Some of the country’s who’s who in Alta Sociedad passed other invites so they could make it to Alice Eduardo’s surprise birthday celebration. Alice Eduardo, a construction magnate, has always been low-profile. But there is nothing lowkey with the said birthday celebration.

The list of A-listers who attended the celebration proves our point. Among the attendees are Gretchen Barretto with partner Tonyboy Cojuangco, Ruffa Gutierrez, Marjorie Barretto, Lucy Torres and husband Richard Gomez, Mons Romulo, Mimi Que, April Nery, Charmane Lagman, Kaye Tiñga, Alelee Aguilar, Cris Albert, and Patrick Rosas. Joy Ortega, Korina Sanchez, Karen Davila, who came with his sons David and Lucas, Ben Chan, Miguel Pastor, and Edu Manzano also graced the celebration.

It was indeed a successful surprise. Little did Alice Eduardo know that her sisters Small Laude and Melba Solidum planned a surprise party for their beloved sister with the help of Nicole Ortega. Alice Eduardo was told there would be an intimate family dinner with their parents and children. Her parents and her children welcome Alice’s well-wishers. Clad in a stunning Escada outfit, Alice Eduardo entered the venue to her family and friends’ joyful singing of ‘Happy birthday to you!’ Imagine the shock on her face when she saw familiar faces in the crowd.

Meanwhile, it took the sisters and Nicole four days to organize the party. While the night started off with delicious cocktails, Gaita Fores’s Cibo prepared an excellent Thai buffet dinner and desserts to everyone’s delight. Bands Mulatto and Sauce provided live entertainment. The party was remarkably beguiling because of the music, which began with sweet melodies during dinner and turned to danceable tunes afterward. Singers Pops Fernandez and Franco Laurel also gave a heartfelt performance. From Gretchen Barretto to Alice Eduardo’s children, everybody enjoyed the night. Alice Eduardo herself sang and danced the night away. Indeed, a touching sight at the latter’s birthday bash.

The party was held at the eponymous Patriarch Building in Chino Roces Avenue, Makati City.

A generous gift giver

It may be her special day, but Alice Eduardo is more known as the lavish gifter in her clique. Indeed, her love language is gift-giving, and dare we say, not just ordinary gifts but luxury items. In some instances, she favored giving meaningful presents that the receiver would genuinely appreciate.

For one, she once gave Gretchen Baretto a statue and flowers for her 45th birthday. She also gave Kris Aquino luxury bags, shoes, and clothes. The most opulent of the gifts was the Php2 million worth Cartier watch. Aside from being long-time friends, Alice Eduardo and Kris Aquino are both godmothers to creative director and columnist Tim Yap. She also gifted social media darling Scarlet Snow Belo dresses, accessories, and a Gucci bag.

Indeed, only a woman of impeccable taste would know not to receive, but to give, give, and give without expecting anything in return.