A Royal Christening

"A Royal Christening"

Sun.Star Davao, Feb. 28, 2009

Excitement and glee filled the ‘kingdom’ of General Santos City when the People’s Champ Manny Pacquiao and his lovely wife Jinkee made this important proclamation:

“Hear Ye! Hear Ye!
King Manny and Queen Jinkee Pacquiao
announce
the arrival of their beloved
Queen Elizabeth
“Queenie”
as she is introduced to the Christian world”
This was the royal ‘summons’ sent out to the one thousand guests of two-month old Queen Elizabeth or Queenie’s christening last February 22, 2009. The regal invitation was fashioned after a kingly scroll complete with wooden rollers on both ends. It was creatively contained in a pink cardboard canister bearing the name “Queenie” in front.

For the Pacquiao family, the birth of Queenie last December 30, 2008 at the Los Angeles Metropolitan Hospital in the U.S. was a memorable way to culminate the year. Her arrival came just a few weeks after her dad Manny defeated boxing legend Oscar de la Hoya in a much-anticipated dream match.

Aside from Queenie, the Pacquiaos are blessed with three other children, Jimwell, 8; Michael, 7; and Mary Divine Grace or Princess, 2.

Archbishop Fernando Capalla officiated the baptismal rites held at the Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage with forty-eight godparents in attendance.

The ninongs and ninangs were composed of Manny and Jinkee’s friends from the media, show business, politics and military.Vice President Noli De Castro; Senators Manny Villar, Francis Escudero, Ramon Revilla Jr., Miguel Zubiri, Jinggoy Estrada, Gringo Honasan, Loren Legarda; Assistant Secretary Luis “Chavit” Singson; Sarangani Governor Miguel Dominguez; Councilor Paolo Duterte; actor Philip Salvador; GMA TV executives Wilma Galvante and Atty. Annette Gozon-Abrogar; broadcast journalist Korina Sanchez; businesswoman Robina Gokongwei-Pe; doctor to the stars, Dr. Vicky Belo; and celebrity mom/manager Annabelle Rama were among the VIPs chosen as godparents for the Pacquiaos’ youngest child.

Queenie wore a delicate cream-colored piña baptismal gown embellished with intricate embroidery and lace given by ninong Jinggoy Estrada.

The grand reception followed at the KCC Convention Center, the same venue of Manny’s fabulous and star-studded 30th birthday bash last December 2008.

As guests entered the party area, they were welcomed by ushers and usherettes majestically dressed in their royal costumes.

A gigantic pink castle served as the impressive stage backdrop with a prominent Queenie logo in the center. The logo was especially designed by the christening’s events manager Gatchi Gatchalian.

Davao’s premier party planner and decorator Annie Lim carried out the royal theme of the affair.

Place cards with the names of the famous godparents were displayed together with adorable pink teddy bears at the presidential table. Centerpieces of stuffed animal toys, baby carriage toys, flowers, crowns and pearls made the VIP tables look oh-so-pretty!

At the guest tables, pink, yellow, green and orange-colored flower, sun and butterfly balloon arrangements contributed to the festive air of the celebration.

Mix ‘N Magic provided the tower of colorful cupcakes playfully adorned with crowns, baby booties, garden hats and cute animals. These were elegantly displayed on top of a huge fondant cake surrounded by whimsical fairies and dainty flowers. A royal carriage with a mini Queenie doll was utilized as the cake topper.

Master magician James Infiesto enthralled the audience with his fascinating tricks and funny antics while kids frolicked at Allegro Ice Cream’s giant inflatable slide.

In addition, the guests absolutely loved the audio visual presentation featuring Queenie’s birth and other special family moments. The AVP aptly ended with these words:

“A sweet child…
A beloved child…
A child queen for boxing’s pound-for-pound king”Hail to the King of the Ring and his Queenie!

I am sharing to you photos of the royal celebration courtesy of Team B Photography (Jasper Huang, Ely Villarosa, Leo Yap and Apple Greatson Francisco).

***

Next week, watch out for my feature on Manny Pacquiao’s latest business venture as he becomes the first-ever franchisee of Davao City’s Blu Gre Coffee.

E-mail the author at mom.about.town.dvo@gmail.com. Visit www.mom-about-town.blogspot.com.