Newsmakers

A Most Precious Baby

PEOPLE - Joanne Rae M. Ramirez - The Philippine Star

April 11, 2019 | 12:00am

(Seated, from left) Mayenne Carmona, Carla del Prado with baby Amos and Hera Gereine; (standing, from left) Linda Ley, Rachel de Guzman, Tim Yap, Tina Cuevas, Arlene Sutton, Cecile Infantado, Mitch Garcia, Javi Martinez, Connie Haw and Happy Ongpauco-Tiu.

When a creative hotel executive and the big boss of an ice cream company throw a party for their baby, expect nothing less than A MOSt whimsical celebration.

Family and close friends of Michelle Garcia and Ariel Arce came together for the christening and dedication of their bundle of joy Amos. Marriott’s cluster director of marketing communications and the big guy of Arce Dairy ice cream pulled out all the stops for a memorable and one-of-a-kind baptismal event for their three-month-old son.

(From left) Victor and Linda Ley, Arlene Arce, Clyde Chua and Ariel Arce.

The ceremony was held at the St. Therese Church in Pasay City and afterwards, family members and guests proceeded to the adjacent Marriott Grand Ballroom where its Diplomatic Hall was transformed into a blue-and-white wonderland straight out of Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory.

(From left) Agile Zamora, Tina Cuevas, Hera Gereine and Connie Haw.

Garcia entrusted the venue styling to Teddy Manuel, who combined old-world elegance and sophistication with a touch of childlike whimsy. The space was covered in flowy white strips of silk fabric gathered around a stunning spherical chandelier. The stage area bore the name “Amos” in blue cutout letters, behind a white loveseat, the perfect area for picture-taking. Several long tables that seated 20 or 30 guests were festooned with baby’s breath and other white flowers gathered on top of tall crystal centerpieces by Bella Banquets.

(From left) Nico Bacani, Arnel Patawaran, Kaycee Reyes-Bacani and Krizette Chu.

After a short prayer led by the proud mom herself, attendants opened the doors to an adjoining room, where an amazing buffet spread awaited guests. There was a complete salad, live pasta, a carving station featuring US prime rib, a selection of Filipino-themed mains, including a full lechon from Elarz, a juice and fruit bar where attendants whipped up refreshing shakes upon request, as well as a tantalizing array of charcuterie and cheeses. There was also wine courtesy of Emperador Distillers and, for the pièce de résistance, a bountiful dessert table dressed in bespoke balloons from Crafting Rainbows that included carrot cupcakes, blueberry macarons, salted egg cheesecakes (shaped like cracked salted eggs), chocolate lollicakes, white blueberry chocolate truffles, blue sable cookies and a chocolate fountain. Of course, a dozen flavors of Arce Dairy ice cream were available, too!

(From left) Ariel Arce, Azi Garcia, Robby Carmona, Joel Cruz with Amos, Margie Moran, Mitch Garcia and mom Elizabeth Garcia.

Guests were treated to the sounds of the Spirit of ‘67 band for entertainment. It was truly an unforgettable evening in celebration of young Amos, who is fortunate to have two truly loving, not to mention well-loved, parents.