Party, party at 50

A post party celebration for Joe Marie Sy’s golden birthday was held at the Garden Pavilion and poolside of Planta Hotel last January 21, given to him by his younger brother Jerry.

Joe Marie is the first son and the third child of the late Arsenio Sy and Lydia Lesaca. Elder sisters Arlene and Dianela invited the guests for him. The delectably sumptuous dishes were selected by friends Suklin Peña, Fati de la Rama with chef BJ Tanpinco Uy. The disco-themed concept was the idea of his stage director friend Kokoy Jimenez , while uncle Henry Lesaca executed the decors of the place.

Minor kinks happened when invitations did not arrive on time, so friends Francis Torres, Chart Motus and Bopeep Golez did a text brigade.

Guests who partied the night away were from the different sectors of society from political personalities headed by our very own Mayor Bing Leonardia, clergy headed by Msgr. Vic Rivas, Msgr. Gaston and Fr. Felix Pasquin, media, family members, classmates, and his theater friends from La Salle.

Guests received an illuminated retro smiling necklace, and a special token from the celebrator -- an icon of the Sto. Niño handcrafted in silver.

Before entering the ballroom the visitors had to pass the disco entrance all covered with white clothes, a mirror bell, and white and gold beads that illuminated with black lights. The ballroom was transformed into a disco, a fog machine, strobe, laser, and black lights were installed, completed with a DJ Booth to surprise and dazzle Bacolod party crowd.

Taped testimonials by people who know Joe Marie well -- friends in the medical profession and showbusiness like Gloria Diaz, Sam Milby, Mitch Valdez, and Monsour del Rosario and distinguished doctors from various fields were among the highlights of the party.

This was one evening where everyone danced the night away. The party lasted up to the wee hours of the morning with everybody dancing and reminiscing the good old days. It was indeed a night to remember and a fantastic celebration. It marked the 50 glorious and enjoyable years of Joe Marie. God bless.

Remember: When God wipes our tears, sorrows give way to eternal song. God’s help is only a prayer away.*