Page 24 - MU VOL4 #3

SPECIAL FEATURE By Naiia Lajoie

SANTÉ TO

SANTOS

A SANTOS

FAMILY REUNION

MANILA

he Santos family held a
reunion recently, hosted at the
effervescent Champagne Room
of the Manila Hotel. The scene
Tis a French Mediterranean
Restaurant, where the players – being our
family – enjoyed the sumptuous sit-down
dinner amongst close friends and relatives.

Given they rarely have the opportunity to
ingratiate the same room simultaneously, all
stepped-up to the dress-up occasion. The ladies
looked lavish in floor-length gowns while the Santos Family
men sported their best sport coats, dawning
suits & tuxedos.

Los Angeles-based siblings Hester Bautista &
Homer Santos flew-in from the City of Angels
with the partners and families in tow. Hester
Bautista was accompanied by Paul Ritchie,
while Homer brought along his whole family.
Henrietta Alvendia and her children were
also in full attendance. Host Helsa Tooley
was elated at the sight of her family members
– near and far – coming together again. It
just so happened that the reunion coincided
with brother Hernan Santos’ birthday, who
appeared as well with his wife Suraida and their
children.

Guests were not bound by their busy personal
schedules, as was demonstrated by fellow family
member Gerry Santos. He temporary left his
job as a production designer for film & TV in
order to enjoy the night. His works include
“Escort”, “Mano Po 7”, along with credits for
“Cain and Abel”, “My Love from the Star”, to
name a few. n Etta Alvendia, Helsa Tooley, Suraida Santos, Homer Santos

22 manilaupmagazine.com