The party scene has made a comeback, drawing in a mix of genteel society members who prefer intimate gatherings and artsy events, as well as hosts who go all out to create extravagant parties. Among the attendees are serial partygoers who aim to be photographed and featured in society columns, and others who simply want to enjoy themselves. Mambobola or phony friends are a common sight in these social circles, while the Old Guard still stands out for their presence. Prominent figures include entrepreneur, dancesport proponent, and society columnist Becky Garcia, her devoted husband Dr. George Sarakinis, charity fundraiser Helen Ong, socialite Connie Garcia and her husband Vic, a former diplomat, Noel Oñate, Mellie Ablaza who is emerging from the effects of the pandemic, Virgie Lane, and nonagenarian Nene Leonor.
We spoke to some of these party enthusiasts to find out what motivates them to maintain a busy social calendar. One such individual is Agile Zamora, who is unapologetically drawn to the limelight. She is a “hyperachieving lady of leisure,” a term coined by The Wall Street Journal to describe women who actively participate in social activities. Zamora writes a weekly society column for a newspaper on a pro bono basis and is involved in fundraising for the Philippine Cancer Society through the Best Dressed Women of the Philippines. Even at 55 years old, she will be co-celebrating her birthday with entrepreneurs Cocoy Cordoba and Irene Montemayor at Cove Manila in Okada. The event, titled “Wickedly Wild 2,” is a sequel to Cordoba’s provocative birthday party in 2022, featuring nearly naked foreign models as decoration but with a strict ‘no-touch’ policy. Zamora’s preparations for the party are extensive, involving multiple anti-aging treatments, Botox injections, beauty IV drips, stem cell therapy, and laser treatments for body contouring. She doesn’t worry about the cost since her doting husband fully supports her. After the parties, her favorite designer Dobie Aranda brings her wardrobe to her place at midnight. She usually goes to bed at 11 a.m. and wakes up just before sundown for another event or some retail therapy at Greenbelt. With her gift for storytelling, she could easily be the successor to veteran storyteller Johnny Litton. According to Zamora, parties are her “Vitamin F”—fun and friends.
Cocoy Cordoba, a well-known decorator and entrepreneur, made headlines in 2004 when he threw a lavish Mediterranean-themed party for his house blessing in Punta Fuego. The event featured tents adorned with Persian carpets, belly dancers, fortune tellers, and models with Middle Eastern looks. With lighting, fireworks, and horses, the cost of the party reached P3 million. Cordoba became a regular on guest lists until he maintained a low profile in 2009. However, tired of the isolation brought by the pandemic, he hosted several parties in his Muntinlupa home, earning him the nickname “King of COVID.” Last year, Cordoba spent P5 million on his birthday bash, “Wickedly Wild 1,” which spanned two nights. The event featured 26 models, 30 ledge dancers, and pole artists in various stages of undress that entertained the guests. The talent manager of the foreign models, dressed in a sheer lacy outfit, won the prize for the sexiest attire—a 60-inch flat-screen TV. Cordoba promises an even wilder celebration for his forthcoming 67th birthday. The banquettes will be transformed into beds, and twelve models will wear strappy bondage costumes, subtly alluding to the sado-masochistic scene from “Fifty Shades of Grey.” Cordoba ensures that there are no explicit sex scenes to comply with hotel rules. Due to popular demand, the sushi bar with models lying on tables with sushi and sashimi on their bodies will make a comeback. Cordoba explains that he spends so much on parties because he believes in giving 100% or not doing it at all.
Irene Montemayor and Cocoy Cordoba will be sharing the bill for their celebrations this year. Montemayor, who celebrated her 44th birthday last June at Bar 9 in Molito Mall, Alabang, is known for organizing pageants, milestone parties, and fashion shows. Her themed event, “Game Night,” featured a live baccarat card game and online billiards and casino. The 200-person capacity bar was adjusted to allow for card tables, gaming assistants, a live band, and a dance floor. Guests received P1,000 worth of credits for the online games, with a P5 million jackpot provided by the online casino partner. Montemayor has a reputation for throwing extravagant parties at Shangri-La at the Fort, where she is on the VIP list. Her daughter Sophia’s debut last year featured a stunning gown by designer Michael Cinco, accompanied by an enchanted garden setup created by stylist Robert Blancaflor in the ballroom. Montemayor emphasizes that she always ensures her parties are fun for her children. As a souvenir, they even created a glossy magazine featuring Montemayor and Sophia, conceptualized by editor John Pascua and photographer Dookie Ducay. Montemayor wants to clarify that her parties are not as expensive as people think—they are organized in a way that provides value for money. She attributes her inclination for extravagant parties to making up for the lack of partying during her teenage years. As she puts it, she is “aging in reverse.”
Mache Ackerman, an educator, philanthropist, motivational speaker, life coach, and active member of the Rotary Makati Business District, believes in partying with a purpose. Ackerman and her husband David are part of the Arch Klumphe Society, the highest tier of donors in the international Rotary Foundation, having contributed at least $250,000 over their lifetime. She played a role in introducing chef-patron Jessie Sincioco to the Rotary Club and supports Sincioco’s charity, The Hapag Movement—a hunger alleviation and livelihood program. On her birthday at Chef Jessie’s in Rockwell, Ackerman donated 50% of her bill to The Hapag Movement. For 15 years, she has spent her birthdays at the Mandaluyong Correctional for women, and last year, she launched her inspirational book, “Explore the Essence of You” in conjunction with her birthday. Ackerman actively participates in various events, including Rotary gatherings, birthday fundraisers, Philippine Cancer Society events, and monthly gatherings with Johnny Litton. Despite the politics that sometimes arise in these social circles, Ackerman opts out when negativity and intrigues are involved.
Nene Leonor, a longtime participant in civic clubs, racket sports, and countless parties, kept a low profile during the height of the pandemic. She chose to focus on improving her garden and building a swimming pool due to fear of catching COVID-19. However, she eventually grew tired of staying at home and decided to dress up and attend events. Leonor continues to host intimate gatherings at her home but is planning a larger party in the near future. Her extensive network of friends ensures a lively occasion as they often bring along their own groups.
In conclusion, the party scene is thriving once again, attracting a diverse range of individuals who revel in the excitement of social events. From those who embrace the limelight and go all out with extravagant parties to those who party with a purpose, these partyphiles have their own unique motivations for maintaining a busy social calendar. Whether it’s for fun and friendship, giving 100% to create unforgettable experiences, or making up for missed opportunities, they all contribute to the vibrant social scene in their own special way.
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