Cover Guests had a great time at Bea Zobel’s birthday bash
Guests had a great time at Bea Zobel’s birthday bash
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Surrounded by people dearest to her, Bea Zobel celebrates her birthday in Cebu apart from judging for the Queen of the Philippines event organised by Cary Santiago
Philanthropist and Honorary Consul of Spain MIMAROPA (Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon and Palawan) Bea Zobel travelled to Cebu to judge the Queen of the Philippines event organised by Cary Santiago. She has been a dedicated supporter of this beauty pageant for trans women for the past four years, and as this was the final edition of the event, she wholeheartedly lent her support. Among the guests she invited to the event were her friends Small Laude, Agnes Huibonhoa, Carol Garcia, Tim Yap, Tessa Valdes, Techie Hagedorn, Javi Martinez and Anton San Diego.
The event also fell on Zobel’s birthday week, and a birthday celebration at the popular Tavolata restaurant was hosted for her by Diagold’s Jennifer Viloria and her husband Harry. The exquisite spread of Italian cuisine was complemented by the must-have Cebu lechon, an essential component of any grand festive gathering in Cebuano tradition. It was a delightful and memorable event that perfectly combined the joy of Zobel’s birthday with the delicious flavours of Italian and Cebuano culinary traditions.
The beautifully decorated reception venue
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The event kicked off with a heartwarming welcome from Viloria, who expressed gratitude to Santiago for bringing everyone together and extended her best wishes to the birthday girl. The evening was filled with joy and warmth, setting the perfect tone for the festivities to come. After a delightful dinner, the band started the evening with an engaging performance. Frances Siao took the lead and encouraged the guests to join in a joyous sing-along. Laude took the mic first, captivating the audience with not just one but three songs accompanied by Siao. Yap followed and likewise delighted the crowd. The festivities continued as the guests sang Happy Birthday.
See also: Remembering Beatriz Zobel de Ayala: Philanthropist, cultural advocate and mother
Queenmelo Esguerra, Mitzi Lim, Mark Bumgarner, Jennifer Ty, Tim Yap
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Zobel expressed, “I am moving to Cebu! I am truly grateful for the overwhelming warmth and welcome I have received. This place has captured my heart, and I feel compelled to keep returning, even if the Queen of the Philippines pageant is no more.” Mariquita Yeung said, “Bea, you are deeply cherished, and we appreciate you choosing to celebrate your birthday here in Cebu. Cary, your role in this has been pivotal, and we thank you.”
Nora Montuerto, Mariquita Yeung, Elizabeth Go, Marilou Ong
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From Cebu, guests included Marge Lhuillier, Jay Aldeguer, Elizabeth Go, Tess Lampert, Dr Marilou Ong, Mitzi Lim and Erwin Siao. Other guests were Nora Muntuerto, Loida Fourteau, Richard Fourteau, Charles Lim, Perl Arienza, Carla Yeung Mckowen and Claudia Yeung. Although this was the last Queen of the Philippines event, it has been a good run—close to 15 years—and lots of memories and strides made for the LGBTQIA+ community. The event was a testament to the strong bonds and shared memories that have been created over the years, leaving a lasting legacy for the LGBTQIA+ community.
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Credits
Images: Courtesy of Bea Zobel
Anton San Diego, editor-in-chief of Tatler Philippines for 24 years and founding member of Manila House, blends his background in fashion and hospitality to shape the country’s leading voice on luxury and culture.
IG and Threads: @antonsd
Facebook: Anton San Diego
