Outside, the sky was overcast and wanting to drizzle. But inside the Intercon Ballroom, a sunny Caribbean holiday was to unfold!

ALI’s Christmas Party was held last December 11 with a colorful Caribbean theme that had most ALIzens dressed for a walk along the beach. Relaxing among friends in casual “island” outfits, it was the perfect way to set off the holiday mood.

As in most ALI parties, there were many highlights during the party that made certain everyone had a good time.

A festive buffet of heavy pica-pica and delicious desserts was laid out for ALIzens to enjoy the whole evening. As the ALI team gathered that night, it was also very timely that the various trophies and awards ALI had received this year were displayed proudly near the reception area for everyone to see.

Many also awaited the raffle of minor and major prizes which included a top cash prize of P25,000, and the much awaited new hires presentation.

At the helm of the program were hosts Shiela Bermudez of HR and Jay Visco of CSMG, who kept the energy in high gear with their youthful banter. After acknowledging the party’s special guests, including Don Jaime Zobel and JAZA, they went though the program as planned. They called on ALI Chairman Fernando Zobel first and then ALI President Jim Ayala for their Christmas messages to ALIzens. This was followed by the Caribbean King and Queen contest where Alizens voted for the best male and female ALIzen in Caribbean attire, by applauding for their bets. Winning the title were Bernie Lopez of CMD and Jinky Aguinaldo of OP. They were both “fruitfully” crowned (their crowns were literally decorated with fruits), to the delight of their cheering supporters.

And then the new hires presentation was announced. There were six groups vying for the “ALI Idol” title. The groups were formed with a mix of newbies from various ALI departments. They were: Pirates of the ALIbbean, who danced to a sexy Shakira tune in whimsical gypsy and pirate costumes, Movimiento Quatro, who danced the Tango all poised and graceful in formal wear, Marimar, who grinded their hips and danced barefoot to the popular Marimar theme song, Yes To ChaCha, who skipped and swirled to a lively Cha- Cha beat, Tribo ALI, who danced to a Gloria Estefan hit in Safari fashion, and ALI Carnavale, who shook their shoulders to a conga number and mesmerized everyone with their dazzling costumes. Tribo ALI was declared the winning group and they truly deserve the title as they executed their dance creatively. Nevertheless, all the new hires felt like winners. After all, it was the spirit of camaraderie and fellowship that counted the most.

The new hires presentation was followed by a raffle of minor prizes and once the winning team was announced, dancing started with guest band, Onda Latina, dishing out more than their usual Latin repertoire. As expected, ALIzens danced and partied the night away. At one point, Jim Ayala and Jorge Marcó joined the band on stage for a rendition of Carlos Santana’s “Oye Como Va.” After an hour on the dance floor and when everyone was in high spirits, the hosts announced the winners of the major cash prizes of P10,000, P15,000, and P25,000. The big winner came from OG-PCD.

That capped the evening’s program but the party and the dancing went on.

Once again, ALIzens were joined together as one happy family to celebrate the joy, love and peace this season brings to the whole world. Merry Christmas ALI!