A celebration of life & love

My lovely editor Joanne Rae Ramirez was given a fitting celebration of life and love with family and friends recently. It was also to celebrate her being chosen as one of the recipients of the UP Alumni Association’s 2016 Distinguished Alumni Award in Communication.

This intimate affair, held at the Ramon Magsaysay Hall in Manila, was the brainchild of the country’s only floral architect Rachy Cuna and Allure’s Büm Tenorio.

Rachy elaborately decked up the Ramon Magsaysay Hall with Japanese-inspired accents, which brought an elegant and welcoming vibe to the evening. Favorite classic tunes played as prominent guests and friends partied with the dear celebrator, who was gorgeous in a canary Silk Cocoon number. Seen gracing the dinner were Joanne’s husband Ed Ramirez, Sen. Loren Legarda, PEZA Director General Lilia de Lima, former Trade and Industry secretary Greg Domingo and wife Weng and Philippine Airlines president and COO Jimmy Bautista and wife Joji.

Guests enjoyed a delectable spread of Japanese fare. And for dessert, they were treated to different refreshing flavors of Fiorgelato ice cream. The rich and decadent birthday cake was courtesy of Rina Go of Nic’s Bakeshop.

After the sumptuous dinner, lawyer Rene Puno and his wife Ann, Rose Libongco, Jimmy Bautista, Sen. Loren Legarda, Director General Lilia de Lima, Greg Domingo, Büm Tenorio and Ed Ramirez happily obliged to render some tunes for Joanne and the guests.

Everybody went home happy with tokens from the Rachy Cuna collection.

Here’s to celebrating life, Joanne! You are loved! May you have many more birthdays and awards to come.