The bad weather did not dampen the spirits of the approximately 80 guests who trooped to the birthday dinner of talent manager Arnold Vegafria held at the Felix Bar, Greenbelt 5 in Makati City last July 26.
While the storm was raging outside, celebrities and Arnold’s closest friends were having a grand time chatting, enjoying the sumptuous dinner prepared by Florabel Co, the owner of Florabel's in The Podium, and dancing.
THE GUESTS. Celebrity couple Dingdong Avanzado and Jessa Zaragoza, who arrived with their adorable daughter Jada, were among the early birds.
A few minutes later, Rachel Alejandro came. She dropped by the table of former boyfriend Dingdong, and was heard saying, “Ang laki na ng anak mo.” It will be recalled that the former sweethearts wrote the hit song “Paalam Na” in 1994, after their breakup.
Zanjoe Marudo spent a few minutes at the venue, with his Canon 450D camera. The Kapamilya hunk has been using his latest toy, a 45,000-peso gift from rumored girlfriend Mariel Rodriguez, in showbiz functions lately.
Tim Yap was his usual bubbly self. When asked about the Harry Potter-inspired rim of his eyeglasses, he said: “Siyempre, student na ulit ako.” The eventologist also told PEP that Embassy Club resumed its operations last week.
Kuh Ledesma and daughter Ysabella, Dra. Vicki Belo and boyfriend Hayden Kho, Matt Ranillo III, Geneva Cruz, “Star Patrol’s” Mario Dumaual, and “Chika Minute’s” Lhar Santiago also attended.
It was past 9:30 p.m. when Arnold’s wards began pouring in. The first to arrive were siblings Jeffrey and Arnee Hidalgo. After a few minutes, Pops Fernandez came, followed by Cheska Garcia and Doug Kramer.
Then Bianca King, who was escorted by Champ Lui-Pio, entered the door with a bouquet of flowers for her manager, followed by Brent Javier with girlfriend Karen Pamintuan.
Luis Alandy, Marco Alcaraz, Jay-R, Kris Lawrence, Nancy Jane, Iya Villania, Denise Laurel, Miguel Escueta, and Billy Crawford were seen at the venue past 10:00 p.m.
Senator Miguel Zubiri also took some time off from his legislative duties to wish his manager a “Happy Birthday.” He was with wife Audrey Tan.
The Prats family flocked the venue with Shaina Magdayao, John’s girlfriend. Later that night, Arnold told John: “Oy, ingatan mo ‘to [Shaina]. I like her. She's a very nice girl.”
Regal Entertainment's matriarch Lily Monteverde, her daughter Roselle Monteverde-Teo, talent managers Manny Valera, Angeli Pangilinan-Valenciano, and Leo Dominguez, plus Lovi Poe were also included in the guest list. The new “Box Office star” Annabelle Rama and son Raymond Gutierrez also dropped by.
THE WISHES. At 40, Arnold has almost every thing already. Hard work and diligent networking have made ALV Management, the company set up by the birthday boy, one of the most active players in the showbiz industry. And the people close to the 40-year-old talent manager wish him more success and good health.
Bianca: “More money to come.”
Denise: “Love and good health. Love of his family.”
Luis: “Good health. Well, bigger and happier in terms of talents circuit. May he find a lifetime partner.”
Nancy: “More success and Peace of mind. Good health. Happiness and contentment.”
Cheska: “More blessing. Blessings in terms of career, love and friendship.”
Billy: “Many more tequila shots. Blessings in life. Hope we could continue the work and have fun.
John Prats: “Good health and maging successful this year.”
Camille: “Whatever he is doing and whatever has now, I wish him success. Because he’s a good person…”
Jay-R: “I wish Arnold will finally find his soulmate.”
Kris: “I wish Arnold can find the love he’s been looking for.”
The ALV Team: “We wish him success and everything good that this life can offer. Mag-increase ng suweldo and commission.”
The celebrator’s own wish is similar to that of his talents: “Good health, more success in the business, more projects for my alaga.”
Hearing the fun and laughter, and feeling the warmth that filled the Felix Bar—the man, who initially pursued a course in dentistry, was no doubt very much at home with the world he chose.
A former classmate said, “Good thing he decided to shift careers.” And we couldn’t help but agree wholeheartedly.
Because if there’s one man who can bring in the sunshine on a gloomy night, Arnold Vegafria can.