It was a truly unique celebration as the Ablaza family – dapper patriarch Louie Ablaza, his charming and alabaster-skinned wife Mellie, and their wonderful children Marc & lovely wife Tessa, Jun-jun, and Czarina – hosted a Tsar’s Ball at the Manila Polo Club. Superb hostess Mellie’s panache was apparent in the details that created an atmosphere of opulence in the spirit of the bygone days of Russian royalty.
Israeli Ambassador Yehoshua Sagi and Mme. Hana Sagi
Dr. Adolfo Bellosillo and Nellie Bengzon
Mellie and Louie Ablaza
The stairway leading to the Grand Ballroom was aglow with thousands of Tivoli lights. Friends from the diplomatic corps, media, and Manila’s social scene were given a royal welcome by Mellie, who was resplendent in her Ben Ferrales creation as she stood side-by-side with her dashing husband Louie. Costumed pages escorted guests through a passageway of mirrors and candles, the fascinating effect of which prepared the guests for the magical night. At the beautiful baroque room, traditional Russian delicacies such as caviar and blinis were served, complemented by French wines, the finest champagne, and of course, a variety of Russian vodkas.
Mellie Ablaza, Thai Ambassador Asha Dvitiyananda and Consul Helen Ong
Furnitalia’s Florence Ko and her mother Angelina Yu
French Ambassador Gerard Chesnel
Everyone smiled at the invocation by the cute Ablaza grandchildren, which was led by your columnist. Indeed, a truly dazzling and memorable event from the Ablazas – I can’t wait for next year’s party!! Super congratulations to you, Mellie!
Czarina Ablaza Syquia, Boysie Villavicencio, Thelma Gana and Marilou Alejandro
Bert & Nonie Basilio, Muebles Italiano’s Noel Gonzales, Baby & Justo Ortiz
Unilever President Howard Belton and Mrs. Cristina Belton with Mellie Ablaza
Japanese Ambassador Ryuichiro Yamazaki, Mellie Ablaza, and Mme. Noriko Yamazaki
Carrie Bautista, Mellie Ablaza, Baby Ortiz and Mme. Anila Khan
Mexican Ambassador Erendira Paz Campos, Jun-jun Ablaza and Bambi Harper
Tessa Ablaza, Marc Ablaza, and Santi Ablaza
Consul Gen. Samuel Nkomo and Zambia Amb. Goofrey Simasiku
Xavi Ablaza performs a musical
number with his marimba
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