SUN.STAR Publishing Inc. chairman of the board Jesus “Sonny” B. Garcia Jr. never had an inkling that wife Armi and children Aya and Bayani were up to something when they brought him to Ching Palace for a birthday dinner. He played golf earlier in the day and thought that dinner at his favorite Chinese resto was strictly family.
Imagine his surprise when he was led to a private room where six lauriat tables were set up and members of his extended family, golfing cronies and close family friends sang the birthday song!
Leading the toast was Congressman Pablo Garcia who with wife Judge (Ret.) Esperanza and brother Tom were the most senior members of the Garcia clan in attendance. Impromptu entertainment numbers were provided by the family “talents.”
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The 54th wedding anniversary celebration of loving couple Luis “Sitoy” and Merceditas (Borromeo) Alvarez was a strictly family gathering at a private room in Cafe Marco of Marco Polo Plaza.
They were happily surrounded by their children at the dinner affair—only son Louie with wife Hazel, daughters Merche Castro (who flew in from Manila), Mariles Nable, and Marisse Sy.
The only one missing was daughter Marita Arambulo who was on vacation with her family. On another table were the grandchildren who were noisily enjoying themselves.
At the surprise birthday dinner of Sonny Garcia, Sun.Star chairman of the board, at the Ching Palace. The birthday bash was organized by wife Armi.
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The Great Adobo Challenge of Marco Polo Plaza showcased the different versions of this all-time Pinoy favorite as cooked by four prominent chefs, Glenda Barretto of Samar, Danny dela Cuesta of Northern Luzon, Myrna Segismundo of Batangas and Nancy Reyes of the Tagalog region. Their recipes were the main attraction for the lunch and dinner buffet at Cafe Marco two weeks ago.
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Over at Maribago Bluewater Beach Resort (MBBR), the excitement for the recently unveiled The New Seven has not abated. The New Seven refers to the seven enhancements put in place by the resort’s 400-strong dynamic employees and the Benji Reyes design team under the leadership of Maribago Bluewater president Julie Alegrado Vergara who proclaims that The New Seven redefines the art of island living. These are the premier deluxe rooms with its “floating” beds concept; the bright and expansive Allegro Restaurant & Bar; the Allegro Pool (infinity pool with waterfalls); the Molto Italiano resto with its wood-fired brick oven; the Bluewater Scoops offering fresh homemade ice cream and signature drinks; the Blue Goes Green Campaign for the environment; and finally, the New Icon of Maribago Bluewater’s Seven Dolphins designed by master sculptor Daniel dela Cruz.
The unveiling was held one lovely Saturday with DOT Secretary Ace Durano as guest of honor.
Presiding over the unveiling was Almont Hotel and Resorts Corporation chairman, Consul Arcadio Alegrado. MBBR is the flagship hospitality property of the Almont Hotel and Resorts Corporation.