By the time this column comes out in print, the winners of the 88th Academy Awards would have been announced via a live telecast. The glitzy show was witnessed by a live audience composed of Hollywood’s elite during the awarding ceremonies held at the Dolby Theatre at the Hollywood and Highland Center last Sunday, February 28.
As I was writing this column (much ahead of press time), I dared to profess that my favorite actor of all time, Leonardo Dicaprio, would win the best actor Oscar for his leading role in The Revenant. Was my prediction correct? Indeed, it was a well-deserved accolade. (Magic! have confirmed my gift of foresight!)
Levity aside, this Sunday’s column is not about my coverage of the recently concluded 88th Academy Awards. With a (big) grin on my face, how I wished my editor flew me to Hollywood!
Nonetheless, I was simply providing reference to an Oscar-themed party I had the honor of attending which gave me enough reason to drive “sky high” towards the beautiful and tony community at the Southern part of Metro Manila.
If there will be a real-life category in the Academy Awards for the “Best Man in a Leading Role,” it will definitely go to Robert Miller.
Robert welcomed over 70 of his friends who all trooped to his splendid abode in Ayala Alabang one Saturday night, very avid to greet the “man-of-the-moment” a very happy birthday.
Definitely, it was one fine evening to remember. Believe me, expect the extraordinary anytime Robert, together with his life partner Ito Curata and son Taj Curata, organize a lavish affair to share with their loved ones.
The glitz and glamour was certainly present as special friends made the extra effort (this columnist included) to come in their Oscar-style finery.
The palatial manor was aglow with thematic Hollywood-style LED lighting to welcome the arrival of people on the red carpet complete with a golden life-size statue of the Oscar. The guests, composed of Manila’s social elite, definitely had their Oscar “fashion moment” as seen in the images in this Sunday’s column.
Adding to the fun was the evening’s entertainment composed of singers and dancers performing a repertoire of well-known musicals immortalized on film. It was all part of the well thought-off program and extravaganza highlighted when the gracious hosts awarded guests with their very own Oscars (check out the photos of the awardees!).
Flowing champagne, exquisite wine, abundance of food, singing, dancing and fun entertainment were all the elements that made this Oscar-themed party one for the books – a super fun affair to remember!
“As one gets older, there is a definite desire to live life to the fullest each and every day God gives you,” expressed Robert on the occasion marking his birthday.
He added that “’Bucket lists’ become very important as you work to prioritize all the things you really want to do in the time you have left, regardless of whether it is a day or 20 years.”
Robert also explained that “A list of items could be something major like taking a two-month cruise around the world, or a simple letter to a friend who helped you in the past.”
To this columnist, I can declare that I really have a long way to go on my “bucket list.” However, I still consider myself lucky to know a leading man such as Robert Miller whom I can emulate as I fulfill my own list.
But above all, Robert Miller affirmed what being “in the moment” means – “it’s always time to have fun and enjoy life with family and friends – so let’s PARTY at my birthday party!”
And oblige we did. Cheers!
P.S. – I would like to sincerely thank the “members of the Academy” for their votes that eventful evening, which awarded me my first Oscar. Now, that’s one off my bucket list. Smile!
Follow me on Twitter or Instagram @francis_deleon8 or email deleon_francis@yahoo.com.
Images from PHILDIZ Photo Gallery (www.phildiz.com)