A grand party for Shirley

She is a human dynamo! She is a riot! She is outrageously popular! That's our darling Shirley Ledesma, who celebrated her recent birthday with style. The venue was the ballroom of The Grand Regal Hotel which was spruced up for the occasion. Shirley's numerous guests arrived wearing her favorite color - red. An entire spectrum of the different hues of red was there - flaming red, fire-engine red, blood red, red-gold, lobster red, bold red and many more.

There is something about red that makes the wearer a bit more daring and bolder. When everyone was seated at their table, the celebrator made her grand entrance in a fabulous beaded red evening gown. She looked every inch a queen greeting her friends as she made her way slowly through the large crowd.

After dinner, Shirley was serenaded with songs by her grandsons EJ and Errol Calvo. This was followed by a special dance number performed by Eryle and Cora of Colegio San Agustin, the school closest to her heart. A big surprise was the terrific dance presentation by the Circulo de Bacolod ladies (expertly choreographed by dance guru, Ofelia Gonzaga). Shirley was so delighted, she told me she felt like standing up and dancing with her group! After their number, the group presented her with a breathtaking bouquet of red flowers. Father Medardo Durmiendo of CSA rendered a beautiful song acapella. The Soroptomist group gave a dance number performed by graceful Pacita Adeva and her good-looking partner. A beautiful member of the club, Viol Caram sang a Spanish love song, "Quizas, Quizas, Quizas". The celebrator could hardly contain her amazement when the Ledesma girls did a spectacular dance presentation. ("But they never danced before!", Shirley exclaimed).

Tributes to Shirley poured in from her friends: the LEX group, Circulo de Bacolod (Buddai brought the house down with her antics!) and Soroptomists (Dr. Cecile Salvador spoke with such eloquence!). A touching moment was a tribute from Shirley's old friend from Colegio San Agustin, who recalled their good old days and Shirley's legendary generosity. Former Bacolod Rep. John Orola delivered a much-applauded impromptu tribute. Shirley thanked everyone for making her birthday so much fun and enjoyable. She invited all the guests to let their hair down and dance, dance, dance! Which was what the guests did.

The dancing and merry-making lasted until the wee hours. HAPPY BIRTHDAY SHIRLEY!

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We had hardly recovered from Shirley's super enjoyable birthday celebration when Peps Remitio, held a dinner party which was a Despedida for Shirley (who is leaving for the USA and Europe), tribute to Romy Pelayo and natal day celebration for Cely Mirano. The group called "FRIENDS" had a most rollicking time during the al fresco dinner by the swimming pool. It was an evening of luscious food specially prepared by Peps. Most of the scintillating dinner conversation was off-the-record so my lips are sealed!*