Only the closest of her loved ones and friends were invited by former Cultural Center of the Philippines president and Miss Universe 1973 Margie Moran Floirendo when she recently celebrated her 70th birthday and launched her travel book, My Universe, at a dinner at the Bonifacio Hall of the Manila House.

It was indeed a select group that she had gathered to mark this milestone, a far cry from her 60th birthday party when some 150 guests came to bring her good wishes.

Of course, Margie's only 50 guests also came with gifts and praises, with the two of them — Vicky Perez de Tagle and Junjun Camcam
— sharing their thoughts on the celebrator, a fascinating lady of many accomplishments in Philippine arts and cultural administration, Mindanao tourism and the promotion of peace in the South.

A light mood pervaded the air as her dear friend Vicky shared some funny anecdotes about Margie — this according to my Social Set occasional guest writer and society snooper and Manila's 400's Eminence Gris Edu Jarque, a social observer and gentleman of impeccable social credentials. To Edu, I owe my Proust Redux reportage on what may be the most exclusive birthday party of the
post-pandemic scene, when countless get-togethers for all purposes have been taking place.

But if you were invited by Margie no less, it is for sure because she likes you and, well, you indeed belong — by the highest standards
— to the most esteemed of companies.

Seated right on the eminent table were Margie herself, quietly stunning in a resplendent pink
off-shoulder Rajo Laurel gown, along with Edu, intimately and sweetly right next to her, and the power and privilege clique of Rustan's Group chair and chief executive officer Nedy Tantoco with gentleman businessman Patrick Jacinto, former CCP president and now SM Group stalwart Nes Jardin, painter-writer Marivic Rufino and the cosmopolitan couple Michael Keppler and wife Christina Santos.

In their respective tables at the Bonifacio Dining Hall of the Manila House sat the ladies and gentlemen of Manila's crème dela crème, namely, ultimate society lady of beauty and compassion Maricris Zobel, National Artist for Dance Alice Reyes, beauty and wellness guru Cory Quirino, Consul Agnes Huibonhua, 21st-century business icon Alice Eduardo, Pitoy Moreno's model Carol Garcia, CCP mover Tess Rances, Tina Cuevas, Virgie and Gerry Lane, fashion great Ben Chan, Miguel Pastor, Virgilio and Nenita Lim, dean emeritus of lifestyle journalism Thelma Sioson San Juan, Doreen Yu, Original Aguinaldo's Teen Board member Millet Mananquil, the enduring well-loved Tatler Philippines editor Anton San Diego, host with the right to boast Tim Yap, handsome and tall Hayden Kho, Asian Cultural Council chair Ernest Escaler, lifestyle writing couple Chito Vijandre and Ricky Toledo, lovely Cora Dee Corpus, popular couple Peng and Vicky Perez de Tagle, Marbs Garcia, Vicky Garcia, Javi Martinez, iconic architect and interior designer Ramon Antonio, Monica Ugarte and Keenan Ugarte, JD Estrella, singer Louie Heredia, couturier Joji Dingcong, social media sensation Small Laude and the couple who had played a key role in Margie's transformation, Junjun and Courtney Camcam.

In describing the evening's celebrator and hostess, Junjun shared: "It is no secret that Margie Moran, world-renowned as Miss Universe, is an incredible woman. Yet unbeknownst to many, she is just as much Miss Universe inwardly as she is outwardly. Margie wears her crown with an understated elegance that epitomizes class and her humility astounds me to this day. In an era of braggadocio characters and pretenders, Margie truly stands out, being genuinely and unapologetically comfortable in her own skin.

"I have witnessed this throughout the years that I have had the privilege of knowing Margie. We grew close in the intimate setting of our Bible study group and as part of a wonderful spiritual family, and it was during this time that I grew even more impressed as I witnessed Margie's kindness and generosity.

"We were grateful for the wisdom she shared with my daughter during her grueling pageant journey and her words of encouragement were life-changing. We have also shared sacred moments about our children and the godly legacy we desire to leave behind.

"Margie reminds me of the woman described in Proverbs 31, which reads, 'Beauty is fleeting, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. Ultimately, I have come to the conclusion that this woman is infinitely more beautiful inside than she is outside, and I know that when that fateful day comes, there will be an even more resplendent crown that awaits her before her Father in Heaven."

The evening's most applauded entertainment included a solo dance performance of lady ballerina Macel Dofitas and a comedy skit acted out by Richardson Yadao and John Ababon. A hit was the 
quiz-game as "How well do you know Margie," which elicited tons of hilarious laughter from everyone.

As they listened to the
all-night serenade of the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra String Quartet, the guests feasted on Chicken Tinola sa Papaya Soup and Filipino salad of Pechay, Chico, Kamias, Pili Nuts with Green Mango Dressing; main entrées of Kurobota Cochinillo, Hamachi Bistek with White Onion and Leeks, Dulong Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes and Olives, Gising Gising of Water Spinach, Ground Pork, Eggplant, Coconut Milk, Chili, 16-Hour Roasted Beef Belly with Grilled Vegetables, Peppercorn Sauce and Truffle Sauce; and for dessert, Samba Cake and Mascarpone Cheesecake.

Indeed, if it was a beautiful affair that went smoothly, it was even made more memorable by the emcee, Sandy Lamb Moran, who carried the ball all night.