An African safari birthday
Zambia Consul Louie Ablaza with his safari birthday cake.
MANILA, Philippines - Consul Louie Ablaza’s African Safari affair was more than just another grand gathering of high society’s creme de la creme. His 80th birthday party is a celebration of life and his family’s thanksgiving for God’s blessings and bounty.
Marc Ablaza, his eldest son, revealed in his speech how his father overcame a health ordeal in the past few months. It was a moment that made them see more the beauty and importance of living every second to the fullest, celebrating love, happiness and togetherness. The African Safari theme was chosen by Louie’s family since he currently serves as Honorary Consul of Zambia in the Philippines.
Louie and Mellie were seated in a pair of ebony-colored peacock chairs like a king and queen of the tribal feast. Together with them at the presidential table were Russian Ambassador Igor Khovaev, Madam Lizia Lu, Panama Ambassador Rolando Guevara Alvarado, Israeli Ambassador Ephraim Ben Matityau, Singapore Ambassador Kok Li Peng, Belgium Ambassador Roland and Sylvia van Remoortele, Turkish Ambassador Esra Cankorur, Egypt Ambassador Ahmed and Mervat Ezzat, Vietnamese Ambassador Ly Quoc Tuan and Madam Dan Vu.
Lunch was made extra special and sumptuous by Chef Jessie Sincioco, a favorite culinary expert of the Ablazas. The guests had an African degustation of Kachumbari black eyed peas with warm wild rice and vegetable salad, grilled tilapia fillet yassa with coriander, frozen black. Making possible the party’s dramatic extravaganza were production manager Marvin Choa and Jett Carpio, who directed the show. Photos by Lorna Llanes
