CHEERS Louie Ablaza on his 85th birthday with his wife Mellie Ablaza

On a coolish Sunday morning, Mellie Ablaza turned the family’s weekend spot, Casa Amelia in Alfonso, Cavite, into a street party to celebrate her husband Louie’s 85th birthday.

With their son JunJun, who conceptualized the idea of guests coming in their most colorful outfits—emphasis on colorful—friends who had not seen each other “since the pandemic” gathered from 10 a.m. for mass in the chapel, reluctantly calling it a day only when, late in the afternoon, plump and well-fed clouds covered the blue sky and intermittent showers fell.

JunJun Ablaza and puppy

“Rain, prosperous showers!” someone sighed. More than showers, the entire scene was one of cheerful prosperity. As decreed, guests showed up in the prescribed dress code: “Bright, bold, and fun Pinoy pop streetwear!” The birthday cake was a near-monumental sculpture of sugar and warm greetings.

Nympha Javier and Duday Tuason

A tower of shopping bags in multiple colors provided a unique background for the ladies who fanned themselves as they sipped their pre-lunch cocktails. Inside the pavilion where lunch was served, hundreds of yards of misty curtains whispered against walls and ceilings, a romantic touch.

Letty Syquia and Lorna Quisumbing

Chef Jessie’s menu began with “pako” salad and crab meat soup served with moringa and fruit loops, proceeded to sea bass, coconut and guava sorbet, black Angus tenderloin, ending with platefuls of multiple sweets.

From left: Benny Pe Lim, Susan Laudico, Czarina A. Syquia

A friend of the family intimated that Mellie had every building on the estate renovated inch by inch after the Covid-19 lockdown. That’s why, it was pointed out, this party is more than a birthday celebration for Louie, it’s also a reunion, it’s a toast to the good life!

As far as anyone could see, it was also the best excuse to greet and meet again after three years. People-watching was never more fun!

From left: Letty Hahn, Marivic Vasques, Thelma Gana, and Joy Rojas

From left: Mimi Valerio, Steve de Leon, and Jacqueline Michelle Lim

From left: Gilda Salonga, Marc Ablaza, and Cha Cha Camacho

From left: Martin Lopez, Maurice Lim, and Carlo Rojas