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“Issa’s starry, starry night”
Sun.Star Davao, May 24, 2014
It’s
no mystery why people are naturally drawn to Isabella Camille Uy Calixto. Her
magnetic personality, jovial nature and charisma could make anyone feel
comfortable in an instant.
Currently
a BS in Industrial Engineering student at De La Salle University in Taft,
Manila, Issa manages to be on the Dean’s List in spite of her involvement in
the Engineering Batch Student Government as Vice Chairperson for Creatives and
SANTUGON, a socio-political party.
In
high school, Issa was a consistent gold honor student at Davao Christian High
School. In addition, the charming young lady was formerly the news and feature
writer for their school paper; Student Council officer; DCHS Chorale member;
and an active Girl Scout who joined international jamborees.
Issa
recently celebrated her 18th birthday with an Asteria-themed party
at the Northcrest Clubhouse attended by her dearest family and friends.
It
was only after the Christmas holidays that Issa realized that she wanted to
have a debut in her hometown. With roughly ten weeks of preparation, Issa and
the whole family composed of her loving parents Coca-Cola executive Jiggs
Calixto and businesswoman-mom Irene; elder sister Nikki and younger brother
Gian came up with a fabulous fete fit for a goddess!
Asteria
“Asteria is the Greek translation of the word
stars. I used that word since I originally wanted an outdoor party, where
guests could stargaze and just appreciate the spectacular night sky. Aside from
that, Asteria is also
the name of the Greek goddess of the stars. I wanted to feel like a goddess on
that special night”, Issa shares.
“Since Asteria means stars, I stitched
the letter I for Issa, using embroidery thread and made it look like a
constellation. Moreover, I only played with the colors black, white and gold to
keep it simple”, the debutante describes her invitation. Issa has always been
the artist in the family and loves to paint, draw and dabble in arts and
crafts.
The
party’s stage and backdrop by Floral Pink Designs were surreally decorated like
an enchanted garden, magnificently surrounded with plants and lamps dangling
from the branches of trees. At the center was a dainty swing suspended from a
tree adding to the romance of the evening’s gala.
Overall,
the party venue looked like an ethereal garden, reminiscent of Vincent Van
Gogh’s “The Starry Night” masterpiece.
Fit for a goddess
The
darling moss-inspired birthday cake had three levels. The lower levels were creatively
festooned with garden-themed cupcakes, while the topper had a Greek-themed
pillar with the letter I in honor of the celebrant’s name.
The
delightful giveaways were gaily-decorated potted plants and rock photo holders
for the guests’ photo booth pictures. “The giveaways were related to the
concept of goddesses inhabiting gardens”, Issa says.
Issa’s guests for that magical
evening included her maternal grandmother Evelyn Uy, aunt Delie Uy and cousin
Megan Uy, who flew in from Manila to join in the revelry.
Honoring Issa during the 18 Heroes
(Roses) were her dad Jiggs, brother Gian and friends Kenny Granado,
Schuyler Go, Rex Liu, Ian Duy, Lorenzo Regalado, Justin Yap, Aiken Lim,
Tim Camarao, Arie Liston, Alfred Tan, Tien Batu, Renzyl Canonio, Gelo Teola,
Stephen Tac-an, Gio Maniwan and
Vann Tan.
On the other hand, touching messages
that made Issa tearful at times were delivered by the 18 Heroines (Candles) composed
of mom Irene, Pia Bernardo, Steffi Go, Chloey Jimenez, Jassy Cabotaje, Danica
Puentespina, Mich Fuentes, Clarissa Sy, Ana Orpina, Princess Chua, Abby
Adriatico, Janine Duplito, Megan Uy, Khayzee Asesor, Helen Cerbo, Andri Canete,
Taryn Navarro and Nikki Calixto.
Shortly
after, Issa and the 18 Heroines set free 18 adorable butterflies. “It is
believed that by making a wish and giving the butterfly its freedom, in
gratitude, the wish will be taken to the heavens by the butterfly and be
granted by the Great Spirit”, explains Issa.
Gifts that symbolized the endearing qualities
of the birthday girl were given by the 18 Deities (Treasures) Micah Chuim, Pamela
Evangelio, Ella Magsakay, Rona Vidallo, K-anne Go, Moselle Tan, Rona Ng, Gabby
Facundo, Shara Lim, Herica Tiu, MJ Abdul, Elle Tan, Seline Co, Poala Sanano, Daryl Ong, Keseree Ng, Colleen
Tejada and Andrea Boncato.
Roots and wings
In her speech, mom Irene emphasized
two lasting bequests that mothers can give to their children – roots and wings.
First, roots mean a strong sense of
self and belonging. It is a sense of what home really is and understanding of
family and values. “Roots to hold forever to keep us safe and strong, and not
to tie us to the ground; roots to guide us to where our fulfillment is found”, mom
Irene describes.
Mommy Irene continued that wings
mean instilling in Issa through unconditional love, trust and respect, the
confidence to truly spread her wings. “In order to truly give your children
wings, you have to give them the freedom to fly the nest, and choose the path
they will walk”, points out Irene.
Irene ended her speech by reminding
the debutante that once she spreads her wings and flies with her dreams, it is
important to remember where she came from.
Mommy Irene need not worry as she
and cool dad Jiggs have raised Issa with a secure sense of self and more than
enough space to grow and glow, just like the star she was born to be!
Special
thanks to Simply Gray for the party and pre-debut photos.
E-mail the author at mom.about.town.dvo@gmail.com. Visit
the www.momabouttowndavao.blogspot.com.
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