Crowning Glory
Kevin Abanilla with his cousins
To toast Arleen O Hara- Abanilla's Soiree d' anniversaire, husband and top Florida-based nephrologist, Dr. Fernando "Boy" Abanilla and unico hijo Kevin hosted a dazzling dinner and dance party at the family owned Punta Villa Resort, a southern plantation-like estate in Arevalo.
Dr Fernando, Arleen and Kevin Abanilla
All the brightest faces of the city came in their glittering jewels and evening fineries. Topping 200, the high powered guests sailed to the red carpet in their long evening gowns, black ties and barongs.
Pangging Rosales, Marjorie Florete and
Sarah and Judgee Pena and
Pane Rosales
Strutting around like peacocks in their designer's evening gowns while enjoying cocktails were Pangging and Pane Rosales in Eric de los Santos creations, society maven Norma Rosales in Nono Palmos, Marjorie Florete in a pale grey number by Rajo Laurel, Pauline Gorriceta-Banusing also in a de los Santos piece, Glenda Abanilla-Valencia in a stunning red serpentine gown by Nicole Miller, Sarah Pena's Muslim inspired ensemble by New Yorker, ever elegant Chona Layson- Bondoc by Alberto "Bing" Sanchez and Cecile Abanilla-Gison in Teri Jon. The most beautiful of all was the celebrator, Arleen O' Hara- Abanilla, in a rust colored evening gown by Carmen Marc Valvo.
Gilberto, Farida and Sicilliene Kabayao
The Crown Ballroom, the resort's biggest and most decadent reception room with its dripping Swarovski crystal chandeliers, glistening gold leaf moldings and bas relief, which is endlessly reflected in numerous mirrors and a giant crown embedded with sparkling colored crystals hanging at the ceiling's center dome, reminiscent of the glory of old Imperial Russia's excessiveness was the perfect setting to hold the grand dinner which was specially prepared by Roger de Luna.
Arleen with USA HS Classmates Batch 72
The famed Kabayao Family Quartet gave a most heartwarming violin concerto while Jessie Penacerada, Debbie Andaya, Rainier Talamera and Farida Kabayao belted out favorite Broadway musical hits. A live band, Crossover, played after the show. They had the guests dancing all night long.
Arlene's high school classmates
Boy mentioned in his welcome speech, "this party is a celebration of two women, my mother, Leonora Melocoton- Abanilla who gave me life and to my dearest wife Arleen O'Hara who is the love of my life."
Well said Dr Fernando, indeed these two women are your crowning glories!