MANILA, Philippines?Two months ago, fabulous couple Louie and Mellie Ablaza sent text messages to friends to invite them to the celebration of Louie?s birthday.

Well, it was assumed that the invitees who did not RSVP were, naturellement, not sent the formal invitation. So après two weeks after printing the invitations, Mellie had the giveaways individually calligraphed on personalized stationery.

Would you believe, the invitees got the giveaways even before the affair.

The creamiest of the cream from Cosmo Manille came in ultra-glam force to the Rizal Ballroom of Shangri-La Hotel. Men came in tuxedos and the ladies in their most fabulous black or platinum gowns. Why platinum? It was the 70th birthday of gentleman for all seasons, Louie, who?s also honorary Consul of Zambia to the Philippines.

The superb five-course dinner prepared by the renowned chefs of the hotel was naturally chosen by the hostess Mellie. Excellent wines flowed endlessly.

The centerpiece by Jun-Jun Ablaza? black feathers floating from huge lampshades and crystal vases on top of a platinum colored table cloth?was absolutely smashing!

And naturellement, the fab ball gowns of the women and those dazzling, mind-boggling bling-blings had them trying to outdo one another. They were the conversation piece of the night.

The super highlight of the evening? The grandchildren galore of Louie and Mellie leading everyone in prayer before the evening?s meal.

Après the dessert, the sweetest melodies were played by Xavi, Santi, Alfonso, Agu, Azi and 2-year-old Amanu. They were very young and yet very talented. They were accompanied by the University of Santo Tomas Symphony Orchestra conducted by professor Hermie Ranera.

The evening?s 45-minute presentation was indeed memorable for all the invitees.

Then it was time to rock the dance floor with music by the Behind Closed Doors Band. Black-and-platinum ball gowns swirled, sashayed, and twirled the whole night up to 3 a.m.

Dazzling jewelry swayed on the dance floor and the bejeweled women kept checking out their ear lobes, necks and wrists.

In fact, four of the socialites that night lost their jewelry. Ooops!

Moral of the story? Stick to fake accessories, dahlings, n?est ces pas? As in ?di bala? Cheers palanggas.

Fashion glitz

Samsung and Metro Magazine staged the glitzy Samsung Metrowear FDCP 2008, with some of the hottest designers from the Fashion and Design Council of the Philippines.

The Rockwell Tent was packed with the fashion world?s crèmiest of la crème, as they made their entrance on the red carpet.

Inside the Tent was a stunning futuristic all-white runway. There was no ramp, palanggas. The fashion show took place on flat ground with vertical white linen posts positioned in two rows.

Hosts for the night were Metro editor in chief Katrina Holigores, Romina Urra-Gonzales and Samsung?s popular general manager Jerry Lacson. They awarded Bea Zobel Jr. the Soul Personality of the Night who got a Samsung Soul phone as prize.

Models in black walked on the runway, carrying Samsung Soul mobile phones. They were dressed in the creations of Avel Bacudio, Jesus Lloren, Anthony Nocom, Dong Omaga-Diaz, Randy Ortiz and Joey Samson.

Afterward, on display were the designs of Rajo Laurel, PJ Arañador, Ricci Lizaso, Len Nepomuceno-Guiao, Arcy Gayatin, Gerry Katigbak and Frederick Peralta.