Porfirioness

Tomato Soup: Rich tomato soup topped with croutons and basil oil

Tomato Soup: Rich tomato soup topped with croutons and basil oil; and French Onion Soup: Classic onion soup topped with bread gratin

Today, The Mansion launches its new ala carte menu for breakfast, lunch, merienda, pika-pika, dinner and midnight snacks! It is an eclectic mix of Oriental cuisine, Filipino fare and International favorites.

This updated and fusion menu is the masterwork of Chefs ARNIE PINEDA and CARLOS LANZONA. It includes Starters and Salads, Sandwiches, Pasta, Main Courses and Desserts. “MSG is a Big No in our dishes here at The Mansion,” Chef ARNIE proudly said. He and Chef CARLOS grow organic herbs at the hotel.

The plating is an eyeful but not overwhelming while the serving is plentiful. In every dish, one can taste each ingredient giving it a good blend of flavors in every bite!

The ala carte menu is available everyday at the Lobby Lounge of The Mansion.

Pork Sinigang: Pork belly, water spinach, long beans, eggplant, taro, tamarind broth, served with steamed white rice; The Classic Cobb Salad: Mixed greens topped with grilled chicken, bacon, tomatoes, boiled eggs, avocado, Swiss and crumbled gorgonzola, served with your choice of dressing

Phad Thai: Flat rice noodles, tofu, prawns, chicken strips, coriander leaves, tamarind sauce; and Spaghetti Pomodoro: Spaghetti pasta tossed in a light white wine butter sauce with tomatoes, onions, kalamata olives, beans served with parmesan cheese & garlic bread

Spaghetti Carbonara: Spaghetti pasta, crispy bacon, nutmeg, cream, egg yolk, served with parmesan cheese and garlic bread; and Wok Fry Prawns: Tiger prawns, sesame oil, garlic, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, served with steamed white rice

Authentic Beef Caldereta: US Beef Brisket, root vegetable, liver sauce, tomato sauce, served with steamed white rice; and Adobo Chicken & Pork: Pork belly, chicken leg & thigh, marinated soya sauce, garlic, bay leaf, pepper corn served with garlic rice or steamed white rice

BBQ Baby Back Ribs: three months old baby back ribs, served with grilled sweet corn, grilled vegetable or steamed white rice; and The Mansion Crispy Fried Chicken: Chicken leg and tight marinated to lemongrass, ginger, coriander Kaffir lime leaves, coconut cream, served with garlic rice or steamed white rice

Panna Cotta with strawberry sauce; The Mansion Signature Burger: 100% grilled beef US with Cheese, caramelized onion, mix herb greens, horseradish cream, and mustard, comes with chips or your choice of fruit or fries; and Philly Cheese Steak Sandwich: Tender shaved roast beef topped with sautéed onions, peppers and Swiss cheese ciabatta bread with au jus, comes with chips or your choice of fruit or fries

Dr. Mae Panes of TMX, Manager of Marketing Activations Pinky A. Custodio, VP for Corporate Communications José E. L. Perez de Tagle, yours truly, Director-Commercial of PAL Mabuhay Miles Mayette T. Contreras and Marketing Activitations Officer Czyreen Castillo

Dr. Mae Panes of TMX, Manager of Marketing Activations Pinky A. Custodio, VP for Corporate Communications José E. L. Perez de Tagle, yours truly, Director-Commercial of PAL Mabuhay Miles Mayette T. Contreras and Marketing Activitations Officer Czyreen Castillo

Global 4-star Philippine Airlines (PAL) hosted a lunch-cum-press briefing at Ker and Company Building. It was to announce its participation at this year’s Iloilo Dinagyang Festival with Mabuhay Night, a free concert at SM City Iloilo Southpoint, tonight, January 24; Miss Iloilo Dinagyang 2019 Pageant at Megaworld Iloilo Business Park tomorrow, January 25; and the Parade of Lights at Megaworld Iloilo Business Park, Saturday, January 26, with an airplane-inspired float!
Well, why not? After all last year, PAL had participated in some of the country’s major festival, such as Sinulog of Cebu, Ati-Atihan of Kalibo, MassKara of Bacolod, Kadayawan of Davao and Dinagyang of Iloilo! Naturellement, it attracted tens of thousands of local and foreign visitors jetted in by PAL to these festive destinations!

Director-Commercial of PAL Mabuhay Miles Mayette T. Contreras, VP for Corporate Communications José E. L. Perez de Tagle and BRM Iloilo Ricky de la Cruz

Director-Commercial of PAL Mabuhay Miles Mayette T. Contreras, VP for Corporate Communications José E. L. Perez de Tagle and BRM Iloilo Ricky de la Cruz

Urbandub, the country’s first indie rock band from Cebu, and actress/host/dancer ANDREA TORRES will headline Mabuhay Night.

The mainstream press and social media influencers, and PAL officials, led by VP for Corporate Communications JOSÉ E. L. PEREZ de TAGLE, Director-Commercial of PAL Mabuhay Miles MAYETTE T. CONTRERAS, Manager of Marketing Activations PINKY A. CUSTODIO and BRM Iloilo RICKY de la CRUZ, enjoyed on sumptuous dishes prepared by Al Dente Ristorante Italiano.

Manager of Marketing Activations Pinky A. Custodio and Chit Querubin

Dr. Mae Panes and Iloilo City Tourism Officer Junel Ann Divinagracia

Manager of Marketing Activations Pinky A. Custodio and Chit Querubin; and Dr. Mae Panes and Iloilo City Tourism Officer Junel Ann Divinagracia

Since 1946, PAL has been flying to Iloilo. It used twin-engine DC-3s. “Today, PAL uses modern Airbus jets and Bombardier Q400 turboprops in lfying five times a day from Iloilo International Airport to Manila, four times a day to Cebu and four weekly flights to General Santos,” BRM Iloilo RICKY de la CRUZ proudly announced.

The Philippine flag carrier will soon open three regional routes on March and April 2019. It will be from Manila to Hanoi, Vietnam, Phnom Penh, Cambodia and New Delhi, India! This marks the opening salvo of PAL’s 2019 network expansion program.

Urbandub, the country’s first indie rock band from Cebu

Actress/host/dancer Andrea Torres; and Urbandub, the country’s first indie rock band from Cebu

According to Director-Commercial of PAL Mabuhay Miles MAYETTE T. CONTRERAS, Mabuhay Miles, in support of PAL’s 5-star goal, is launching new program features this first quarter of 2019, such as redeeming PAL tickets with Miles for all fare types, even including promo fares any day of the year. “Mabuhay Miles members also have an option to pay their PAL tickets through combination of Miles and cash, as part of Mabuahy Miles program enhancements,” she said.

A ferry company wholly-owned by PAL, Mabuhay Maritime Express, will soon launch its premium ferry service from Kalibo direct to Boracay. It will use two world-class catamarans with tri-class cabins: First, Premium and Regular.

According to MME press release, upon arrival at Kalibo International Airport, Boracay-bound passengers can take the free shuttle to the MME Kalibo Terminal (now being constructed in Brgy. Pook for the fastest Kalibo-Boracy service (1½ hours).

Hala Bira at Megaworld Iloilo Business Park!

Hala Bira at Megaworld Iloilo Business Park!

Megaworld Iloilo Business Park (IBP) will be the epicenter of 19 events this Iloilo Dinagyang Festival 2019 weekend!

The long weekend of fun and revelry will be highlighted by the Grand Coronation of the Miss Iloilo Dinagyang 2019 pageant tomorrow, January 25, Friday at 6pm in front of Casa de Emperador along Megaworld Boulevard.

According to JENNIFER PALMARES-WONG, VP for Sales and Marketing of IBP, Megaworld is proud to have the pageant here because it has always been among the biggest highlights of the Dinagyang Festival, and that it looks forward to hosting the beauty pageant in the township for more years to come.

Among the crowd-drawing events in this year’s festivities include the following:

1. Mabuhay Night, Philippine Airlines (PAL) Dinagyang Party tonight, January 24, Thursday, 5pm, at Megaworld Boulevard, featuring Urbandub and ANDREA TORRES
2. Viva Music Festival, an all-night dance and music party, from Jan. 25-27, Friday to Sunday, at Megaworld Boulevard, featuring iconic rock group Kamikaze, international DJ Jetfire and celebrity love team NADINE LUSTRE and JAMES REID
3. Dinagyang Lights Parade, which will feature more than 20 colorful floats, on January 26, Saturday, 6pm at Festive Walk Parade, and will be followed by the grand Dinagyang Fireworks Display at 9pm
4. All-out party at Festive Walk Parade the entire Dinagyang weekend starting January 24
5. GMA Kapuso Night Mall Show on January 25, Friday, at 6pm
6. Ransom Collective, a local indie band will take the stage on January 25, Friday, at 11pm
7. Honda Riders Meet Up with Orange and Lemons, a gathering of Ilonggo bikers, on January 26, Saturday, at 10am
8. The Apartel, on January 26, Saturday, featuring legendary Filipino music icon ELY BUENDIA
9. Up Dharma Down, on January 27, Sunday

From January 21 to 27, shoppers can avail of pasalubongs and everything Ilonggo at the Pasalubong Center at Festive Walk Mall. One can also score discounted items at the Dinagyang Festival Sale at Festive Walk Mall/Parade/Annex. Operating hours of the mall will be extended from 10AM-12MN from January 25 to 27.

When in the mood for food, you can enjoy the best Ilonggo street delicacies at the strEAT Party Food Festival by the Iloilo Hotel Restaurants Association on January 24 to 27, 4PM onwards, at Festive Walk Parade.

You can also catch the Dinagyang Warriors Parade featuring Tribu Bola-Bola at 4PM and 7PM at Festive Walk Mall from January 25 to 27.

From January 25 to 27, there will also be the Warriors Overload, a costume exhibit, sale and performance show, at Festive Walk Mall/Parade/Annex. Interactive Dinagyang Booths will also be conducted at the mall throughout these dates.

Last year, the Dinagyang Lights Parade, hosted by Megaworld IBP, gathered around 10,000 spectators, while the Grand Fireworks Display was witnessed by more than 15,000 people. The Viva Music Festival gathered a crowd of 5,000 to 8,000 revelers partying all-night long. This year, Iloilo Business Park expects a bigger crowd since more events are happening in the township.

For more information and details about this year’s Dinagyang Festivities, visit Iloilo Business Park’s on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/IBPofficial

Junel Ann Divinagracia, Iloilo City Tourism Officer; Dr. Mary Lou Lacson Arcelo, Vice-Chairman, JBL Maritime Vanguard Services, Inc.; Atty. Helen Catalbas, Regional Director, Department of Tourism, Region VI; Capt. Vicente Fedelicio, Chairman; Hon. Jose Espinosa III, Mayor, Iloilo City; and Dr. Ronald Raymond Lacson Sebastian, CEO, JBLFMU.

JBL Maritime Vanguard Services, Inc. recently unveiled M/V Capt. John B. Lacson with a Christening and Inauguration Ceremony at PPA Passenger Terminal, Fort San Pedro Iloilo! The one-of-a-kind training ship was named after Capt. JOHN B. LACSON, the founder of the first maritime university in the country — John B. Lacson Foundation Maritime University (JBLFMU).

With the setting sun, the event was led by Dr. MARY LOU LACSON-ARCELO, Vice-Chairman, JBL Maritime Vanguard Services, Inc.; her son Dr. RONALD RAYMON LACSON SEBASTIAN, CEO, JBLFMU; Mayor JOE ESPINOSA III of Iloilo City; Capt. VICENTE FEDELICIO, Chairman, JBL Maritime Vanguard Services, Inc.; Atty. HELEN CATALBAS, Regional Director, Department of Tourism, Region VI; and JUNEL ANN DIVINAGRACIA, Iloilo City Tourism Officer.

M/V Capt. John B. Lacson

M/V Capt. John B. Lacson

With the unique Hands-on On-board Training program (OBT) in mind, the qualified on-board, licensed training officers aim to strengthen quality maritime education in the Philippines by providing on board, real time simulations and practical training application of ship operations to students. “This in turn, will improve the readiness factor of future seafarers to become qualified ship officers in the international market,” enthused Dr. RONALD RAYMOND LACSON SEBASTIAN in his Welcome Remarks.

Well, why not? After all, the Philippines ranks Number 2 in the global arena of producing the most number of qualified ship officers, 2^nd only to China. And most of these seafarers come from Western Visayas. In fact, the international maritime arena relies on the country as one of the top producers of world class quality seafarers.

According to the CEO of JBLFMU, there is an urgent need to address the serious shortage in the total supply of ship officers globally. Voila! M/V Capt. John B. Lacson is one of the solutions to this problem!

Dr. Mary Lou Lacson Arcelo, Chairman of the Board, JBLFMU. Capt. Vicente Fedelicio and Dr. Ronald Raymond Lacson Sebastian, CEO, JBLFMU present to Capt. Jonathan Villaflor, Master of M/V Capt. John B. Lacson, a plaque distinction from John B. Lacson Foundation Maritime University (JBLFMU); and Mayor Joe Espinosa III hands over the ceremonial Key of The City to Capt. Vicente Fedelicio and Dr. Mary Lou Lacson Arcelo for JBL Maritime Vanguard Services, Inc.

The by-invitation event was attended by dignitaries from government agencies and the maritime industry, represented by its public and private sectors as well as selected members of the media. Also there were members of the different units of JBLFMU. Invited guests had the privilege of a guided ship tour of its facilities.

A little birdie told me that the ship’s capacity dictated a limited number of people on board, hence, the exclusivity! “The organizers required an RSVP in order to account for the number of people expected on board,” she whispered to me in molto sotto voce.

Dr. Ronald Raymond Lacson Sebastian, CEO, JBLFMU having a good laugh with his guests

Yours truly with Derick Lim and Nonoi Ybiernas of The Mansion

Capt. Jonathan Villaflor, Master of M/V Capt. John B. Lacson, entertains visitors at the ship’s bridge; Dr. Ronald Raymond Lacson Sebastian, CEO, JBLFMU with guests; Dr. Ronald Raymond Lacson Sebastian, CEO, JBLFMU having a good laugh with his guests; and yours truly with Derick Lim and Nonoi Ybiernas of The Mansion.

The formalities were followed by a swinging party on board the ship. The yumminess was prepared by DoVa Brunch Café of Chef MIGUEL CORDOVA.

JBL Maritime Vanguard Services, Inc. is the company that operates and manages M/V Capt. John B. Lacson. Although a separate legal entity, its primary affiliate is John B. Lacson Foundation Maritime University (JBLFMU).

Top Photo: Capt. Vicente Fedelicio, Capt. Miguel Macauling, Capt. Relly Jose JR., C/O Joemar Mascote, Capt. Remigio Zamora, C/E Arnel Gonzales, Dr. Mary Lou Lacson Arcelo, Dr. Ronald Raymond Lacson Sebastian, Atty Pepito Gellada, Capt. Edgardo Flores, Capt. Rolando Ramos, Mr. Salvador Sarabia III; and Bottom Photo: Members of the Board together with stockholders of JBL Maritime Vanguard Services, Inc.. L to R- Robert Parcia, Engr. Ralph Pador, Dr. Ronald Raymond Lacson Sebastian, Dr. Mary Lou Lacson Arcelo, Capt. Vicente Fedelicio (Chairman), Melanie Hermogenes (Board Secretary), Julio Oberiano, Engr. Neal Sobrejuanite, Capt.Alfred Espinosa

M/V Capt. John B. Lacson Inaugural Crew: (standing): Jefferson Gomez (cook), Mark Leo Policarpio (fitter), Jeffrey Orniple (fitter), Egmedio Cubing (Electro-technical Officer),John Kevin Oanes, ( 4th Engr), Arnold Sotiar, (2nd Engr), Crisarmel Bandiola, (office staff), Capt. Jonathan Villaflor (Master), Mary Rose Amboy ( secretary), Bryan Emmanuel Libunao (2nd Officer), Don Joseph Santillan ( 3rd Officer), Jonathan Bautro (Electro-technical Officer), Rhian Veduya (Engine Cadet), Rowell Maninang ( Engine Cadet) and Angie Salarda (Bosun) with (forefront)  Jose Roy Marie Palco (OS), Pebe Opina (ASD),Romar Tusalem (OS), Andy  June Bune (Oiler), Ricky Jacome (Oiler), Tyrone Bartolome (Deck Cadet) and Shawn Michael Banda (Deck Cadet) 

Born To Be Alive 2 at Freddie’s Kitchen+Bar on Jan. 25, 2019

Yes, Iloilo Dinagyang Festival 2019 is just around the corner and The Mansion Iloilo Philippines is joining the fun with its series of activities and promos.

Smarting from its success last year, Born To Be Alive is going to be have a Part 2 at Freddie’s Kitchen+Bar on January 25, 2019!

Calling all the Titos and Titas of Iloilo, let’s groove to the 70s, 80s and 90s music of hotshot DJs EDWIN ZULUETA and VINCE. Let’s relive the glory days of disco and do the Swing, the Bump, the Grind, the Hustle, the Rock and the Maskipaps all night long.

Freddie’s Kitchen+Bar

A table of 4 to 6 pax costs P4,000.00 with consumable orders. For reservation, details and inquiries, please call the Sales Office at +63 (033) 335 1021 to 22, +63 (033) 335 1025, +63 (033) 335 1027, and +63 (02) 584 4113, or email at reservations@themansion.ph.

Definitely new and more things are also happening at The Mansion. Its coterie of new chefs will delight Ilonggo gourmands with the daily Breakfast, Dinagyang Lunch and Dinner Buffets at the Hotel Lobby. Definitely, it’s going to be #yourgraciousexperience!

See you!

The Entrance of The Mansion Iloilo Philippines

Volvo Club Treasurer Joy Zabal, President Sandra Olaivar, Vice President Grace Llorico and Myrna Koopmans

Volvo Club Iloilo members ended 2018 with an intimate gathering. The scene of fun was the Runway Kitchen of Courtyard by Marriot Iloilo. The monthly meeting cum dinner party was led by the club president SANDRA OLAIVAR.

The fab array of international cuisine whetted the members’ appetite for dining, wining, talking, laughing and planning for 2019’s series of activities. For holiday vibe, the party was highlighted by exchanges of gifts!

While 2018 was good year for the club, it will continue its advocacy on road safety and accident awareness with fund-raising activities in the coming months of 2019!

Volvo Club Directors of the Board: Bob Llorico, Atty. Eldred Antiquera and Teofilo Montejo; and Philip Co, JR Santos, Paul Yap, Michael Koopmans, Alan Soriano and yours truly

Ribbon-cutting ceremony for the opening of “Caught in A Crossfire”: Jay Bautista, art patron Edwin Valencia, Dr. Elvie Gonzales and Dr. Rey Castillo with the featured artists

Iloilo Museum of Contemporary Art (ILOMOCA), in its quest to propagate art and art appreciation in Metro-Iloilo and hereabouts, presented “Caught in A Crossfire” at Hulot Gallery. The exhibit showcased the art pieces – from sculptures and installation art to paintings — of thirteen creative Ilonggo artists.

At the opening, Hulot, which means room, was filled with guests of different artistic persuasions. Everyone enjoyed on the hors d’oeuvres by DoVa Brunch Café and Raffa Sparkling Wine from Emperador!

The featured artists of “Caught in A Crossfire.”

Art patron EDWIN VALENCIA, Dr. REY CASTILLO, Dr. ELVIE GONZALES and JAY BAUTISTA led the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the opening of “Caught in A Crossfire,” ILOMOCA’s 3^rd special exhibit at Hulot.

“As we have done in our previous exhibits, tonight’s event is part of the Museum’s efforts to raise funds for worthwhile programs that would benefit local artists and the education community,” Hulot curator CYNTHIA TICAO said in her Welcome Remarks.

(Clockwise from top left) “Panakayon sang Kabuhi, Sakripisyo, Paghigugma kag Paglaum” by Harry Mark Gonzales, “To be or not to be; To go or not to go” by Moreen Austria, “Netarious and Desperation” by Joebert Gayoma and “Unnoticed” by Marvin Dalisay

(Clockwise from top left) “Where to lay my head” by Jason Delgado, “Just Another Day” by Paul John Cabanalan, “Grave of the Fire Flies” by roland Llarena and “Dinadapuan ng mali ang mapagkunwari” by Noel Elicana

(Clockwise from top left) “Panakayon sang Kabuhi, Sakripisyo, Paghigugma kag Paglaum” by Harry Mark Gonzales, “To be or not to be; To go or not to go” by Moreen Austria, “Netarious and Desperation” by Joebert Gayoma and “Unnoticed” by Marvin Dalisay; and (Clockwise from top left) “Where to lay my head” by Jason Delgado, “Just Another Day” by Paul John Cabanalan, “Grave of the Fire Flies” by roland Llarena and “Dinadapuan ng mali ang mapagkunwari” by Noel Elicana

The art pieces of the feature artists – MOREEN AUSTRIA, PAUL JOHN CABANALAN, MARVIN DALISAY, JASON DELGADO, MICHAEL DELMO, NOEL ELICANA, TYRONE DAVE ESPINOSA, JOEBERT GAYOMA, HARRY MARK GONZALES, KAT MALAZARTE, JOEMEL MIRABUENA, ROLAND LLARENA and MICHAEL PAMONAG – spoke of their confusions, their anxieties, their fears and their dreams. “They were caught between choosing a career and their passion between darkness and light, between surviving a life and living one, between the old and the new, between life and death,” curator CYNTHIA TICAO described the crossfires of the featured artists.

(Clockwise from top left) “Savage Encounter” by Tyrone Dave Espinosa; “Boundary” by Michael Pamonag, “The Choice” by Kat Malazarte and “The Entertainer” by Joemel Mirabuena

Yours truly with artist Kat Malazarte

(Clockwise from top left) “Savage Encounter” by Tyrone Dave Espinosa; “Boundary” by Michael Pamonag, “The Choice” by Kat Malazarte and “The Entertainer” by Joemel Mirabuena; and yours truly with artist Kat Malazarte

“Caught in A Crossfire” runs till January 30, 2019 at Hulot Gallery, ILOMOCA, Casa de Emperador Building, Festive Walk Parade, Megaworld Iloilo Business Park, Mandurriao, Iloilo City.

Hors d’oeuvres by DoVa Brunch Café and Raffa Sparkling Wine from Emperador

The celebrator Sarah O. Peña

The Peña family: Sarah, Rica, Atty. Rita, Dr. Risa and Judgee

The celebrator Sarah O. Peña; and the Peña family: Sarah, Rica, Atty. Rita, Dr. Risa and Judgee.

SARAH OPOLENCIA-PEÑA, one of Philippine Tatler’s top hostesses and Metro-Iloilo’s best dressed women, recently hosted an exclusive party at her family’s well-appointed residence in Ledesco Village to celebrate her nth birthday!

The chic party was simply fun from start to finish! Upon arrival, the guests oohed and aahed at the decor. They enjoyed on hors d’oeuvres, fine wines and ice-cold beers while mingling with close friends and new acquaintances!

Mishy Sarabia, Terry Sarabia, Sarah O. Peña, Maricon Syching and Nieva Javellana

Dr. Glenn Catedral, Jun Borromeo, Cristy Borromeo, Sarah O. Pena, Andre Ifuidez and Judgee Peña

Ronnie Gabalda, Robert Uy, Sarah Peña and Cris Montaño

Engr. Zinnia P. Teruel, Sarah O. Peña and Fanny Uy with Jane Uy, Charrie Lui and Norma P. Rosales

Mishy Sarabia, Terry Sarabia, Sarah O. Peña, Maricon Syching and Nieva Javellana; Dr. Glenn Catedral, Jun Borromeo, Cristy Borromeo, Sarah Pena, Andre Ifuidez and Judgee Peña; Ronnie Gabalda, Robert Uy, Sarah O. Peña and Cris Montaño; and Engr. Zinnia P. Teruel, Sarah O. Peña and Fanny Uy with Jane Uy, Charrie Lui and Norma P. Rosales.

After the Happy Birthday song, led by the celebrator’s husband, sugar baron JUDGEE LOPEZ PEÑA and their exceptionally accomplished daughters, lawyer RITA, doctor RISA and soon-to-be engineer RICA, and prayers of thanksgiving, a buffet dinner, prepared by chef par excellence WILSON ESPARANCILLA, was served!

Throughout the evening, the celebrator was in her most bubbly self, hobnobbing from one table to another and making sure everyone was having fun and their fill of gastronomic and beveragic delights! (Photos by Ray Tabafunda)

Dr. Alex Muyco, Sarah O. Peña and Dr. Marovi Celis with Dr. Inri Villaluna, Dr. Jan Carl Barbasan, Dr. Pepe Sullano, Dr. Paul Francia, Dr. Karen Francia and Mae Sullano

Sarah O. Peña, Tibong Jardeleza, sisters Joji and Baby Rosales and Zedrick Señeres

Dr. Risa, Rica and Atty. Rita Peña with Angel Gomez and Beverly Rosales

Yours truly, Judge and Sarah Peña and couple Prima and Alan Sweeney

Dr. Alex Muyco, Sarah O. Peña and Dr. Marovi Celis with Dr. Inri Villaluna, Dr. Jan Carl Barbasan, Dr. Pepe Sullano, Dr. Paul Francia, Dr. Karen Francia and Mae Sullano; Sarah O. Peña, Tibong Jardeleza, sisters Joji and Baby Rosales and Zedrick Señeres; Dr. Risa, Rica and Atty. Rita Peña with Angel Gomez and Beverly Rosales; and yours truly, Judge and Sarah Peña and couple Prima and Alan Sweeney. 

Chato Javellana, Marilou Buscar, Au Palomar, Elena Javellana, Sarah Peña and Susan Juantong

Prima Sweeney and Susie Facultad

Chato Javellana, Marilou Buscar, Au Palomar, Elena Javellana, Sarah Peña and Susan Juantong; Prima Sweeney and Susie Facultad; Ike Buscar, Leon Juantong and Sarah O. Peña; and Marilou Buscar, Sarah O. Peña, Lee Palmares and Ella Palmares.

Jasmine Castelo and Sarah O. Peña

Steffi Valle, Rica Peña and Amalia Debuque

Dr. Ada Juntado, Sarah O. Peña and Dr. Melchor Altillero; Jasmine Castelo and Sarah O. Peña; Steffi Valle, Rica Peña and Amalia Debuque; and Jake Cocjin and Antoine Greg Flores.

Nico Gumban, Tara Yap, Manny Alcalde and yours truly

Joan and Ted Ong; and Nico Gumban, Tara Yap, Manny Alcalde and yours truly

Braving the holiday rush and taking time out from the daily grind of getting news for their respective blogs and columns, bloggers, influencers and media practitioners gathered together to attend the Year-End Party hosted by Seda Atria, thanks to Asst. Director of Sales NELJUN GUION and Communications Officer IDA FLORES!

The Velvet Room at the hotel’s 7^th floor afforded everyone a lovely view of Metro-Iloilo’s nightscape! The chefs laid out an array of sumptuous hors d’oeuvres which were complemented by overflowing beveragic delights!

The night went in fever pitch with singing-along. And when not singing, everyone grooved to 70s, 80s and 90s dance music. It was also highlighted by exchanges of gifts and raffle of prizes courtesy of Seda Atria management.

The fun evening ended on a high note with promises of future get-togethers! (Photos by Ray Tabafunda)

Nile Kris Jan, Ruffy Palabria, Anja Rivera and Aaron Paul Malata; JD Solivas and Georgina

The hors d’oeuvres; and the beveragic delights

The celebrator Noel M. Mirasol

Most assuredly, when vivacious NOEL M. MIRASOL celebrates his birthday, it is riotously fun! Oh, well his recent celebration was no exception. He hosted a dinner and dance party at his favorite place – Club Metro of River Queen Hotel!

Coaches and basketball players from various universities and colleges hereabouts hobnobbed with his dearest family members, closest friends and former colleagues at AFPSLAI.

Noel M. Mirasol with Pangga Sarabia and Ma Lourdes Constantino Agao; and with Karl Quimsing, Marilou Garcia Quimsing and Shirley Mandapat.

Amid the bounty of good food, everyone was treated to overflowing beveragic delights. In between dancing to 70s, 80s and 90s music, games were played much to the guests’ enjoyment. Some talented friends performed song and dance numbers for the celebrator!

Indeed, for the celebrator, laughter is the best medicine – a reason why he stays youthful all these years! (Photos by Ray Tabafunda)

Noel M. Mirasol with Mandy Manderico, Ding Montelibano, Bo Parcon, yours truly and Janssen Philip Gasendo; and with Shaun Subeldia and Gerald Villanueva.

Noel M. Mirasol with Tico Tambalo, Pyo Tatlonghari, Marvelous Taghap, Gerardo Mosquera, Mitch Vito, Mandy Manderico and Christian Lanza;and with Edelberto dela Rosa, Cherry Earl Talamor, Jonathan dela Cruz, Ricky Soledad, Nuelna Hechanova and Flore Cris Garcia.