A different kind of debut

Monday, January 9, 2012

LAST September, while I was checking my Facebook, I got a message from Tune Inumerables. "We are going home this Christmas," she said.

Tune is from my hometown and the sister of broadcast journalist Jay Sonza. When I visited New York City three years ago, she and Ann Nique Sabio served as our tour guide. My sister Marilou and I had a grand time, especially when they brought us to the Statue of Liberty and Times Square.
I was excited when I learned about it. Together with her were her four lovely daughters. Except for the eldest (Faye), I met Sofia, Lalaine and Joanna.

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So, the time came. The occasion: the debut of the youngest -- Joanna. Actually, she was born in the month of June but since she just turned 18, Tune decided to make a debut party for her in the Philippines.

But it was a different kind of debut as Tune had told me. As we entered the reception area inside the Davao Convention Center on Torres Street in Davao City, the place was transformed into magical scenery. It was like being in the set of Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves or Aladdin and the Magic Lamp. Too bad, award-winning Lea Salonga was not around to sing, "A Whole New World."

The award-winning journalist Jay Sonza was there to welcome all the visitors who attended the party. Dr. Philip "Sunni Boy" Moreno led the prayer. Alvin Sonza gave the debutante the beautiful bouquet on her way to the stage where a huge birthday cake was waiting.

Together with Jay were his two daughters, Teejae and Kang. The other Sonzas who were present include: Caring Sonza, Angeles Sonza, Alvin and Pie Sonza and their girls, Metmet Sonza and her girls, Francis Sonza and his family, Ferdinand Sonza, Melanie Sonza-Elvena and her husband, Erjan and daughter Tabby, Mae Sonza, Leonor Sonza and Macie.

Other attendees include Mirriam Lao and daughter Abby, Rudy and Jingjing Atabug with their beautiful and talented daughters: Carissa, Criselda (who sang the song “Someone Like You”), Linda Chiong with daughter Lianne, Chona Jaro with daughter Dudz, Rachel Venus, Agnes Ching, Carmen Napalit, Susan Ruyeras and daughters (Alona and Lilet), Beth Mabao, Narlina Espanto, Miss B. Mabandos with her niece Karla Dulton, Manny and Felly Solito, Lucille Quindoy, Dra. Becky Horfilla and son Louie, and Helen Borres.

Tune classmates from high school also attended the party: Lilibeth “Bing” Alicaway, Ma. Luz Faller, Dolly Batal, Gerson Revilles and family, Gomer Lagare, Leodivi Son, Fe, Lydia Tacio, Leonor Laburada, Butch Babata, and Boyet Campomanes.

The friends of Faye were also there: Aiai and her boyfriend Jibbs, Winmour, Cheche and husband Adz Lim, Archie Riva, Kristine Choon, Franz, Shut Pacia, Aga Lala Piansay, and Hanika Leyesa (who was chosen as the Lady of the Night).

The barkada of Sofia who came include Jackie Sy, Braeden Ann Yu, Ijjy del Pilar, Jill Plaza, and Cheeky Sy (who was the event organizer).

Lalaine, also known as Chokie, had the pleasure of meeting her friends again. Those who came were Kissa, Antonette, Jam, Andrea, Agnes, Ayn, Kim, Valerie, Mark, Alden, Kevin, and Jaja.

The friends of Joana who came include Thessa Virrey, Claire Cruz, Marie Irene Pagdalian, Edrea Arquiza, Janeene Soriano, Katrina de Loyola, and Lina de Mesa.

As I write this piece, the whole family is now back in New York. Who knows, I may see them again one of these days!