Yesterday a dream,
now a reality

"For years we have always dreamed of owning a hotel", thus says Sylvia Ocana, better half of highly successful entrepreneur Norman Ocana. This dynamic couple has made their mark in the business world with their impressive Ocana business empire. And now at last, their favorite dream has become a reality with the grand opening of the elegant and stylish Sylvia Manor, located in the heart of Bacolod City.

Traffic came to a standstill as the top officials of the city, prominent businessmen, civic leaders, the "in" crowd as well as the movers and the shakers of the community, attended the affair. The ribbon-cutting was led by banker and media mogul Dr. Rogelio Florete together with Bacolod Vice Mayor Renecito Novero and the Sylvia Manor owners, Norman and Sylvia Ocana. As if on cue, hundreds of gold and tangerine balloons soared up to the skies, amidst gasps of delight and applause from the crowd. As the guests entered the imposing lobby, they were greeted by the sight of a giant artificial waterfall cascading down an entire wall. The effect was both refreshingly cool and pleasant. The managing director of the hotel, Sylvia Ocana, gave the audience an overview of the hotel and its services. We learned that core officers of seasoned hoteliers and travel experts from Hotelink Resorts and Hotels, Inc will be operating this newest addition to the business landscape of Bacolod.

After a tour of the luxurious suites and rooms of the hotel, everyone enjoyed the scrumptious hors d'oeuvres, which was complemented by chilled-to-perfection red and white wines from Spain. The famous singing group, Kulai Pikata, entertained the crowd with their inimitable style and audience rapport. It was truly a special night for the Ocana couple who was also celebrating their 47th wedding anniversary. What a beautiful gift a loving hubby could give to his darling wife - a dream hotel!

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Bacolod's bon vivant, Boy Montilla, gathered a few of his friends for an intimate dinner party recently. The entrance to the Montilla ancestral home was all aglow with brightly lit lanterns which also adorned the trees in the sprawling garden. We were enjoying the excellent wine and the mouth-watering canapés, when jet-setter Edouard Garcia arrived, bringing his unspeakably delicious concoction, Mediterranean Vegetable salad. Msgr. Gigi Gaston came with his mouth-watering desserts. The guests raved over the entrée, Boy's very own creation, Paella Negra, which was a gourmet's delight. The food was superb and the company divine!*