Celebrating the good life with family and close friends, man of the moment, Consul Louie Ablaza, recently celebrated his 78th birthday with a barrio fiesta boodle fight lunch. Louie realizes the importance of celebrating the milestones in our lives, as well as taking time out to get away from it all. Thus, their castle estate, Amelia, in Cavite was the perfect venue for such a celebration. The festivities kicked off with a Thanksgiving Mass at their chapel, one of the cluster of structures that comprise their vast sprawling estate, stretching out for miles. A two-and-a-half hour drive, Amelia is a luxurious urban escape like no other, and a stone’s throw from the hustle and bustle of daily living.
Once again the queen of Amelia, Consul Mellie Ablaza, pulled out all the stops for her beloved husband, Louie. Party people love theme parties and the marching band in the driveway had set the tone for the barrio fiesta mood. The guests included diplomats, family, and close friends. After the mass, barong-clad models escorted the Filipiniana-attired guests to the open area beside the chapel for appetizers of roasted calf, lechon baka, bibingka, dirty ice cream, and more. The guests then proceeded to the Pavilion for the boodle fight lunch. Kudos to their multitalented event designer son, Jun Jun Ablaza, who transformed the Pavillion into a kaleidoscope of whimsical fantasy. Hanging multicolored umbrellas were bundled together creating huge balls in bold colors and horns were grouped together creating a sunburst pattern, which added festive cheer to the occasion.
Emcee TedrickYau spoke on the insights of the chosen theme. Eldest son, Consul Marc, did the welcome speech followed by Louie’s grandson Xavi Ablaza. The Ablaza family, led by lovely Mellie, sang the birthday song while the birthday cake—a miniature version of Amelia with Louie’s favorite automobile, the Hummer, was wheeled out onto the Pavillion. Louie blew out the candle as the guests joined in singing the birthday song. Seated in long communal tables laden with banana leaves, the invitees awaited Chef Jessie Sincioco’s crave-worthy Filipino farm-fresh dishes. One by one, the mouthwatering viands were spread out, among them pako salad, fresh crabs, fresh oysters, barbecues, a whole cochinillo, adobong pusit. Some of the guests ate with their hands, like the Filipino-speaking wife of the Canadian Ambassador Mme. Irene Reeder, while the less adventurous opted for silverware. The setting was indeed of provincial-style hospitality.
As in most barrio fiestas, musical numbers by townsfolk is a tradition. Similarly, with other Ablaza celebrations, the program started off with the grandchildren. Performing alayor, the offering of gifts were the talented Xavi, Santi, and Rocio Ablaza, children of Consul Marc. To Louie’s surprise, the rest of his grandchildren, Alfonso, Agu, Amanu, Azi, and Azia, children of Dr. Jofe and Czarina Ablaza Syquia, danced while performing a putong or the offering of flowers. The globally renowned Bayanihan Dance Company entertained everyone with Pandanggo sa Ilaw and the foreign guests were invited to dance the Tinikling. Closing remarks were done by Santi, who extended a heartwarming message to the beloved Louie. Before heading for the long trip home, guests indulged in a buffet of native delicacies and fruits.
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Read more at http://2016.mb.com.ph/2016/07/24/society-boodle-fight/#7zAuiDSjIShUP5VU.99
