Brightest Star

Photo taken by David

The 18th birthday of Danielle Chua
EDSA Shangri-la
*** Photos courtesy of official photographer Mr Chito Cleofas unless otherwise specified

Let me tell you something about Danie. She is mommy and daddy's baby girl in an adult state ( well, as of this writing). You would not even realize she is 18 unless you know her by heart, you were invited to her party, or you asked. Very pretty, having an innocent smile that could launch a thousand ship, multi-talented, very obedient, Well- what else could you ask for? The first meeting, she just said she wanted something that depicts vintage hollywood glamour.
50's was the height of the era of pin up girls, high fashion glamour pages, red lipstick, smoky eyes,victorian inspired jewel dolls,millenery,jersey gloves ( my list could go on). It was an era of ultimate class and innocent charm. Danie started receiving the guests with a short high waisted cocktail dress with a big belt. Later on she changed into her wine red ballgown with millenery and gloves. The two gowns were done by my associate Jun Pimentel.

Beautiful family is best to decribe them. The parents knew how to set things straight without being too stiff nor too tight. It is great to see the kids talk to their parents openly about their feelings. The debutant was lucky to have them as well. Danie's hair and make up were also transformed after the cocktails. Kudos to my associate Jackie Buenviaje for creating a sweet no make up look for the cocktails and an elegant smoky make up during the formal program. Ogie Rayel did what he does best as well. He never failed to amaze everyone ( me, included) with every stroke of hairstyle. They also did the pre debut shoot make up, the photos of which were framed and shown during cocktails.

Photo taken by David

Teddy Manuel did an awesome job with the ticket booth registration at the cocktail area Photo taken by David

A marquee with Danie's name was placed on the actual entrance. Two of my associates were there as well. One to serve as the doorman, the other one was inside to get the ticket as they enter.

Photo taken by David

Here's a sample ticket. It was pitch dark inside, the only one lit was the stage. This photo was taken as a guest comes in and flashlight was used to check on table numbers ( as per cinema)

Table numbers were adorned with Actual Famous Vintage movies and trivia about the specific actress who starred in the film

The favors were jewelry holders in different designs. The guests were given the chance to choose upon surrender of their souvenir stub. This was done after the reception program.

Photo taken by David

A closer look at the jewel mannequin.

Photo taken by David

Teddy Manuel did an amazing job with the set up given the limited space. Outside the hall, cocktails were served and a gallery was prepared with this bulb- lit frames.

Photos by David

Beautiful cake done by Dexter's ( c/o Shangri-la Package). Apparently, it tastes great too

Photo taken by David

Since most 18th birthday parties start late, Shang prepared pre-dinner cocktails at the lobby where the gallery was displayed. A photobooth was there as well to keep the guests entertained.

An important highlight of the program was the shoe change where the father of the debutant changed her sneakers to glam heels then he offered a toast to signify his acceptance of welcoming her to adulthood.

The debutant also performed an awesome flamenco dance. It was so fluid that anyone who watches will be amazed. :)

We gave the beautiful mom a chance to lit the birthday candles signifying that she will always pave the way for her daughter's success.

Photo taken by David

CIRKULO band was there to sing standards during dinner and modern party music after the program.

Photo taken by David

One great party, all fabulous guests. Creative formal its :)

Driving You Crazy

http://threelogyvideo.com/bday-teaser.mp4

Abet is my Bet campaign launch
Later this Week
Somewhere in San Juan

Kung pagiging makabayan lang din naman ang pag-uusapan
Wala nang hihihigit pa sa kanyang kakayanan
Kung kaya't kahit sa kanyang kaarawan
Kabutihan ng Inang Bansa ang inaasam asam

Simpleng iskuterista ang kanyang tanan
Subalit sabi ng asawa nyang si Benz, pogi din naman
Kayat pag nakita nyo, sya ay angkasan
Hinding hindi ka nya pababayaan!!!

Abet is my Bet! Tagalog o Ingles man, Maligayang Kaarawan :) You're the Man!

Three questions and a Lady ( A Tribute to Mrs. Corazon Aquino )

After our high school graduation, I received an invitation to take up the challenge and become one of the pilot scholars of the Benigno Aquino Foundation.

I was 16, just graduated from High school with nothing than the courage that i get from my daily visit to the blessed sacrament and the will to succeed, I gave it a try. It was an early afternoon in March, I found myself taking the exams with 1,900+ other candidates at the Center for Research and Communication in Ortigas. It was funny as I remembered, during the exams, my mind was filled with the thought that we might be able to meet her - Mrs Corazaon Aquino. Not until the facilitator announced that out of the 2000, just 200 will be asked to come back for an initial interview. Now, that gave a the goosebumps. Miraculously, I made it and after 2 major interviews, 20 of us were called for a final interview ---- and she will be there.

I was the fourth to be called and there she was- in her famous yellow dress and her infallible sweet smile. Soon as I took my seat, she browsed through my portfolio and the ball came rolling. One ambassador got to ask me a question. After which, she asked me three. Three major ones that I will remember for my entire life.

1. "Wow your dad died very young, how did you get by?"
2. "What is your mom doing now?"
3. "What have you been doing to prepare for this final process?"

After I answered the third, she told the rest of the board. " Ok we'll get her. She's good, we'll get her. Don't ask her questions na. We will get her."

The rest of the board sent out their congratulations, and she mentioned to me " You are ok now. I can see that more than that pretty face, that very courageous heart, the intelligence, your secret weapon will make you surpass any challenge. Continue what you have been doing"

I became one of the first 8 Benigno Aquino Foundation scholars. And she remained the most hardworking, gracious, affectionate and prayerful person I have ever encountered.

16 years after, God finally gave her time to rest.

Today, for nine days, I am painting this blog black - in honor of a great person.

As for the secret weapon? It's not just mine to keep. PRAYER - she told me to continue praying. For it is in prayer that we can be nothing yet feel complete after. It is in prayer where we pour our hearts out. Where we find our weaknesses, our joy, our peace.

Ma'am, you're more than a yellow figure to me. Im sure I'm just one of the many people whose lives you have touched and forever I will be grateful. Rest well.

JLO goes to Laiya

Around March, Queen wrote a story about the saddest period in my life. During this period, our group had a wedding to coordinate. It was a wedding of Manny and Tonel. Queen and I decided for me to drop by at the church to do the special post-church ceremony activity that we normally conduct since as they say, the show must go on no matter what. Too bad that I was not able to take even one picture from this wedding. I'm glad to know though that the wedding went really well. More to that on Queen's post.


Few weeks after, while Queen and I were thinking of a place to treat our team, we thought of calling Tonel as the family of Manny owns Llamar Beach resort in Laiya, Batangas. And so we went to the said place.

The team left Manila at around 11pm and reached the place at around 2am. We were very thankful to the mom of Manny who tookt he effort to check if we're ok .

The get-away was a blast...especially the snorkeling trip. The long drive was really worth it.


Here are our pix...


Following pictures were taken around 5:30AM, right before sunrise.

Business as usual for most of the local residents.

Shots of the place...Rooms...They've a room for 16pax...with everyone having comfortable bed to use.
Much deserved break ! :)