At home for the holidays with one of Manila’s most gracious hostesses, Ching Cruz

Birthday girl Ching with husband Philip Cruz in his signature all-white attire

The ever glamorous Ching Cruz opened the doors of her stylish home for a double celebration this month: Christmas and her birthday.

Christmas mood

She recounts how this intimate “group of beautiful friends was formed by Carol Garcia during the pandemic.” In those days of lockdown, they’d keep spirits up by meeting regularly on Zoom and sharing inspirational messages. While it began as a virtual celebration, this festive dinner has now become an annual tradition that she hosts every December in her home.

Ching’s elegant Christmas table with red blooms and silver touches, with, from left, Ana de Ocampo, Mela Bengzon, Fe Rodríguez, Susan Joven, Alice Eduardo, Michelle Tiangco, Ching Cruz, Tina Cuevas, Kaye Tinga, the author (Mia Borromeo ), and Techie Hagedorn

Pulling out all the stops, the hostess meticulously made sure that every detail was in place, from the fabulous feast whipped up by her long-time home chef Freddie—truffle pasta, porchetta, steak, and everyone’s favorite candied camote, among a few signature dishes—to the live music and fun exchange-gift guessing game.

Dinner soon turned into a karaoke fête as the ladies sang and danced the night away.

The group at the iconic staircase

Carol Garcia, once a beauty queen, always a beauty queen

Techie Hagedorn

Ana de Ocampo

Alice Eduardo, the woman of steel

Susan Joven

Red Charity chair Kaye Tinga

Dancing queen Michelle Tiangco

Life of the party Tina Cuevas

When asked what her birthday and Christmas wishes are for this year, Ching said, “Since we’re celebrating the birth of Jesus, all we wish for are joy and love for our dear family and friends.”

Fe Rodriguez

Mela Bengson

As the season’s celebrations continue and the year 2023 draws to a close, here’s a toast to good health, peace, and a new year full of promise to all our readers at The Diarist.ph.