It can be tiring, palangga, but celebrating my birthday is always fun—with different groups honoring my special day from lunch to dinner to the wee hours. What I love is that there is always a night reserved for carousing with each set of my best pals.
This year it started with a merienda cena held in the stylish garden of my dear friend Nini Licaros at her North Forbes Park residence, co-organized by another dear friend, Nene Leonor, and hosted by my palangga Mellie Ablaza, Chit Salud, Linda Ley, Agnes Huibonhoa, Josie Uy, Yoli Ayson, Tina Cuevas and Mimi Valerio.
The guest list included Dr. Elenita Binay, Fe Rodriguez, Joel Cruz represented by Roy Redondo, Agile Zamora, Nonie Basilio, Ching Cruz, Nena Mewshaw, Estella Lopez, Emily Lopez, Betsy Tenchavez, Duday Tuason, Tetta and her husband Christian Agustin.
The scrumptious food was catered by Millie Reyes of The Plaza.
Ever youthful Deo Sy
Meanwhile, Ever Bilena founder and CEO Dioceldo “Deo” Sy celebrated his 60th birthday at the Forbes Ballroom of Conrad Manila.
Apparently 60 is the new 40 for Sy, who is young at heart, with a keen appreciation for beauty and a never-ending drive to learn more the industry he works in.
Among the birthday boy’s well-wishers were Robina Gokongwei-Pe, brothers Hans and Herbert Sy, Mark Villar, Patricia Javier, brothers Rayver and Rodjun Cruz, Daiana Meneses, Christian Bautista, Max Collins, Derrick Monasterio and Andrea Brillantes.
While feasting over a lavish Chinese banquet, Sy’s famille and guests recounted heartwarming anecdotes and trivia about him.
“Deo was like a father who took care of us while growing up,” said younger brother and Ever Bilena COO Siliman Sy. “He influenced us in many ways. That is why a big part of who we are is because of him.”
Quinito Henson also recalled Sy’s passion for basketball, treating Ever Bilena’s Blackwater Elite team as “close family members.”
The party was actually a double celebration, coinciding with the official announcement of Sy’s second daughter Denice’s engagement to Jacob Muñez. The wedding will be held February 2018.
SM’s ‘Alpha Female’
SM Woman recently unveiled its #SMWoman Summer 2017 collection, focusing on the Alpha Female image in celebration of Women’s Month last March.
Held on the third level of SM Makati, guests enjoyed an array of ensemble catering to women of different tastes and body types, from brands like Coco Cabana, Gigi Amore, GTW, Prima and Curves.
Among the guests at the well-attended event were Amy Amohiro and Denden Lazaro, Jenni Epperson, Czarina Ablaza-Syquia, Tessa Prieto Valdes, Maggie Wilson, Jodilly Pendre and Phoemela Baranda.
Opening the show were SM Woman brand ambassadors, power couple Joey Mead and Angelina Mead King.
Also walking the runway was international plus-size model Katrina Gumabao, along with talents from Ford Models in New York.
The collection was about all shapes and sizes, cuts and patterns to show that SM Woman is, indeed, #FashionforEveryWoman, dahlings.
“Our woman understands fashion” says Jo Dy Juanco, SM Ladies Fashion SVP. “We value every woman as they develop their confidence and self-esteem through fashion. They wear what they want without thinking about what other people will say because they represent the Alpha Female—strong, elegant and stylish.”
Highlighting the event was a VIP shopping bash where the women guests had the opportunity to buy pieces at The SM Store.
