And so, palangga, we finally set foot in “Amelia,” the grand hacienda where Luis “Louie” Ablaza Jr. and Amelia “Mellie” Romero Ablaza recently renewed their wedding vows and celebrated 50 years of matrimonial bliss.
It took Louie seven years to build the sprawling property in Alfonso, Cavite—a gift to his “love forever” Mellie—which was completed just in time for the couple’s golden wedding anniversary.
Each guest received a gold-padded keepsake box with an invitation designed by Paperio Co. and Coloriphics Digital, and a gilt baroque picture frame handcrafted by Excel Frames and Decors from Mt. Pinatubo ashes.
The invite mentioned that, in lieu of gifts, guests were requested to donate to either the Ina Ng Laging Saklolo Parish in Tagaytay, or the Alagad ni Maria Foundation.
The gowns of Mellie and daughter Czarina for the dance number were designed by Cary Santiago. The piece de resistance in Mellie’s appearance was her dazzling Bulgari diamond and grey gold Serpenti necklace.
Louie and Mellie sat on glass thrones, marveling at the live performances of their grandchildren—Azia Syquia’s medley of songs from “Cinderella”; Alfonso, Agu, Amanu and Azi Syquia’s string quintet rendition of “Beethoven No. 5”; Xavier and Santiago Ablaza’s piano playing on “Arabesque” and “Spring Song,” respectively.
Other special numbers had George Yang singing “Some Enchanted Evening” and “Love Is a Many-Splendored Thing,” and Dr. Raul Sunico playing the piano. The Metro Manila Concert Orchestra likewise performed.
Highlighting the program were quadrille and waltz numbers with close friends of the Ablazas and members of the diplomatic corps—choreographed by Bujing Danao, with Dalah Pia and Renato Delgado assisting.
In his speech, Louie said that the Amelia hacienda is a symbol of their long-lasting relationship. He quoted his wife from her pictorial biography “On Being Mellie”: “When I was a little girl, I dreamt of a prince who would sweep me off my feet. I imagined a boy who held my hand and led me to the dance floor for a round of waltz.”
Dreams do come true, dahlings.
Eco-friendly Nippon Paint
Nippon Paint recently hosted lunch for delegates and organizers of the joint launch of the United Architects of the Philippines’ Convention Exhibit 2015 and National Convention 41.
Nippon Paint Malaysia Group general manager Gladys Goh presented the company’s diverse products including Nippon Momento Series that adds a dimension of touch to wall paint and the Green Choice
Series of water-based, no added lead and mercury, and near-
zero Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) coatings.
The event also served as the venue for sharing of knowledge on paints, led by Singaporean color expert Serene Pang and Malaysian architects Boon Che Wee and Sarly Adre Sarkum, no less.
Two lucky winners among the guest will soon enjoy a trip to Malaysia to visit the “Re:Think. Re:Create. Expo,” a walk-through showcase spanning over 12,000 square feet of interior and exterior spaces that highlight the importance of colors in bringing out the beauty of home decor.
Pang talked about “Asian Colour Trends 2015/16,” Boon discussed “Greening Malaysia: One Building At A Time,” and Sarly spoke about “New Urbanism and Smart Cities.”
There was also an exhibition of Nippon Paint’s Color Creations app.
For a multinational company like Nippon Paint to engage eco-friendly technology is great news, palangga.
Log on to nipponpaint.ph
