Maximiel & the soundtrack of her life

I am what I am
And what I am needs no excuses
I deal my own deck
Sometimes the ace, sometimes the deuces
It's one life and there's no return and no deposit
One life so it's time to open up your closet
Life's not worth a damn till you can shout out
"I am what I am"
--I am What I Am

 

If she were a song, Bohol's fashion diva Maximiel said that she would be Pop Music.

 

“I love for the fact that it fits my vocal range," Maximiel told VRS in an exclusive interview.

 

Bohol's fashion diva Maximiel celebrated her nth birthday in full glitz and glamour. Contributed Photo

Maximiel is a singer and she can carry a tune. She proved this during her nth birthday concert dubbed as "Maxelicious" held last Feb. 9 at the Metro Centre Hotel.

 

And her guests realised there was something special about her with the deep, honeyed voice.

The "who's who" joined together to celebrate the beloved designer's birthday.

 

Guests included from Metro Tagbilaran Society: Meg Raynaldo, proprietor of D'Box, philanthropist Maria Thomas, international chef Sofia Reynaldo, Michael Yu and international florist Boy Dumadag of  Blue Grass Project, restaurateur Madz Borja of Acacia de Bubu, jetsetter Casty Fortich, businessman Roy Tan and Janin Tan, Bunny Caseñas Amores of B'Grazing Co, Geofry Damgo of Louis Vuitton Malletier USA, jeweller Dale Reimer, mining magnate Rachael Ngo,  BCCTV's boss Leizel Lim, socialites Ruby Guinto and Marilou Remoreras,  actress and singer Scarlet, sportsman Achilles Amores, businessman Paul Lucas, Margie Corales Dumadag of  Flower Design Studio in Maryland, USA and JP Maslog.

 

Her high school classmates also attended the event: Councilor Chito Mercado,  Yen Tibog of Gardenville, hotelier  Marilou  Abarado of AMS hostel), entreprenuer Lilet Mulle, businesswowan Zenaida Balatero,  Angelie Escuadro of the Supreme Court of the Philippines, educator Fe Deja, Dubai-based Zenaida Torillo, Jic Sampomones of Napocor, nurse Julieta Narido of Holy Spirit School, businesswoman Annette Skelton and Mary Ann Lantaka.

 

Maximiel proved that she's aging with grace (eternal beauty) as she made a grand entrance during her party and performed a song number for her guests.

 

"I feel like I am an empowered person, full of life, passion and love,” she said.

 

She wore two gowns for her big night, she herself designed.

 

Maximiel confessed she is a Broadway diva and a fan of James Bond. The Bond songs have been recorded by some of the greats of popular music, and hold a special place in the legacy of film soundtracks.

 

The birthday celebrator with her friends and guests. 

"Through the years, I love James Bond songs," she said.

 

And here are seven songs, the “soundtrack of her life” that mean so much to Maximiel:

 

1)I Am What I Am (By Gloria Gaynor)- "No matter what they say I am born this way I am what I am."

 

2)I Will Survive (by Gloria Gaynor)- "In spite of everything I'm a survivor."

 

3)Private Dancer (by Tina Turner)- "I'm a seductress."

 

4)Diamonds Are Forever (by Dame Shirley Bassey, a James Bond theme)-"Intense vocal range and musical sexiness."

 

5)Goldfinger (by Dame Shirley Bassey, a James Bond theme) - "Grandueur of the orchestra of James Bond  music transends me to another dimension."

 

6)Skyfall (by Dame Adele, a James Bond theme)- "I love the music of Adele of 'Broken Hearts'."

 

7)Writing's on the Wall (by Sam Smith, another Bond theme)- "It speaks of risking your life to someone."

 

Diamonds never lie to me,
For when love's gone,
They'll lustre on.
Diamonds are forever, forever, forever.
Diamonds are forever, forever, forever.
Forever and ever.
--Diamonds Are Forever

 

 

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42 couples tie knot in
Tagbilaran mass wedding

 

At least 42 couples tied the knot in a mass wedding on Valentine’s Day, February 14, despite concerns over the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19).

 

They exchanged vows during the “Kasalan sa Tagbilaran sa Valentine’s Day” at the Tagbilaran City Hall atrium.

 

But before the ceremony, the couples had to follow some precautionary measures to prevent the spread of the virus.

 

Personnel from the city health office had to check their body temperatures, including those of their guests, said Chris John Torralba, chief of the City General Services Office.

 

Masks and alcohol were also given to the couples and their guests.

 

The mass wedding was officiated by Tagbilaran City Mayor John Geesnell Yap II, who encouraged couples to remain committed and “in love” with each other.

 

Tagbilaran's First Lady Jane Censoria Yap also shared precious lessons about love and marriage.

 

Local Civil Registry Head Virgilia Incog facilitated the event in coordination with the city mayor’s office.

 

The oldest couple who got married were Rey Gultiano, 44, and Mary Rose Balena, 34, both residents of this city.

 

At least 42 couples exchanged “I dos” in the annual civil mass wedding at the Tagbilaran City Hall on Friday, February 14. Photo courtesy:  Fiel Angeli Gabin/CIO

The City Hall’s atrium was turned into a reception area, where the couples and their immediate families enjoyed the buffet.

 

The city government allotted a budget for bouquet, food, cake, wine, and gifts.

 

City hall employees also celebrated love when they were allowed to wear civilian clothes.

 

Torralba, in his memo, assigned colors that would show their love status: red as the color to wear for those in love or in happy relationships; red for in love/in a relationship; green for looking for number 2; pink for umaasa; yellow for single and ready to mingle; violet for its complicated; black for broken hearted; white for no boyfriend/girlfriend since birth; blue for friendzoned; grey for bitter, orange for assuming and for those wearing their office uniform, kill joy.

 

Torralba just wanted to make Valentine’s Day celebration fun for employees.

 

"But employees wearing red dominate here,” he said.
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