Welcoming Charlize

“Welcoming Charlize”

Sun.Star Davao, Jan. 21, 2012

A most awaited and precious gift finally arrived for Phoenix Petroleum president and chief executive officer Dennis Uy and his lovely wife Cherylyn after eight long years.

They were bountifully blessed with another bundle of joy, Charlize Donatela!

During the Feast of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, U.S.-born Charlize was welcomed to the Christian world at the newly renovated Sta. Ana Shrine Parish. Monsignor Paul Cuison officiated the christening rites attended by the couple’s family friends and especially chosen godparents of their little princess.

The premier lineup included Senator Chiz Escudero, Frederick Go, Dexter Ong, Antonio Aguilar, Rodney del Rosario, Efren Uy, Chai Hao and Jocot de Dios while the godmothers were Pia Lu, Jhoanna Alpapara, Winnie Chua-Go, Jocelyn Ong, Aileen Uy, Ofie Wadle, Debbie Co-Teng and Annie Paz-Lim.

After the solemn ceremony, family and friends celebrated the important milestone at Marco Polo’s Lotus Court with a captivating “Winter Wonderland” theme lovingly prepared by Charlize’s talented godmothers, Manila-based Party Perks’ Winnie Chua-Go and Davao’s top party organizer Annie Paz-Lim.

“We decided on this festive theme because it was held in the month of December and Christmas was just around the corner”, shares Che who was amazingly back in her pre-pregnancy form only weeks after giving birth.

“The whole party venue was filled with delightful snowflakes and crystals in various shapes and sizes. With the use of a number of projectors around the area, we aimed to get the feel of peace, serenity and tranquility through the picture perfect scenery of "falling snow" and a "blanket" of it all over the ballroom. It was a magical "White Christmas", indeed!”, describes the ever stylish mom.

A dainty multi-layered fondant cake by Tanya Rabat Tan of All About Cakes was expertly adorned with exquisite snowflakes, crystals and diamond stones. The stunning masterpiece was surrounded by soft and plush bunny stuffed toys in blush and lilac, each with a crystal snowflake wrapped on its neck.

“We intentionally chose the adorable bunnies as our party souvenirs because Charlize was born in the Year of the Rabbit”, Che explains.

On the other hand, posh Swarovski crystals were the godparents’ giveaways.

Marco Polo highlighted the mouthwatering flavors of the East through its wide array of dimsum and Chinese cuisine. This was perfectly complemented by the delectable and heavenly desserts of Yuyu Café owned by Dennis’ cousin, Adi Uy, a young graduate of the prestigious Culinary Institute of America in New York.

Her scrumptious Vanilla Cake Balls, Snowflake Cookies, White Chocolate Raspberry Tarts and a lot more contributed to the winter feel of the cheerful occasion.

As guests enjoyed the sumptuous meal, an all-girl chorale performed various Christmas carols perking up everybody’s Christmas spirit.

During the program, doting big sister Chelsea Denise delivered a short speech citing Charlize’s wonderful physical attributes and unique habits. She candidly revealed how “excited she was to teach her younger sibling different things every day”.

Last Christmas, Chelsea was the happiest Achie ever as she celebrated with God’s most awesome gift—her beloved sister Charlize!

We share photos of the special occasion by master photographer Lito Sy.

E-mail the author at mom.about.town.dvo@gmail.com. Visit www.momabouttowndavao.blogspot.com.

Travels with Scott author to launch Davao book on Jan. 22

Award-winning writer, adventurer and author Scott Lee Chua will launch his “Top Ten Pinoy Travels in Davao” on January 22 (Sunday), 3 p.m. at National Book Store Abreeza.

The Davao book is the latest addition to the popular travel books for children by 13-year Scott who has previously released his “Top Ten Travels” featuring Tokyo, Kuala Lumpur and New Zealand. Aside from Davao, Manila and Cebu will be highlighted in his new travel series.

The young author is a Grade Seven student at Xavier School in Manila. He loves magic, math, art, music, and travel.

A consistent first honor student, Scott has done Math Magic shows and Singapore model approach lectures for students, parents, teachers (such as the Ateneo de Manila Grade School, Assumption Grade School San Lorenzo). In addition, he has represented his school in national and international math competitions, winning several medals.

Scott’s travel articles have appeared in the Philippine Daily Inquirer and Working Mom Magazine. He has been featured in TV shows and magazines as a model kid.

His essay entitled “Of Pixels and Power” won Second Place in the Kabataan Essay Division, English Category, of the Carlos Palanca Memorial Awards for Literature 2011. He is one of the two youngest winners in Palanca history.

During the Davao book launch, Scott will be giving a talk on “How I Wrote a Book: If I Could Do It, So Could You!”

He will be joined by his mother, Dr. Queena Lee-Chua who will give a talk on “How to Raise Star Students”. Psychologist, Ateneo de Manila Ph.D. professor and Phil. Daily Inquirer columnist Dr. Chua is the co-author of the book, “Helping Our Children Do Well in School”.

Book signing will follow after the talks.

The public is invited. Refreshments will be served courtesy of Pancake House.

2011 SMAD Grand Alumni Homecoming

“2011 SMAD Grand Alumni Homecoming”

Sun,Star Davao, Jan. 7, 2012

It was an alumni homecoming close to my heart.

Twenty five years ago, during the year of the historic EDSA Revolution, I graduated from grade school while my eldest brother Jason, from high school at Stella Maris Academy of Davao (SMAD).

My brother’s batch and I shared the same yearbook and I was friends with most of his batchmates, having grown up with them throughout my grade school years.

And, so, when the time came for old friends to meet again together with other fellow alumni at the 2011 SMAD Grand Alumni Homecoming hosted by the Silver Jubilarians, Batch 1986, I definitely made sure not to miss the occasion!

Held at the SMAD Skygym last December 28, 2011, the Mardi Gras-themed homecoming successfully gathered close to 900 alumni, teachers and guests—the biggest attendance in history by far.

As guests arrived, a ménage of mime performers, stilt walkers, circus jugglers and fire dancers greeted them. The stage was impressively livened up with animated Mardi Gras materials including huge multicolored masks and New Orleans-inspired Blues band decorations.

Acting as the program emcees were ABS-CBN TV host and M magazine editor-in-chief Ian Ray Garcia of SMAD Batch ’90 and the lovely Dr. Sheila Marie Quiachon-Hernandez of Batch ’86.

Topping the event was special celebrity guest actress-comedienne Candy Pangilinan whose jokes and antics fired up the night to the non-stop delight of the attendees. The witty host did not even spare the Hijas De Jesus sisters who gamely answered her very personal questions.

The host batch, headed by its president Wilson Lu, has been busy preparing for the homecoming for two years.

To ease everyone’s pockets, ticket prices were kept at a minimal amount of P150, inclusive of dinner buffet from Dencio’s Kamayan; dessert buffet from Red Ribbon; eat-all-you-can tuna from Marina Tuna, roasted calf and lechon; drink-all-you-can San Miguel Beer and Tanduay Mixed Drinks; as well as free souvenir photos. As a further treat, the ticket cost included a chance to win raffles prizes such as Samsung cellphones, digital cameras, laptop and 32-inch LCD TV.

Showcasing the event was Batch ’86’s well-applauded production number which featured the greatest music hits and dances of their time.

On the other hand, a very intimate and touching highlight of the event was the audio-visual presentation paying tribute in memoriam to former Prefect of Discipline and Scout Master Feliciano Puno who was a highly revered father figure to many Marisians and responsible in their character formation as well as socio-civic orientation.

With emotions brimming with nostalgia, the Silver Jubilarians called on their elementary and high school teachers and surprised them with gifts of microwave ovens and cellphones; and TV sets, respectively.

Culminating the program was the SMAD Ceremonial Mace Turnover by Batch ’86 to Batch ’87 headed by president Patrick David Lim, who will be the host for this year’s alumni homecoming.

Cheers to Batch ’86 for the mega success of the 2011 SMAD Grand Alumni Homecoming!

SMAD Batch ’86 would like to thank SMAD directress Sr. Lourdes Marzoña; Doming Ang of Marina Tuna; Wilson Bangayan of Red Ribbon; Albert Garcia and Jiggs Calixto of Coca Cola; and Gerald Co of Tanduay; for their wholehearted support to the 2011 SMAD Grand Alumni Homecoming.

E-mail the author at mom.about.town.dvo@gmail.com. Visit momabouttowndavao.blogspot.com.