MARY ANN OPENAIf there’s an award for the Most Gracious Host, this award should go to Ms. Mary Ann Opena.
This lovely woman goes above and beyond expectations just to accommodate guests who are new in town and in need of the customary tour of Southern California. Matiyaga at maalalahinin, she will never stop until she’s sure you’re having a great time.
This is why paborito siyang bisitahin ng mga bagong dating galing Pilipinas. Mary Ann is the favorite hostess of Philippine stars who come here to take a break from all the intrigues of showbiz.
I first met Mary Ann when she was nominated to become an honoree as L.A.’s Finest during the Reflections Awards Year 10. But we never got to truly bond until several years ago when we went to Turkey together to visit our dear, common friend Ruffa Gutierrez.
Doon sa Istanbul, Mary Ann and I got a chance to develop a deeper friendship as we toured the country. It was so much fun being with her. We grew closer then. Saksi kaming dalawa when then-newlyweds Ruffa and Yilmaz would have tiffs here and there. We just chuckled in private in understanding that this was a part of their life as a young couple. Never did we imagine the big controversy that it would become…(Anyway, that’s a whole different story!)
Mary Ann Opena, as many may know, is an outstanding entrepreneur (she runs a home health care company). She is sister to the excellent make-up artist, Arwin Bernabe. Back in the Philippines (she hails from Taguig), she was a teacher at St. Paul College and was even a favorite teacher of Ms. Sharon Cuneta.
Mary Ann is very generous when it comes to giving her time and energy to those who need her. company and assistance. If you watch showbiz-oriented shows on TFC or GMA, you might have heard hosts greet her all the time.
Palagi siyang binabanggit nina Ogie Diaz, Jun Lalin, Lorna T, and Kris Aquino, among many other celebrities. She’s a close personal friend of the Gutierrez clan, headed by Annabelle and Eddie. They have such high respect for her because of her reputation as the “uncrowned queen of tourism.”
Her accommodating nature is the reason why Kris and James Yap make it a point to see her whenever they come to the states. Kris is so fond of her that she gifted her with a very elegant Philips timepiece.
Award-winning director Chito Rono also considers Mary Ann a dear friend. TV Host and talent manager Lolit Solis is by far her closest showbiz friend because of a special bond they share: they’re both very candid and sincere.
Mary Ann really makes you feel at home. She will take you to the best places here in Southern California, and she even opens up her home to her guests. She will even cook for them (she makes the best beef steak, based on her original recipe).
Every time her celebrity friends come to town, Mary Ann makes sure that they get to taste the famous cuisine at Crustacean Beverly Hills.
Even during a regular outing among her L.A. friends, Mary Ann knows where to take us. She usually brings us to Redondo Beach for seafood. Hindi talaga siya tumitigil hanggang hindi niya nakikitang busog at masaya lahat.
Even if Mary Ann is well loved by high-profile celebrities, Mary Ann’s persona is very low-profile.
She prefers it that way. She wants to be behind the scenes while she makes sure everyone has a great time.
Her generosity in giving back to her friends and acquaintances has returned to her ten-fold. She receives many blessings because of her continued kindness to people.
Recently, when Dr Vicki Belo raffled off a genuine Louis Vuitton bag among hundreds of her balikbayan clients, guess who won. Yes, Mary Ann was the one who walked away with the coveted prize.
To Mary Ann, I hope you continue your reign as the unofficial “queen of tourism.” You will always be loved by your friends and family! More power to you!
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IN MEMORIAM
I want to extend my sincerest condolences to the family of my good friend Bong Prada Lim in the passing of his beloved mother.
My friend, I know letting go is hard. Reminds me of the time when my own mother left this earth.
Acceptance is knowing that she is in better place with God, where there is no more suffering.
Be strong,
my dear friend. Take it one day at a time.
The hurting may never completely go away but it helps to remember the good times you had with her. She knows you served her well and cherished her as your mother.
Again, my deepest sympathies go to you and your family…My prayers are with you.
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SALAMAT
Special thanks to those who have been sending their feedback about my weekly articles here in Asian Journal. Thank you for reacting to my stories. I feel humbled that you take time in your busy schedule to read about our community. Please keep the letters coming. (monet@monetsalon). Have a great Father’s Day weekend!
**The author is a professional beauty consultant and owner of the popular salon chain Monet & Reflections Salons. Monet is also executive producer of the longest running Fil-Am awards gala, Reflections Awards (now on its 19th year). He is a known “queenmaker” or discoverer of young beauties who have gone on to achieve their dreams of becoming beauty pageant titlists. For more on Monet, please visit www.monetsalon.com or send an email to monet@monetsalon.com.
