AN ANTICIPATED event in Iloilo high society is the birthday party of Sarah Opolencia-Peña. This year it was nothing less than opulent.
Invitation was in the form of a postcard with images of her different travels abroad, dahlings.
Her sprawling garden was once again lit with thousands of tivoli lights. The gorgeous stage’s backdrop showed images of the world’s famous tourist attractions.
Sarah was radiant in a red long gown made exclusively for the occasion by Vania Romoff. Helping welcome the guests were her husband, Judgee Lopez-Peña, scion of the Lopez clan, and daughters Rita, a lawyer; Risa, a physician; and Rica, a mechanical engineering student.
Dinner was prepared by the celebrator’s favorite caterer, Wilson Esperancilla. Wine overflowed, palangga.
Sarah’s nieces, Sicilienne and Farida Kabayao, rendered a special violin piece.
Her close friends, socialites Beverly and Pane Rosales, performed an elegant flamenco number, much to the delight of the crowd and her mother, Norma Padilla-Rosales, no less.
Sarah’s very eligible three daughters sang her favorite song while Judgee gave a loving and emotional tribute to his wife.
To top it all, a surprise performance was given by Sarah’s three favorite impresarios—society chroniclers John Castigador, Zedrick Señeres and my palangga, Nonoi Ybiernas. They did an interpretation of Doña Buding’s “Mayaman Ako.”
Seen enjoying the party were Maria Rosa Cacho-Afzelius, honorary consul of Spain; Helen Stummer; and Gary and Cecil Abanilla-Gison.
Sarah danced the waltz with her male siblings, relatives, family friends and, of course, Judgee.
Amid the starry night and beautiful fireworks that lit the sky, the couple looked very sweet, happy and content.
Here’s a toast to the queen for all seasons, Sarah Opolencia-Peña! Cheers, palangga!
Milestone
Singapore Airlines (SIA) kicked off its yearlong celebration of its 50th anniversary in the Philippines with the Showcase and Travel Fair 2016 at Glorietta Activity Center in Ayala Center, Makati.
Launched at the fair were the Premium Economy Class cabin product and global network expansion with new destinations.
Guests included Transportation Secretary Joseph Abaya, Tourism Undersecretary Benito Bengzon Jr., Foreign Assistant Secretary Minda Cruz, and Singapore Ambassador Kok Li Peng.
SIA executive vice president Mak Swee Wah reaffirmed the airlines’ commitment in “elevating the air travel and tourism landscape in the Philippines.”
The airline started operations here in 1966 with a thrice-weekly service between Manila and Singapore. “Today, Mak said, “Singapore Airlines and our subsidiary, Silk Air, operate 52 weekly flights out of the Philippines via Manila, Cebu, Davao and Kalibo.”
He added: “We have always been committed to bringing Filipinos and the world closer through our extensive global network.
“With our own network as well as that of our key partners, we now link the Philippines to some 280 cities in over 70 countries around the world.”
He pointed out that “expanded network, enhanced connectivity and continuous product innovation, all delivered with the award-winning service of Singapore Airlines, are what we strive to deliver to customers. We look forward to strengthening our relationship even further with the Philippines over the coming years.”
That’s really something to be glad about, dahlings! Imagine, Singapore Airlines now links the Philippines to some 280 cities in over 70 countries around the world.