'Bathed in colors!'

One of America's great abstract kinetic artists, Alexander Calder's spirit, must have been lurking around in the planning stages of the RM Building. When painting time came, proprietor and one of Dumaguete's legal luminaries, Raymond "Bobby" Mercado heeded my hints, and in the fashion of Calder's fiesta colors that brought back moribund Braniff Airlines back to flying heights, by splashing their planes with wild hues like their South American destinations, and bathed his new landmark edifice, at the corner of Rovira Road and the North National Highway, in attractive red, orange, green, yellow and silver. Dazzling passersby, and causing them to stop in curiosity or need, the new building was launched and opened in "big time" and "big style!"

Bobby M. and his charming better-half, Marilou, were perfect hosts to the "oh so VIPs" that were doing the traditional ribbon-cutting, no less than Governor George Arnaiz, Dumaguete Mayor Tuting Perdices, Vice-Mayor William Ablong, Bishop John Du, and special guests, Pinoy Big Brother Housemates "hunk for days" Rico Barrera, comedienne Racquel Reyes and handsome Bob de la Cruz, did the honors. Needless to say, the PBB caused the habitual screams of adoration from the "colegialas" from neighboring St. Paul University. After the "ribbon snipping" at the main entrance, the mega personas went from business door to door cutting individual ribbons. Joining them at Ed and Stella Du's new addition to their Steds family were Bais Mayor Tata Villanueva (in western getup complete with a ten gallon hat) and Mabinay royalty Cana Solon, Rita Ho and Nena Tam. Personalities from the legal, political, business, and a sprinkling of social Doonsville world partied from dusk till dawn with two bands, and "grub and grog" to feed an army! Fun and cool RM Building houses a variety of "negocios": Mercado and Partners Law Firm, a must visit Grand Royal SPA, natch Steds, Galaxy Club, Hair Evolution Beauty Salon, Enjoy Enterprises, Jo-Im, Cell Station, Babsy's finger lickin' good Chicken Pinerito, Carmelitanum Bookshop, Couples for Christ extension office and various food carts.

In between partying, the PBB housemates Rico, Racquel and Bob entertained hordes of fans at Lee Hypermart with entertaining song and dance. Statuesque business whiz Beng-Beng Lee and socialite Elsie Lee hosted the PBB and other notables to a sumptuous dinner at their new venture Fu Gardens. Dahlings, the "chinois cuisine was a feast for a God's palate!

Heartfelt felicitations go to Bobby and Marilou Mercado for their new building! It certainly adds dazzle to our skyline!...........................NOUS!*