BEHIND THE MASQUERADE
LELIS PIMENTEL’s 60th birthday is a celebration that exudes not only elegance and sophistication, but also a fun and lively spirit of which the lady of mention is known for
Known to everyone as a genuinely generous and giving person, Lelis Pimentel is no stranger to hosting refined celebrations. This one in particular is one that was made for her. “It’s my 60th birthday party. It was supposed to be a surprise because they know that I really did not want a big celebration. But, my husband and children insisted on having one. My daughter Jana helped organize the event. I just told her I wanted a masquerade-themed party,” she says.
Dusit Thani’s Grand Ballroom was styled by Khim Cruz, with the party coordinated by Vern & Co Events. The masquerade party was well-attended with guests arriving from various parts of the country. After all, Lelis’ milestone celebration is a very special one. True to the spirit of the many events and socials she has hosted, the grand fête was not only a fun and relaxing treat but also exciting—keeping everyone at their toes with what surprise is going to happen next. The celebrant shares, “The idea behind a masquerade ball theme is to have everything exude sophistication alongside the theatrical presentation. I always found it so mysterious. That’s why I was very thankful to our event stylist because she really pulled it off.”
Elevating the wonderful experience, the abundant use of feathers, chandeliers, and candelabras completed the décor of the ballroom. The colorful, vibrant, and intricately-designed backdrop blended well
with the fresh blooms and the table setting. Most of the materials were imported, but some were locally sourced to highlight the beauty of the city they live in. The food was just as exceptional, with guests delighted with each dish presented in the dinner. Lelis gamely shares her favorite culinary services—Albergus Catering in Manila, Leandro’s Specialties and Catering Services in Davao.
“The party was extra special because a lot of family members and close friends from Surigao and Manila were there to spend this very special day with me. And of course, the touching messages from my kids and my husband made it more meaningful. My husband actually made me look back at how many struggles we had to go through in our love story. But as he said, we kept our faith in the Lord and Mama Mary. We overcame these struggles through hard work and prayer,” Lelis tells us.
Rosalinda at 60 was a captivating story of Lelis’ journey through life. It is a collection of people whom she has touched in her years of existence—family, friends, and well-wishers who know her genuine heart. And this has been proven from her simple social gatherings to those events she has held with her husband in service of the people of their community. “I’ve always had a passion for cooking and good food. I love feeding people. I also got so used to it since my husband Johnny (Deputy Speaker and District Representative of the Second District of Surigao del Sur Johnny Pimentel) is a public servant. We even feed two to three thousand people every year during our fiesta in Tandag City,” she happily shares.
Looking back at the many memories she has shared with everyone who attended, Lelis is reminded of the life she has cherished and her purpose of being. Describing the beauty that she sees all around her, she lets us in on the essence of a life well-lived, “It is a life surrounded by love, happiness, and contentment. My family keeps me going. They are my meaning in life.”
VENUE Dusit Thani Grand Ballroom, Davao City
CAKE Cupcake Couture
EVENT STYLING Khim Cruz
EVENT COORDINATION Vern & Co Events
PHOTOGRAPHY AND VIDEOGRAPHY Simply Gray Studio