Joy Rustia’s fabulous 60th birthday bash channeled the glitz and glam of her favorite city, magically transporting guests to New York’s vibrant nightlife.
An intriguing black box with the word “Joy” in red script printed across the top arrived one day. It opened up into a silver-lined invitation, complete with a wind-up mini gramophone churning out classic tunes. From start to finish, the dynamic couple Joy and Joel Rustía pulled out all the stops for her big 6-0 celebration.
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The unique invite set the tone for vintage New York, and everyone arrived dressed to impress. The guest list of 330 was made up of “friends and family who have made a real difference in my life, old or new,” said the beaming Joy. Escorted by her devoted husband Joel and their three lovely daughters, she looked every bit “the debutante” in a bustier gown with pastel floral appliqués by Randy Ortiz. (It was the first of several gowns she wore throughout the evening.)
Margie Moran
The foyer leading up to the ballroom of Shangri-La at the Fort was abuzz with cameras clicking away as glamorous ladies in elegant black gowns and gents in dapper black tie made their way down the red carpet. Meanwhile, Sax Diva Nicole Tiosejo played sultry jazz tunes from inside a giant acrylic bubble, and an 18-foot long grazing table served up an irresistible selection of fine charcuterie, cheeses, and nibbles as waiters passed around more canapés and cocktails of every kind.
The evening took a magical turn as the ballroom doors opened to reveal the lavishly styled space. The entire ceiling glistened with chandeliers over spectacular red floral tablescapes accentuated by vintage-style table lamps and gold touches. A big band brought back the sounds of old New York from the balcony of a split-level stage. As guests settled into their respective tables, Zsa Zsa Padilla serenaded the crowd before a splendid six-course dinner was served.
The extravagant feast began with the Pacific Ocean Symphony (seared scallop, Tian of Blue Crab, Poached Tiger Prawn, Yellow Fin Tuna Tataki) and a Salad of Pickled Shimeji Mushrooms, Baby Greens, and Black Olive Soil, followed by a divine Mushroom Cream Soup scented with Truffle Parsley Cream and Pancetta Crumble.
Mains were a superb miso-glazed Glacier 51 Toothfish Fillet paired with Carrot and Ginger Barley Risotto and a perfectly-grilled Angus Beef Tenderloin with King Oyster Mushroom and Truffle Jus (an elegant Passionfruit Intermezzo was served between courses). Dinner was capped with a perfectly balanced trio of desserts: Cheesecake and Dark Chocolate Praline Cake with Popcorn Vanilla Ice Cream Quenelle, Raspberry Coulis, and seasonal fruits.
L-R seated : Mario Katigbak, Thelma San Juan and Ann Puno
Surprises continued as the celebrant herself emerged on stage and stunned the room with her rendition of Seawind’s “Follow Your Road.” The Rustía’s three daughters, Tara, Keana, and Gilly, then took to the stage with a captivating medley of “Empire State of Mind” and “New York State of Mind” in a heartwarming tribute to their mom.
When the clock struck 10, the program switched from classics to hip hop, and the amazing appearance of Apl.de.Ap, who breezed into town just for Joy’s big bash! The celebrity rapper energized the entire ballroom with The Black Eyed Peas’ popular hits and a duet with Joy that brought the house down.
At this point, the giant LED screen that had projected scenes of the Big Apple’s iconic skyline and snapshots from Joy’s life slid open. A neon walkway crossed over to an after-party directed by Apl.de.Ap himself. Instantly, everyone was “whisked away” from old-world New York to the eclectic nightlife of Studio 54 as 80s and 90s club music kept the dance floor grooving all night.
Joy’s birthday wishes? “To continue to strengthen my bond and connections with those I love, embrace each day with gratitude, live life to the fullest, and for each of my daughters to find the right man who will love and take care of them the way Joel and I do.”
Ching Cruz
When asked what was the highlight of her birthday, Joy spontaneously replied, “Every part of the evening!” From being surrounded by her family and friends “from meaningful moments of my journey” and high school batch mates who danced along with her on stage; Apl.de.Ap who flew in just for the occasion; to her daughters taking to the stage to share their deepest wishes for their beloved mom, Joy Rustía’s 60th was one fabulous night to remember.
All photos by Willy Saw.
