A Happy Christening.

By Tina Hidalgo-Jacinto

Michelle "Mitch" Garcia, Marriott's dynamic cluster director of Marketing Communications, and top honcho Ariel Arce of Arce Dairy Ice Cream now share one passion: Their adorable three-month-old Amos. The festive christening celebration was a special and memorable moment held at St. Therese church in Pasay City, where the ninangs and ninongs gathered and provided the energetic vibe.

As we walked into the Diplomatic Hall of the Marriott grand ballroom, it was fantasyland with a blue and white Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory theme. Event stylist Teddy Manuel seamlessly blended old-world elegance and childlike magical quality. There was a stunning spherical chandelier with flowing white strips of silk fabric. Tables of 20 and 30 were adorned with tall crystal centerpieces by Bella Banquets, filled with baby's breath and white flowers. The revelry got underway with the Spirit of '67 setting the mood and with Amos at the stage area in front of a white loveseat. The cute little child was surprisingly awake for a good time and his photos became instant Instagram hits.

The proud mom, Mitch, said a prayer and soon after, attendants opened the doors to the adjoining room where--voila!--a buffet with an overwhelming spread of salad bar, charcuterie and cheeses, US prime rib, pasta station, Elarz lechon, and a variety of Filipino favourites awaited the guests. Definitely a sight to behold was the dessert table decked in bespoke balloons from Crafting Rainbows that included blueberry macaroons, white blueberry chocolate truffles, a chocolate fountain, salted egg cheesecakes molded like cracked salted eggs, blue sable cookies, and carrot cupcakes. Making it more enjoyable was the juice and fruit bar where waiters concocted healthy shakes as per guest's desire and flowing wines from Emperador distillers.

CAPTION(S):

Marriott's Diplomatic Hall was styled by Teddy Manuel

Present to lend their support were ninangs Michelle Tan (proxy for Kevin Tan, ninong) , Krizette Chu, Carla del Prado, Cecil Infantado, Hera Gereine, Ariel Arce, Mitch Garcia and Amos, Phoemela Baranda, Arlene Sutton, Happy Ongpauco-Tiu, Mayenne Carmona, and Linda Ley

Mitch Garcia, AA Patawaran, the author, Mayenne Carmona, and Ariel Arce

Ninongs Victor Ley, Gus Mathat, JJ Arvisu, Chef Meik Brammer, and Rambo Arce

Ninongs Dennis Arce, Jun Parreno, Ren Cayetano, Sebastian Lacson, Edwin Arce, and Jimmy Pascual

Mitch Garcia, Phoemela Baranda with Amos, Ariel Arce, and CJ Jaravata

Ella Pangilinan, Jun Parreno, and Maricel LaxaPangilinan