‘Friendship is a tradition’

Celebrations are occasions of gratitude because in them are friendships long and lasting. 

Rachy Cuna, floral architect of the Philippines, has made sure since 2006 that there is an annual post-birthday celebration for Philippine STAR columnist Joanne Rae Ramirez “because my friendship with her is a tradition.”

And because it is a tradition, a fete is always readied by Rachy for Joanne. They prove that friendship, plain and simple, is a tradition. And Joanne’s husband, ad man Ed Ramirez, couldn’t agree more—he’s always made sure he’s present in the yearly tradition Rachy gives his beautiful wife.

In a private dining room at Red Jade, the Chinese restaurant of Manila Hotel, a lauriat was recently shared by the host, the honoree and her guests including Sen. Loren Legarda, SM Supermalls president Steven Tan, STAR columnist Christine Dayrit, Lt. Col. Jannette Chavez-Arceo, businessman Steve Naguiat and his wife, former Binan Rep. Len Alonte-Naguiat, designer Michael Leyva, restaurateur Rina Go, and yours truly.

There were only 12 people gathered on a round table that evening, but the fun and joy and friendship became unmistakably a celebration to be remembered for years to come. The happiness that night seemed to emanate from a thousand guests mainly because served in hefty serving for Joanne was a tradition of friendship, real and rare.

Even the Lazy Susan—bedecked with a sumptuous fare of Hainanese chicken, pata tim with mantou bread, taro puff, steamed garoupa, Long Life prawns, spinach tofu, fish lips soup, and seafood pot prepared by executive Chinese chef Sun Bing—was a joyful witness to the reverie.