Iloilo's Top Hostesses
Pauline Banusing, Chona Bondoc, Jane Uy, Hazel Buaron,
Ivy Santos, Cecil Gison and Beverly Rosales
Every end of the year the country's premiere high society magazine the Philippine Tatler comes out with its annual search for top hostesses in the country and has singled out some women in our city as a cut above the rest for knowing the secret to true entertaining.
The following southern ladies have made it to the list with their unique and personal interpretations of hosting their gatherings of 20 or 200 guests. Sarah Pena, Tess Dulalia and Rosalie Trenas were the top hostesses in 2006. They made it again in the 2007 list.
Learn from the ladies on how they did it.
CHONA LAYSON-BONDOC
WHAT IS YOUR DREAM THEME? There really isn't a single identifiable dream theme because of the eclectic nature of the food that I serve and the guests I entertain.
WHAT IS YOUR TOP HOSTESS NO-NO? Dominating the topic of conversation is definitely the wrong way of hosting a party. Topics like politics and religion are avoided.
WHAT TO YOU IS A PARTY NIGHTMARE? Brownouts, because even with a generator set on standby, the noise of the machine can be distracting and can hamper the momentum of the party; food going stale and inclement weather when hosting a garden party.
WHAT IS A HOSTESS'S MAGIC TOUCH THAT ENSURES HER PARTY'S SUCCESS? I think a genuine desire to enhance friendship, foster good relationships and cohesiveness, together with an eclectic array of food that caters and satiate the culinary preference of the guests, are the major components that ensure a party's success.
CECIL ABANILLA-GISON
WHAT IS YOUR DREAM THEME? A dream theme for me is to have a formal gala party with performances from acclaimed musical artists to raise funds for charity and projects of Zonta International.
WHAT IS YOUR TOP HOSTESS NO-NO? I suggest getting a good event coordinator for a perfect party so you can avoid those party no-no's.
WHAT TO YOU IS A PARTY NIGHTMARE? A party is supposed to be always enjoyable. I don't allow any hitches or so called "party nightmares" to affect me or my party. I just see to it that all my guests are having a good time.
WHAT IS A HOSTESS'S MAGIC TOUCH? My magic touches to ensure a party's success is good company, spectacular food and drinks and a cool place that is not hot and relaxing venue. That for me will definitely make a party a total success.
JANE CHUA-UY
WHAT IS YOUR DREAM THEME? Nothing in particular. I just like good company, good food, and my guests are enjoying the party.
WHAT IS YOUR TOP HOSTESS NO-NO? Freaking out because a small detail went wrong.
WHAT TO YOU IS A PARTY NIGHTMARE? The caterer not showing up.
WHAT IS A HOSTESS'S MAGIC TOUCH? Detailed planning, coordination and personal touch.
BEVERLY "PANGGING" PADILLA-ROSALES
WHAT IS YOUR DREAM THEME? Party for a cause. Have a sit down intimate dinner in our residence with the city's shakers and movers who are too good hearted and generous enough to pay per plate for the benefit of Asilo de Molo (Home for the Aged) to be catered by my favorite caterer. Chosen Lolos and Lolas will entertain guests with their talents. Top entertainers from Manila shall be invited to give a mini concert after dinner.
WHAT IS YOUR TOP HOSTESS NO-NO? Uninvited guests (gate crashers) and guests who do not follow dress code.
WHAT TO YOU IS A PARTY NIGHTMARE? When you invite a guest and brings the entire gang without RSVP! People who come with their bodyguards not properly dressed. When two factions are invited and they get into a brawl.
WHAT IS A HOSTESS MAGIC TOUCH? Awesome food, overflowing drinks, great music and fun-loving guests plus the presence of my dear gay friends put together into one.
HAZEL DEMAPENDAN-BUARON
WHAT IS YOUR DREAM THEME? Fairytale or a Royalty Party
WHAT IS YOUR TOP HOSTESS NO-NO? Drunk and unruly guests
WHAT TO YOU IS A PARTY NIGHTMARE? Your guests beg off in the last minute or your caterer comes in late or don't show up at all for some unavoidable circumstances.
WHAT IS A HOSTESS' MAGIC TOUCH? Good food, fine wine, great company and of course, my Olio de Oliva and my peperoncino from Tuscany in Italy.
PAULINE GORRICETA-BANUSING
WHAT IS YOUR DREAM THEME? I would like to do a party where the theme revolves around CHOCOLATES. Invitation would be made of edible white and dark chocolates. My menu will consist of foods which have a dash of chocolate flavor like, Gravlax with White Truffles, Fillet of Halibut with Papaya and Jicama Relish on a bed of Chocolate Risotto; 50 choco desserts; drinks - White Chocolate Martini; and for give aways, Capuccino- flvored Cuban cigar for men and chocolate-scented personalized soap for women.
WHAT IS YOUR TOP HOSTESS NO-NO? Pretending to be somebody you are not and at the same time pretending to have something you do not have.
WHAT TO YOU IS A PARTY NIGHTMARE? Guests that are hard to please, critical and very demanding. Meaning no manners.
WHAT IS A HOSTESS MAGIC TOUCH? The secret ingredient to a successful party is the hostess enjoying herself. If guests see that the hostess is tensed and in panic, the guests feel uneasy, too. On the other hand, if they see the hostess having fun, relaxed and mingling around making everyone feel comfortable, guests will also get that positive vibe and will truly have a blast.
IVY SANTIAGO-SANTOS
WHAT IS YOUR DREAM THEME? A masquerade ball! I want all my guests dressed in different costumes…with masks! Fun and a bit of mystery.
WHAT IS YOUR TOP HOSTESS NO-NO? Not having enough food for all my guests.
WHAT IS TO YOU A PARTY NIGHTMARE? No one shows up.
WHAT IS A HOSTESS MAGIC TOUCH? Personal involvement. From the party concept, food selection and décor. But most especially for me, a good hostess must be able to bring all her guests to relax and enjoy the party.