wonder how this generous and caring lady becomes showered with the love of all those she has touched.

Many years to come, Joanne!

Topnotch Badminton Facility Now Open

Pasig sports buffs rejoice! West Drive Badminton Center, founded by Felix Amparo Jr. and Alvin Alvarez, recently held its formal inauguration, to the delight of badminton enthusiasts in the Barrio Kapitolyo area. The cutting of the inaugural ribbon was led by guest of honor Amelita Ramos, president of the Philippine Badminton, along with Rep. Cynthia Villar, Mila Drilon, Kit Kat Zobel and Paing Hechanova.

The West Drive Badminton Center has one of the largest and most complete facilities: 16 courts with a high ceiling insulated with fiberglass to add to the comfort of club members and guests, clean air-conditioned changing rooms and comfort rooms, heated showers, a 180 square-meter view deck, gazebo, 24-hour security, and ample free parking. The club is accepting memberships. For inquiries, call tel. no. 635-4354 or 0917-5250105.

Get those legs moving!