Venue
Casa Manila
Plaza San Luis Complex, General Luna Street, Intramuros, Manila. Enter through the courtyard on Real Street; the sala is up the grand staircase.
The years
Twenty-five years, in five chapters.
- 2001
A church in Malate
Nora was late. Teo was early. The priest said it would be like that forever, and he was right.
- 2004
Sofia, then Marco
Two babies, one flat in Mandaluyong, and a Corolla that carried all of it.
- 2010
The bakery on Roxas Boulevard
Opened with one oven and a loan from Lola. Still there. The ensaymada has not changed.
- 2018
Lisbon, at last
The honeymoon they never took, seventeen years late and better for it.
- 2026
Silver
The same two people, a little slower on the stairs, and a table full of everyone who mattered.
The evening
Dinner, a few words, and dancing to the songs from 2001.
Aperitivo in the courtyard
Sparkling wine and the view of the old walls.
Dinner
Four courses in the sala. Choose your main when you reply.
Twenty-five years in twenty-five photographs
Sofia and Marco have been going through the boxes. Prepare yourselves.
The toast
Two speakers. Then Teo, who has been told to keep it under five minutes and will not.
The first dance, again
Same song. Then the floor is yours until midnight.
Getting there
Casa Manila, Intramuros.
Parking
Plaza San Luis lot
Reserved for our guests from 6:00 PM. Tell the attendant you are with the Villegas dinner. Rideshare drop-off at the Real Street gate.
Dress code
Formal, in silver, navy, and black.
Long dresses and suits. A touch of silver somewhere would please Nora enormously. The sala is air-conditioned and the courtyard is not, so bring a wrap for the aperitivo.
- Navy
- Silver
- Black
- Bone
- Slate
Gifts
Bring a story, not a box.
After twenty-five years, Nora and Teo have everything. What they would love is a memory: a photograph, a line, a thing you remember that they have forgotten. There is a space for it when you reply, and a book on the night.
Questions
A few practical things.
Is this a surprise?
No. Nora planned the menu and Teo chose the band. They know, and they cannot wait.
Can I bring my children?
Yes. The grandchildren will be there and there is a quiet room off the sala with a film and a yaya.
Is there a program to follow?
Only loosely. Dinner, a few words, dancing. Nobody has to speak who does not want to.
I am coming from the province. Where should I stay?
We have a room block at a hotel five minutes from Intramuros. Mention it in your note and Sofia will send the code.
Reply
Will you join us?
Kindly reply by 17 October 2026 so Casa Manila can set the tables.
Thank you, friend.
If your mail app opened, send the note and we have you down.
Change of plans? Reply again and we will update the list.
Save the date
Put it in your phone.
Saturday, 7 November 2026. Aperitivo at 6:30 PM, dinner at 7:30 PM, Casa Manila, Intramuros.