Welcome June, the month of love! A lot of couples are celebrating anniversaries this month, including my hubby Dennis and I. We mark our 22nd year together on the 24th of June. Love is truly in the stars this Year of the Monkey with several celebrities and pretty brides getting hitched.

Earlier this year was the intimate wedding of Lebanese gentleman Jay Najjar and beautiful bride Rima Ostwani. Theirs was one of those romantic affairs. Childhood friends in Lebanon where Rima used to live, the charming couple reunited and got married April 29 at Santuario de San Antonio with Fr. Tito Caluag officiating.

The reception was at the spanking new Shangri-La at the Fort, whose Bonifacio Hall was beautifully styled by Gideon Hermosa.

Stunning in her Francis Libiran wedding gown, Rima changed into a Rosa Clara bridal gown for the after party while groom Jay looked handsome in his Dolce & Gabbana suit.

The color scheme was predominantly white with hints of dusty rose and gold, carried out in all the details including the classic and elegant wedding cake by Penk Ching. Wedding photographer Pat Dy and videographer Jason Magbanua captured all the touching moments.

The ninong of the newlyweds included Ruben Tiu, Felix Ang, George Siy, Willy Ocier and Johnny Litton. The list of ninang had Nedy Tantoco, Diana Jeanne Lopez, Helen Lee, Linda Ley and Tess Acuzar.

Trusted brand

A few weeks later, I joined entrepreneur George Siy for the 35th anniversary of Svenson, the leading hair and scalp center. Reveling in its 35 successful years in the industry, Svenson is the trusted brand when it comes to proven hair-loss expertise.

Svenson invited top endorsers to commemorate the milestone with a sumptuous dinner and concert. Leading the celebration were Svenson president George Siy and Svenson executive vice president Jacqueline Share-Siy.

Media friends and celebrities including Svenson endorsers Sam YG, Gino Quillamor, RJ Ledesma, Philip Cu Unjieng and chef Roland Laudico, and beautiful friends like Riki Flo, Camille Co and Suki Salvador, graced the affair.

The night was full of laughter, socials and entertainment.

Later that evening, guests were ushered to the Svenson Black Fleet bus as they were also treated to watch Jason Derulo’s Manila concert at the Mall of Asia Arena. It was truly a night to remember as Svenson jumpstarted its 35th year.

With branches all over Asia, Svenson has local branches in Makati City, The Fort, Alabang, Tomas Morato, Binondo and Cebu. Offering the latest technologically advanced, non-surgical solutions for hair loss and baldness, Svenson has been taking good care of my crowning glory for several years now.

With its team of qualified trichologists, also known as hair and scalp experts, Svenson specializes in treating hair loss and scalp problems with correct diagnoses and proven effective treatments. The focus of these treatments is the early detection and elimination of the conditions that cause hair problems, clean out toxins and debris on the scalp and provide the conditions for ideal hair growth.

For advanced baldness, Svenson offers undetectable hair replacement systems that give clients a natural-looking full head of hair once more. Thank goodness, my luscious locks allow me to keep a youthful charm so I can party with people half my age and not look like their granny.

Parisian-themed party

Speaking of youthful parties, I joined the festivities of La Nuit Sofitel, the latest signature event concept of Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila. This Sofitel affair had the younger party crowd that was closer to my children’s age.

Sofitel transformed its Harbor Garden Tent into a dynamic party venue transitioning from a colorful runway to an edgy dance hall, establishing the new benchmark in magnifique celebrations. Sofitel showcased the Parisian nightlife fused with the local party scene through an evening that wove edgy design, modern setting and culinary masterpieces while dance music played throughout the night.

This multi-experience concept kicked off with a visual presentation of the latest resort collection of fashion designer Ryan Madamba. Entitled Crépuscule, the chic and fabulous collection featured the interplay of design and color echoing nightfall. Through a LED-light tunnel, the trendsetter crowd was then transported into a Parisian nightclub where they witnessed a live musical showcase by Freestyle and a vibrant dance party with DJ Callum David.

A sophisticated mixology experience added to the night’s highlight with Spanish cava by Anna Codorniu free-flowing along with the signature La Nuit by Sofitel cocktails. The gastronomic journey through wide, lined-up stations included French canapés, crepes, pasta and chocolate stations.

Young talent

For this fun party, I wore a gown that young talented designer Cherry Veric created especially for me. Cherry was also the finale designer of the latest Philippine Fashion Week held at the ballroom of Discovery Primea Hotel. His brilliantly stunning collection was a kaleidoscope of Aztec patterns on beaded fabrics. Each creation was indeed a masterpiece.

For a prom that my daughter Annika was invited to, Cherry made a feminine pastel gown that was really elegant and pretty. After prom season, it’s wedding season time so Cherry will be surely busy with his creations for the rest of this year.

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