What a blast we all had at the intimate birth anniversary bash of my dear friend from way back, Aga Muhlach, on Aug. 12 at the Art Verite Gallery in Serendra.
Aside from his celebration, Aga also mounted an exhibit for his longtime buddy, watercolorist Ernesto Verroya.
“I want to encourage Ernie to pursue his passion again,” Aga said. “I told him that his God-given talent should not go to waste.”
OTHER guests (from left): Orestes Ojeda, Bayani Agbayani and Ricky Davao
Verroya was the grand prize winner of the 1988 Metrobank Watercolor Art Competition. Aga has such a big heart. So it’s no surprise that even on his natal day, he was giving back.
Since Morning (Aga’s other nickname) is a Michael Jackson fanatic comme moi, my gift to him was a rare MJ commemorative, a “Bad” vinyl record.
We had fun reminiscing about our trip to Singapore with friends to watch MJ’s “Dangerous” concert in 1991. I teased, “You could afford to buy all the MJ concert souvenirs, but you badgered me to give you one of the MJ shirts I bought!” We both had a good laugh.
Spotted at the fete were Lea Salonga and hubby Rob, Ricky Davao, Willie Revillame, Tintin and Julius Babao, Rowell Santiago, Bayani Agbayani, Luigi and Patty Muhlach, Aga’s dad Cheng and brother Albert, Albert Martinez and kids Alissa and Alfonso, Aga’s fab wife Charlene and their cute twins, and BFFs Serafin Pua, Gelo Serrano and Jovet Reyes.
The party was devoid of anything show biz. It was no crazy carnival, just a simple yet heartwarming bonding among the closest of friends and kin. As I told Aga, “Everyone present is part of the original cast!”
(TOP) From left: Rowell Santiago, Aga Muhlach, Albert Martinez and Willie Revillame
We all enjoyed the delish chow prepared by the celebrator’s fave chef Jessie Sincioco.
It was a pleasant surprise to see former actor Orestes Ojeda. He and his wife Lori own Art Verite (artverite.net or 9151982). He still looks like a movie star, even when he’s already in his 60s. I teased him that he should make a show biz comeback.
Aga and I missed his cousin and my kumare, Liezl Martinez, who passed away early this year. “We just have to try and move on,” Aga said, sighing.
“But we will always feel Liezl’s presence, especially on happy occasions like this.”
Cheers, my forever “Bagets” friend—46 never looked so good! I cannot thank you enough for never being too busy to be a friend. Every time I’m embroiled in a controversy, I don’t need to holler for help because you are instantly there.
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Move and groove
Put on your dancing shoes and welcome the coming school break with G-Force Project Sembreak (GFPS).
“We call on dance enthusiasts to be part of GFPS. We guarantee that not only will you get to learn how to move and groove like G-Force, you will definitely enjoy spending your break with us,” says GF’s artistic director Teacher Georcelle.
Sessions for Sembreak Batch 1 will take place on all Saturdays of September and October. Batch 2 is set for all Fridays and Saturdays of October.
A recital will be held at the Trinoma Activity Center on Oct. 30. (For inquiries, contact 0917-8436723 or visit www.gforceofficial.com.)
The dance lineup includes a variety of styles.
Lyrical Hip-Hop lets participants dance to all the songs they listen to when they’re blue. GF’s resident heartthrobs Ram and Jim will show aspiring dancers how it’s done—swag and all.
Trends, as the name suggests, is all about the latest dance craze.
Black Stilettos will push dancers to their limits as they are taught to dance in heels—the GF way.
ATs Quirk by Aziantwins will have trainees grooving to 1980’s music, mixed with EDM.
Pop De Deux with Gelai and Ishii teaches hip-hop moves that one can do with a partner.
May the “G-Force” be with you!