Sunshine Cruz and Cesar Montano's daughter, Angel Francesca, celebrated her 2nd birthday at the Le Salon ballroom of Hyatt Hotel and Casino in Manila, last December 1.
Uploaded: January 14, 2009
The birthday girl, Angel Francesca, came in early before the guests arrived. Here, the little princess of actor Cesar Montano and Sunshine Cruz surveys the venue, as if making sure that everything's in place before her party starts.
Mayor Lim greets the birthday girl with a kiss as Cesar looks on. The Father of Manila however didn't stay long and left shortly afterwards.
"He just dropped by to greet Chesca," said Cesar to PEP (Philippine Entertainment Portal). "Sayang nga, e. I wish nakapag-stay siya, pero I understand. He's very busy kahit weekend."
Ring icon Manny Pacquiao arrived a few minutes after Mayor Lim left the Le Salon ballroom of the Hyatt Hotel and Casino.
The two top caliber personalities are currently engaged in a cold war after Manny allegedly snubbed a victory parade prepared by the local government of Manila and its people when he came home from Vegas.
The ballroom's party setup merges the fantasy worlds of Angel Francesca and her parents.
The main stage is decked with Disney heroines like Cinderella, Princess Jasmine of Aladdin, and Little Mermaid Ariel. Replicas of the gold-plated britannium Oscar trophy stand in their midst.
Angel Francesca is as fond of Barbie dolls as much as she's fascinated with princess characters, says Mom Sunshine.
"Mahilig talaga siya sa mga Barbies and mga princesses so naisip namin na dapat yung concept ng party would fit her interests para ma-enjoy niya din talaga."
Sunshine describes the party theme as "Princess Hollywood." Indeed, the entire Le Salon ballroom is bedecked with images of popular Disney princess characters and Hollywood movie icons.
Party Perks Winnie Go revealed to PEP (Philippine Entertainment Portal) that preparations took two months. All the hard work was certainly worth it as proven by the breathtaking designs that made for an explosion of color.
Clutching a Barbie doll and balloons, Chesca is a picture of royal two-year-old grace. The bunso of Cesar and Sunshine stays calm yet wide-eyed and curious amidst the flurry of cameras and guests vying for her attention.
Giselle Sanchez came with 4-year-old daughter, Lia Buencamino.
"Hinatid ko lang ‘yong anak ko with her yaya," Giselle told PEP (Philippine Entertainment Portal) after she exchanged pleasantries with Sunshine and Cesar. When asked why, the comedienne leaned over and smilingly whispered, "May racket ako," then broke out with her distinct laughter.
Giselle tarried awhile, making sure that Lia settled down before she kissed her bye-bye.
Always a sight to behold, statuesque Ruffa Gutierrez, with Lorin and Venice in tow, looks fabulous as she breezes down the red carpet leading to the "movie set."
With Ruffa cajoling playfully, Richard Gutierrez makes beso-beso with ABS-CBN executive Cory Vidanes as Kapamilya's business unit head Deo Endrinal looks on.
All the ninongs and ninangs gather on the stage for a prayer dedicated to the celebrator. Pastor Ed Lapiz, who is a close family friend of both Cesar and Sunshine, led the invocation.
Ruffa and Sunshine pose with Ms. Cory Vidanes and Deo Endrinal.
Cesar was very pleased that friends took time out for Chesca's special day. "Most of them are very busy pero nagpapasalamat ako na they still find time to celebrate my daughter's birthday," an emotional Cesar said.
Party hosts Sunshine and Cesar made sure to keep Chesca's little guests happily engrossed with exciting games and prizes.
As for the parents, well, they were all busy socializing with the other visitors. Some just couldn't get enough of photo ops with the smiling celebrities milling around.
Ever lovely Ana Roces explains to Sunshine why she's late for the "shooting." The two actresses became friends way back in the time of German Moreno's That's Entertainment.
Robin Padilla, eyes hidden behind dark shades, arrived at around 4:00 pm. Some of the guests had already left when the Bad Boy of Philippine Cinema entered the room.
Binoe was unable to make himself comfortable right away as the other guests, including the hotel staff, swarmed around him asking for souvenir shots.
"Ang guwapo mo," actress Melissa Mendez said to Binoe, who was obviously flattered. Because he's late and there's no more left in the buffet table, Cesar politely requested for a menu to be handed to Robin.
"Order ka na lang pare, pili ka kahit ano at 'yong pinakamasarap," Cesar told Robin with a brotherly tap on the shoulder.
"Two years old siya pero diretso na siya magsalita," says Sunshine, beaming with pride. "She ‘s very sweet, napakalambing na bata at komedyante."
While Sunshine was making her wish for Chesca before their guests, the little daughter looked directly into her mommy's eyes as if she understood everything.
"She's really listening," Sunshine smiled as she was expressing her wish.
