The "Lord of Scents" Joel Cruz threw a "scent-sational" almost-60th birthday bash just a few shining bright moons ago. I say "almost" because it's in line with Chinese tradition which avoids celebrating birthdays that end with 9 — or 19, 29 and 38. But that didn't stop him from gathering his nearest and dearest for an all-out celebration at his Chateau de Milagros mansion in Sampaloc, Manila. This stunning property is named after his late Nanay Milagros, and he also honored her by serving a sumptuous dinner filled with lutong bahay that she used to make.

The party date also fell near the Chinese New Year, so it doubled as a CNY celebration. That's why, the motif was filled with auspicious elements and lots of red! And if there's one thing we know about our "Lord of Scents," it's that he goes all out with anything he does. He welcomed a whopping 400 well-wishers, from family and friends to celebrities.