From Book Launch to Ballroom

Two events in one day? No problemo! But it’s still a good thing for me that these two were so close together. 

My first stop was at Rustan’s Makati to support the limited-edition book launch of Rupert Jacinto’s Having A Ball. Now on its second volume, the coffee table book beautifully captures some of the most memorable parties of the decade. Every image immortalized the life of those events, and I loved reliving them just by going through the pages. What’s even more beautiful is that this book is a tribute to his wife, Tina. Bravo, dear Rupert! Thank you for documenting those moments for all of us. You are the best!

Rupert Jacinto.
Caloy Montemayor and fashion designer Dobbie Aranda.
Nene Leonor, Charisse Chuidian and Michelle Lim.
U-Ned Algabre and Jun Ablaza.
Dina Tantoco.
Mache Torres, Bing Carrion and Carol Mercado.
Nedy Tantoco and Babette Aquino.
Alice Samson, Jan Garcia, Dean Decker and Merci Padolina.
Irene Montemayor, Ruby Chua, the columnist, Connie Haw, Sokleap Pen, Manolyne Taylor, Imelda Sciandra and Malou Martinez. (Inset) AJ Olpindo.

Speaking of moments, I had to move onto the next party to make new ones. This time, to celebrate a dear friend and birthday girl. Successful chief executive officer of EW Villa Medica Manila, Crystal Jacinto, is the epitome of being fab at 40! 

The birthday celebrant Crystal Jacinto

Of course, we expected no less for her celebration which was held at the newly reopened Grand Ballroom of Makati Shangri-La. Inside we walked through a splendid and bright walkway lined with fresh florals. It’s like we were transported into Crystal’s world, a place that oozed fabulousness from every corner!

Birthday celebrator Crystal Jacinto and husband Jaya Sudhir.
Amelia Ting and Nikki Tang.
Annabelle Rama and Ruffa Gutierrez.
Bong Prada Lim and Cocoy Cordoba.
David Lim, House Speaker Martin Romualdez and Korina Sanchez.
Kring Kring Gonzales and Marissa del Mar.
Lanie Fong and Tiffany Cuña.
Liz and Victor Aliwalas.
Tony Boy Floirendo, John Estrada and Priscilla Meirelles.

Troy Montero and Aubrey Miles.
Manny Pangilinan and the columnist.

Spectacular entertainment followed suit as we wined and dined, with performances from none other than the celebrator herself! Complete with backup dancers, she captivated us all with her vocal chops and choreography. The rest of the night was as entertaining — so much so that we were among the last to leave. We didn’t want the night to end! Thanks for having us, Crystal. Keeping shining bright. Cheers!