The Manila Times

A musical affair at Hazel Riguera’s 60th birthday extravagan­za

- BECKY GARCIA

HAZEL Riguera’s 60th birthday extravagan­za was a splendid event, graced by 165 beloved friends and family members who came dressed in floral attire.

The celebratio­n began with a delightful array of appetizers, featuring savory artisanal cheeses, succulent ham, and refreshing ponkans and grapes.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, party host Dexter Ferdinand Soriano Nicolau took the stage, orchestrat­ing a program tailored to Hazel’s special day. The Manila Symphony Orchestra enchanted guests with a melodic journey through classical masterpiec­es and Broadway classics. Hazel, glowing with joy and gratitude, shared a heartfelt message of appreciati­on before blowing out the candles atop her towering cake, surrounded by the harmonious chorus of “Happy Birthday” from loved ones.

For dinner, Chef Noel Hizon curated a lavish twelve-course feast, featuring succulent lechon, delicate salmon, and flavorful chili crabs and Black Angus steak, each dish a testament to culinary excellence. Amidst laughter and merriment, the orchestra transition­ed seamlessly to serenade guests with beloved OPM hits, enhancing the celebrator­y ambiance. Later, singer-actor Raymond Gorospe, Manolo Almelor, Dr. Jerry Aguilar, and other guests took to the stage, serenading Hazel with heartfelt melodies.

As the night unfolded, a live band led by 14 dance instructor­s electrifie­d the dance floor with infectious joy and energy. A lavish bar, adorned with an array of cocktail concoction­s, exquisite wines, and premium spirits, ensured the festivitie­s remained elevated well into the night. Hazel’s 60th birthday celebratio­n served as a testament to a life well-lived. With friends and family gathered to honor her journey, it truly became a tribute befitting the remarkable woman she is.

Happy birthday, Hazel! May your days ahead be brimming with joy, love, and boundless blessings.

Finally, after a six-year hiatus, Philippine Internatio­nal Jazz and Arts Festival (PIJazzFest) will be back this coming May! Mark your calendars and join us in this Jazz celebratio­n, featuring Folk Jazz, Traditiona­l Jazz, Swing, Cubist Jazz, Samba, Flamenco and Salsa. The full spectrum of Jazz with something for everyone! #pijazzfest

For the list of performers and schedules, Visit the official facebook page of pijazzfest via https://www.facebook.com/JazzFestPH/.

 ?? ?? Lawyers Hazel with husband Manny Riguera
Lawyers Hazel with husband Manny Riguera
 ?? ?? Justin Lutian, Donnah Mercado, lawyers Gina Lutian, Riza Quial, Grace Sison, David Narvasa, Robert Sison and Butch Suarez
(Back row, from left) Henry Katindig, Dix Lucero, Richard Merk and Colby de la Calzada (front row, from left) Jeannie Tiongco, Emcy Corteza, Sandra Lim Viray and Megan Herrera
Justin Lutian, Donnah Mercado, lawyers Gina Lutian, Riza Quial, Grace Sison, David Narvasa, Robert Sison and Butch Suarez (Back row, from left) Henry Katindig, Dix Lucero, Richard Merk and Colby de la Calzada (front row, from left) Jeannie Tiongco, Emcy Corteza, Sandra Lim Viray and Megan Herrera
 ?? ??
 ?? ?? Maita Fellone, Maya Llamas, lawyers Ding Fellone, Carla Dejeres, Patita Estaniel, Tess Trinidad, Hazel Riguera, Judge Rommel Baybay, DILG Undersecre­tary JV Llamas, and Senate Deputy Secretary Arnel Bañas
Maita Fellone, Maya Llamas, lawyers Ding Fellone, Carla Dejeres, Patita Estaniel, Tess Trinidad, Hazel Riguera, Judge Rommel Baybay, DILG Undersecre­tary JV Llamas, and Senate Deputy Secretary Arnel Bañas
 ?? ?? (Standing from left) Baby Bayani-Ortiz, Francis Corona, Raymond Gorospe, Isabel Tique, Ellen Choi, Carmen Afzelius and Chita Wilcox, (seated) Bing Carrion and Marivel Carandang
(Standing from left) Baby Bayani-Ortiz, Francis Corona, Raymond Gorospe, Isabel Tique, Ellen Choi, Carmen Afzelius and Chita Wilcox, (seated) Bing Carrion and Marivel Carandang
 ?? ?? (Back row, from left) Henry Katindig, Dix Lucero, Richard Merk and Colby de la Calzada (front row, from left) Jeannie Tiongco, Emcy Corteza, Sandra Lim Viray and Megan Herrera
(Back row, from left) Henry Katindig, Dix Lucero, Richard Merk and Colby de la Calzada (front row, from left) Jeannie Tiongco, Emcy Corteza, Sandra Lim Viray and Megan Herrera
 ?? ?? Linda Guanzon, Baby Perez, Hazel Riguerra, Celine Bautista, Baby Ortiz, Ellen Choi and Jorge Hizon
Linda Guanzon, Baby Perez, Hazel Riguerra, Celine Bautista, Baby Ortiz, Ellen Choi and Jorge Hizon
 ?? ??
 ?? ?? Briane Lindbergh Rebadulla, Raine Ryan Rebadulla, Dearly Rebadulla, Joy Rebadulla, Yvette Platania and Clyde Rebadulla
Briane Lindbergh Rebadulla, Raine Ryan Rebadulla, Dearly Rebadulla, Joy Rebadulla, Yvette Platania and Clyde Rebadulla
 ?? ?? Lawyers Robert Sison, Patita Estaniel, Ted Sta. Ana, Rio Inocencio, Johann Fernandez, Angel Aguila and Judge Rommel Baybay
Lawyers Robert Sison, Patita Estaniel, Ted Sta. Ana, Rio Inocencio, Johann Fernandez, Angel Aguila and Judge Rommel Baybay
 ?? ?? (Standing) Baby Bayani-Ortiz and Marivel Carandang (seated from left) Baby Perez Sison, Carmen Afzelius, Isable Tique and Ellen Choi
(Standing) Baby Bayani-Ortiz and Marivel Carandang (seated from left) Baby Perez Sison, Carmen Afzelius, Isable Tique and Ellen Choi
 ?? ?? Riguera’s family (from left) children Jum, Dmitri, Aika and husband lawyer Manny Riguera
Riguera’s family (from left) children Jum, Dmitri, Aika and husband lawyer Manny Riguera
 ?? ?? Lawyers Ana Cruz, Ditas Amboy, Agnes Garcia, Hazel Riguera and Jim Coleto
Lawyers Ana Cruz, Ditas Amboy, Agnes Garcia, Hazel Riguera and Jim Coleto
 ?? ?? Donnah Mercado, lawyers Junie Lutian, Robert Sison and Grace Sison
Donnah Mercado, lawyers Junie Lutian, Robert Sison and Grace Sison
 ?? ?? Lawyers Riza Quial, David Narvasa, Ding Fellone and Rio Inocencio
Lawyers Riza Quial, David Narvasa, Ding Fellone and Rio Inocencio

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