After the longest time of imposed restrictions in Iloilo City due to the pandemic, I finally flew to cosmopolitan Manila for the shortest visit ever — an overnight stay to attend the 50th birthday celebration of a good friend whom I simply can't say no to!

Low-profile Noel Sy's dinner-dance party was one for the books with a hundred close friends and family gracing the occasion. It was staged at Vermillion by The Mansion, a premium event place located on the eighth floor of the Sy family-owned Brighthall Realty & Development Corporation's M1 Tower in Salcedo Village, Makati. The venue was converted into a disco 80s night club complete with glittering mirror balls, neon lighting, and sparkling tinsel curtains. To complete the scene, iconic drag queens swirled and swayed on the entrance ledge to welcome guests. Hors d'oeuvres consisting of Baked Hokkaido Oysters, Spring Rolls, Scallop Siomai, and Ku Chay Ah Pie were passed among guests while a pretty lass in a champagne glass holder hula hoop skirt kept everyone in "high spirits" before entering the main dining room.