It was a grand “surprise” birthday bash tendered for former First Lady Imelda Romualdez Marcos last July 2 at the Sofitel Philippine Plaza, the hotel she built more than two decades ago. The elegantly formal party, prepared by FIRM (Friends of Imelda Romualdez Marcos), was to celebrate her 80th birth anniversary.

Earlier in the day, a morning mass was held at the Sto. Niño Church in Tondo attended by a cheering throng of well-wishers from the families she provided homes for during the time that she was First Lady.

FIRM appointed Mari Hilario and Creative Files, Inc. to prepare an elegant dinner reception for Mrs. Marcos. It was auspiciously coincidental that Mari and Rep. Bongbong Marcos were classmates at De La Salle Greenhills during their grade school years. Mari and his team came out with a beautiful event that is definitely a most memorable experience for Mrs. Marcos and her well-heeled and bejeweled VIP guests.

When she came down from her room, the celebrator was met by eight violinists of the Manila Strings Ensemble who serenaded her with her favorite songs. She was welcomed by the executives of Sofitel Philippine Plaza led by GM Bernd Schneider. She was then given bouquets of red roses by children of her supporters. Mrs. Marcos shed tears of joy with the warm and lavish welcome given her.

Among her special guests was another former First Lady, Dewi Sukarno of Indonesia. (It is remembered that Dewi Sukarno slashed the face of Filipina international socialite Minnie Osmena during an encounter at a party in the US years ago.) Anyway, Dewi gifted Mrs. Marcos with a framed photo of them together taken during their heyday as first ladies.

Aside from Dewi Sukarno, the guests included members of the diplomatic corps, her friends from Senate and Congress and old-time friends.

Bongbong delivered the welcome remarks, followed by accolades from the Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China Liu Jian Chao, Dewi Sukarno, Rep. Roquito Ablan, Jr., Pitoy Moreno and Cory Quirino.

There was also a musical program and leading the performers was Anthony Castelo who came from the US just to sing for his favorite and beloved ninang. Imelda Papin, who was also very close to Mrs. Marcos, performed via a video tape from Las Vegas.

The show was opened by an Italian pianist, Andrea Spolti, followed by the Angelos, Victor Wood, Aristeo Demavivas, Dulce and upcoming singers Bianca Lopez, Fame Flores, Zsaire Vidal and others.

The highlight of the evening was the appreciation speech by Mrs. Marcos and a prayer she offered for the speedy recovery of former Pres. Cory C. Aquino.

Given the very limited time given to Mari Hilario and Creative Files, they however pulled off with flying colors. Mrs. Marcos even signed an old photograph with Mari and former First Lady of Guam Madeleine Bordallo as her gift to Mari for the very efficient management of the event.

Creative Files, Inc., one of Manila’s premier event stylists, has made a name in the industry, handling events in the Embassy circle like the Arab Republic of Egypt, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Kingdom of Belgium, the Republic of France, and Taiwan (Republic of China); they’ve also done business with members of the Chambers of Commerce and foreign associations like Le Club (for the annual soiree), the European British, German and Spanish Chambers of Commerce and American Women’s Club among other accounts.

For inquiries, e-mail Creative Files, Inc. at creativefilesinc@yahoo.com or creativefilesinc@gmail.com.

* * *

Hiyas ng QC ‘09 wants to be a policewoman

The winner of the title “Hiyas ng Quezon City 2009,” Bernadette Solero, 18, said she wants to be a policewoman someday. She was crowned amidst a cheering crowd at the Entertainment Plaza of the SM North EDSA last June 20. Special performer was singer-comedienne Angelica Jones.

The pioneering beauty contest in Quezon City is a brainchild of Councilor Ariel Inton. Special guest of honor and speaker during the coronation night was QC Mayor Sonny Belmonte who at the beginning of his speech cited a line from a famous poem that says “beauty has its own reason for being.” He encouraged all beautiful young women in Quezon City to come forward and be recognized, then get involved in building the community to be the best place to live in.

Ms. Solero, who went home R20,000 richer that night, is a graduating Criminology student at the Philippine College of Criminology. She said she wants to be an investigative policewoman someday. Aside from winning as “Hiyas ng Quezon City 2009,” Ms. Solero also won in five other categories: Miss Talent, Best in National Costume, Best in Swimsuit, Best in Casual Wear and Ms. Joel Cruz Signature.

First runner-up was Jennielyn Natividad, 21, who got the title “Hiyas ng Kalikasan.” A freelance ramp model, she represented Barangay Balubato in District 11. Ms. Natividad also got nine corporate awards from the pageant’s sponsoring companies before the finals. She was also earlier proclaimed Miss Phtotogenic.

Second runner-up was Sara Mae Reyes, the tallest among the 24 contestants at 5’8” with a 34-25-35 frame. The ash blonde 16-year-old beauty is also a ramp model from Barangay San Bartolome in Novaliches. She earned the title “Hiyas ng Kalinisan.”

* * *

Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings today, July 9, go to restaurateur Rod Ongpauco, Atty. Jessie Eustaquio, Baby Joson, Susan Dignadice Banaria, Cristina Ablaza, Mark Pierre C. Tobias, Alexis De Jesus, Cheryl de Leon, Ofelia Pumaren, Jhim Justine M. Lazatin, Linda Veronica dela Rea, Loretta Atienza-Lina, Cirilo Bautista, Veronica Velasco-Bayota of Napaset, Luna, La Union; Julius “Empoy” Marquez and Bam Romana.