Balbina socials

Fashion icon Baby Araneta-Fores had been calling me to join her at the White House in Bacolod-Murcia together with another lady of elegance, Inday Gabaldon.  Somehow, the days passed but I couldn’t find time and so, when society lady walker, Boy Montilla gave me a buzz to extend in invitation from original Southern Belle Gretchen Oppen Cojuangco to meet Baby with her sister—political kingmaker Judy Roxas at Hda. Balbina, I readily agreed.  As further incentive, the hostess promised to make my favorite peanut salad!  How can I resist such arm-twisting strategies done in silken gloves?

We picked up my Monte Carlo gang mate, fashion plate jet-setting Minnie Osmeña in my car and arrived at Balbina in time for cocktails.  Meeting us at the door in a youthful new haircut and chic cool jeans, Gretchen OC looked every inch the perfect hostess, offering finger food for that long trip from Bacolod which really was effortless with the endless banter of Boy M.  There was Mass held before dinner which made the guests sigh in relief, saving them going to church the next day, Sunday. 

Dinner was excellently simple, native Ilonggo that drew raves from the Manila set Maridol Sycquia Mabanta—who still calls me by my childhood nickname, down to our local socialites led by my adorable Lourdes Montilla Rojas and bejeweled daughter Malu Gonzaga, casual in chic Heny Escay, forever elegant Ludy Lacson with witty daughter Trina, sedate Pilaring Kilayko, classic beauty Lourdes Campos Rubin, civic leader Violy Montelibano, entrepreneur Millie Kilayko with her groupie Lyn Torres, Ruby Bustamante and Ramon Locsin, of course—my favi Bacolod City Councilor Bobby Rojas.  The Abello clan arrived headed by gorgeous couple Nene and Nena A with son Miles.  Jetting in from the US of A were Ray Abello, Dr. Rene Alvir with wifey Paz, San-Francisco-based Marianito and Brenda Santos.  I could go on and on and on, but that’s what a good party is all about, di bala?  Thanks, Gretch!  Luv’d the peanut salad!!

MY PRAYER

Dearest Jesus, grant me the secure refuge of Thy Sacred Heart at the hour of my death.*