A much anticipated business cum pleasure commitment last weekend more than enabled me to revisit Las Vegas after sixteen years since I first stepped on its arid ground where I couldn’t resist to instantly fall in love with its limitless thrills and inexhaustible excitement. This Nevada’s Mojave Desert, known for its famously vibrant entertaining nightlife and luxuriously themed hotels and casinos, has relentlessly attracted and captured the hearts of its millions of annual visitors. My second whirl with the Sin City hadn’t changed my initial fascination by its splendor and, instead, made my enthrallment even more magnificent.
Through the invitation of my pharmacist friend Joanne Sy Bhatia to conceptualize and direct Fr. Gemnoli “Gem” Bandivas’s Silver Sacerdotal Jubilee, honoring him for being a dedicated and loving shepherd of God’s flock for twenty five years, I gamely obliged and together with my wife, Venny, Joanne’s friend Arlene, and pharmacy technician Rose, we all boarded United Airlines 4:10 PM flight to Las Vegas.
We were picked up from the McCarran International Airport instantaneously after landing at 6:30 that fair-weathered Wednesday evening by the affable honoree who drove us straight to his well-appointed residence about ten miles from the Strip.
I sat down for an on-the-spot briefing with the parish organizing committee over a sumptuous dinner. The discussion went smoothly after having threshed out probable impediments that left no stone unturned if only to insure the success of the most projected parochial occasion.
The following day left us with no choice but to get up early…’though much against our will for we were just starting to enjoy the lavish amenities of our suite and its breathtaking Las Vegas panoramic view from the 48th floor of the posh Palazzo Hotel… but we’ve got to gather the necessary materials for the party and had to make last minute purchases.
That Thursday afternoon, tri-state’s Princess of Jazz Rasmin Diaz flew in and was picked up by Uber since we were tied down by the demands of the preparation. The uncomplaining singer-performer kept us company as we went around from one commercial area to another scouting for decorative materials and personal stuff. It wasn’t easy to be in convoy especially when running in pressured time but we cautiously managed sans untoward incident.
Disregarding our exhaustion and low energy, our feet led us the contiguous Italian-themed The Venetian Hotel and feasted our eyes over its opulence and ostentatious indoor landscapes. After we enjoyed the window shops along the Grand Canal Shoppes and watched lovers and couples enjoyably rode the gondolas, we chose to dine at the open courtyard of The Canaletto.
Actually we tried to while away the time since we expected TOFA Awards founder Elton Lugay to join us at anytime for dinner. By the time we were at the edge of starvation Elton texted from the airport and directed him to follow us at The Venetian where I met him at the Lobby…just in the nick of time.
The big day was held at the Hampton Inn Event Center along Tropicana Boulevard and Dean Martin Drive. The venue, all bedecked and festooned in black and silver, was already set before cocktail hour where guests (majority of whom were donned in the approved color motif) were treated to appetizing customary hors d’ oeuvres and two whole lechon de leche with full bar service. Music was provided by one of the city’s most in-demand entertainment show groups, the Klique Band headed by brothers Ramon and Fernando Ibe.
The occasion was ably emceed by Rose Manuel and Tony Ruivivar, President and CEO of the famous Society of Seven (SOS) while St. Peter’s Choir (of St. Peter the Apostle Roman Catholic Church) and Filipiniana Dance Group entertained the crowd in the first part of the show.
Award-winning singer-composer Kenny Lerum and wife Ellen made all things possible to come up with an immensely remarkable cultural presentation while former 60’s actress-singer Carina Afable, who still exudes with her innate youthful charm, wowed the audience with her unfading vocal prowess. Former SOS member Art Mendoza didn’t allow himself to be outshined…his Frank Sinatra numbers were met with thundering applause.
The night’s revelation was New York’s very own Rasmin Diaz who justifiably rendered “Shine” and later joined The Klique Band’s female soloist Joy Gladys Rivera Villarin in the band’s dance repertoire to the amazement of the group. At some point, Rasmin was even offered to join the band…that indubitably proved her unprecedented musical versatility.
The program’s highlight was unquestionably kept back for the main honoree, Father Gem Bandivas, who was honored and cited with plaudits, commendations, and recognition for a solid two decades and five of pastoral and sacerdotal servitude. And who could ever be prouder than his loving mother who has supported him all the way?
His response was touching and heartwarming yet inspirational. It was a bit kilometric but who cares when all ears (and eyes) were focused on him. Even his invited seminary classmates and guest priests were moved by his speech. It was undeniably his night…his moment. There were instances when he would join the band in a couple of Pinoy rock rendition which also proved his flexibility of leaning toward rock music…making him a renaissance religious minister.
Saturday, being our last day, was just perfect for a do-anything-at-your-own-will date but still the time wasn’t enough to cover all we’ve planned. Elton brought us to the Cutting Board Filipino Gastropub at Rock Springs Drive, about 13.9 miles from The Strip (roughly 17-minute drive), where we had a hearty lunch over pinakbet, spareribs sinigang, crispy pata, soufflé with milk, blue cheese, and salted egg, arroz ala Cubana, dulong (silver fish), and halo-halo served on young coconut shell… all leveled-up Filipino cuisine envisioned to be the next big thing in mainstream US epicurean market. Owners Chef Barry Picazo and Le were generous enough to serve us with the house favorite, roasted bone marrow.
With Venny, Rasmin, and Elton, we breathlessly toured every nook and cranny of the renowned 1966-established Caesar’s Palace. Like lost children in an asphalt jungle we couldn’t help but be amazed by its detailed Roman architectural design, notable celebrity-owned restaurants, luxurious brand named stores, the grandiose replica of ancient Roman, Greek, and Renaissance arts, and its magnificent walkways. I and my wife had been there in 2001 when I first migrated to the US but my bewilderment hadn’t lost a single degree now that I got the chance to have it revisited. Rasmin was consistently speechless and tongue-tied in bafflement while clicking her camera phone incessantly.
We were treated to a despedida dinner by Fr. Gem at Sushi Roku at the 2nd Floor, (Forum side) of Caesar’s Palace where our laughter was boisterous all right but deficient in high spirited energy… where bidding goodbyes only spoiled the salient flavor of the Japanese food…and where even amusing jokes sounded like dirges in twilight. Yes, parting is such sweet sorrow…but having assured of seeing soon in the near future was comforting enough to pacify our despondent moods.
We’re driven to the airport after dinner for our 10:38 flight for Newark. We left Las Vegas with a heavy heart but divergent to what they say: “What happens in Las Vegas, stays in Las Vegas…” because we all kept the fond memories and warmhearted experiences neatly tucked in our hearts and brought every single recollection back home.
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