A new mall opens

The grand opening of Bacolod's SM City, which has been dubbed the "Visayas Mall of Asia" was attended by officials, businessmen, socialites, civic leaders, members of the clergy and the movers and the shakers of the city. The magnificent modern building juts out of the Reclamation Area with the breathtaking view of the sea as a fitting backdrop.

Naturally, our group composed of Ninfa and Perla Leonardia, Buddai Piccio, Dr. Ver Lacson and yours truly had to check it out. The first day opening just wasn't enough to tour the entire building so we went back the next day, only to find Buddai already enjoying the Japanese cuisine at L Kaisei- SM restaurant!

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Bacolod is really thriving and business is looking up. Eastern European visiting dignitaries have expressed interest in future investments in the city. This was discussed during a luncheon cum presentation tendered by Tourism Envoy John Orola, on behalf of Gov. Joseph Marañon, Mayor Bing Leonardia, Simplicio Palanca and Luis Ong of Top Harbor and Bacolod Reclamation Area, Jeanette Tongoy of Eden Resort, Negros Occidental and Yves Javellana of the Association of Negros Producers. The affair was attended by representatives of Austria, Vienna, Croatia and Slovakia. My, my, will Bacolod be the "business hub" of the Visayas?

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We attended a most enjoyable birthday celebration of Melly Leonardia and the blessing of the newly opened Melle's Garden located at the back of Mejica Leonardia Building in Silay City. Guests enjoyed the delicious al fresco merienda cena amidst the lush plants while a gentle breeze cooled the summer afternoon. Father Felix Pasquin officiated at the blessing which was attended by Nene and Melly's friends and relatives.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MELLY!*