Consul Louie Ablaza and the ‘Fairy Queen’, Consul Mellie Ablaza

Standing out in the midst of the crowd was the sea fairy prince himself, Jun Jun Ablaza. This time, he has outdone himself by creating a totally unique atmosphere, the likes of which the NBC Tent has never before experienced. The party scene was a thousand square feet of pure hedonistic heaven. Guests ‘oooh’ed and ‘aaah’ed at the foggy surreal tableau of angels hovering in mid-air – mannequins and humans, attired in dreamy celestial costumes and dangling below thousands of yards of draped satin, formed into what looked like the bottom of a spaceship.

Beyond belief is the Ablaza ball! The fairy theme drew in angels clad in glorious wings of all shapes. But the ‘fairest of them all’ was none other than the resplendent Fairy Queen, Mellie Ablaza, whose elegant wings were a touch of Erte. Beside her was the youthful-looking Consul Louie Ablaza.  Together with their children, JunJun, Marc and Czarina, this is the Ablaza’s way of sharing joy and happiness at Christmas time. Not to mention that it is also the birthday celebration of much-loved Mellie.  This yearly ball has been perfected into an art form, a grand production, unparalleled in scope and splendor.

THE LADY HB POTPOURRI.

‘The Week That Was’.  It was yet another one of those evenings, where there were two events happening at the same time, in opposite directions. There was the UST Concert, at the UST Chapel, and the Gala Concert at the Manila Cathedral.   While builder friend, Gerry Contreras was rushing to UST, we too were rushing to Dr. Ramon and Cynthia Pastor’s invitation to the Cathedral. After the concert, we attended the private dinner of Cardinal Rosales at the Cathedral’s balcony. Among those present were President Letty Syquia, Tata Poblador, Tereret and Andy Liboro, Ethel Timbol... Longest running birthday celebrator Glen Gale with another dinner and to usher in the Yuletide season at the Riviera Café of Heritage Hotel, with charming Mina Gervacio... The Opening of Café Juanita at the Fort. Long overdue, what with the original restaurant of Dr. Boy Vazquez in Ortigas always packed... Today, Senator Manny Villar and his wife Rep. Cynthia Villar, together with their children Mark, Paolo, and Camille host  a ‘Day of Wellness’ Christmas party, with a tour of Manny’s various livelihood projects.

‘The Week To Come’.  Jeweller Lili Adina’s birthday celebration and a ‘one day’ biggest sale at her Lili Jewelry showroom in Greenhills … Lane Mover’s Gerry and Virginia Lane hosts ‘Christmas Cocktails’ at their beautiful penthouse... National Museum Vibal Foundation book launch/exhibit opening of ‘Telling Modern Time - The Life and Art of Botong Francisco Coching’.