Bamboo’s hearty birthday bash

The invitations were typically artistic and colorful.

Which is what you would expect from two very artistic people – Bamboo Tonogbanua and Lourdes Lipa. Aside from celebrating a birthday, it was also a dinner to honor balikbayans Dominic and Delia Pangborn, sister of Lourdes and Emma Lipa.

We always look forward to Bamboo’s parties at his stylish residence. Aside from the food (which is always yummy), they make you feel like you just walked into a New York apartment with its Manhattan flair. This must have been influenced by his yearly trips to New York where he stays for months on end. The place was brightly lit with colorful mini-lights, giving it a definite Christmas ambiance.

By the time I got there, the place was full of Bamboo’s friends from the media, the art world and LCC contemporaries, aside from the friends he had from way back when. Bamboo is the type of person who keeps friends close to him. He is so giving and eager to help in any way he could, which is why he is truly loved by all.

Dinner was superb - it would have satisfied a connoisseur! We indulged in the paella, lengua, chili con carne (which is Bamboo’s piece-de-resistance), tacos, chicken relleno and so many more to-die-for delights. I was so full but Agnes Cuenca seduced me with the dessert – fruit compote filled with succulent peaches! How could I resist!

Bamboo flitted from table to table, inviting everyone to the opening of his famous Christmas Village very soon. This would be an added attraction to the visitors coming to Bacolod for the MassKara Festival. The magical appeal of his Christmas Village has brought so much joy to families who have made it a must-see tradition every Christmas.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Bamboo and Lourdes! May you have many more to come!*

back to top