Faith Clero brings Parisian flair to Los Angeles

Los Angeles offered Faith Clero warmth of a more welcome kind as the Paris-based style maven gathered her closest circle for an intimate birthday celebration rooted in family, food and easygoing fun.

Faith and her daughter, Izellah Clero, had traded Paris’ searing summer heat for a grand California holiday and a long-awaited reunion with relatives in the entertainment capital of the world.

At the elegant Los Angeles residence of her cousin, Dr. Francis Castigador, and his wife, Marcey Castigador, the celebration unfolded with the relaxed polish that suits Faith best. There was no need for an oversized production: The presence of loved ones gave the occasion its sparkle.

Among those sharing the table were Lilian Beard, Gian Untal, Riza and Eric Farrington, Kim Sampang, Pie and Niel Losaria, Scott Stetzer, and members of the Castigador family, including Nieva, Issy and Cara.

The heart of the gathering was its abundant menu, prepared by Faith with Gian Untal and Marcey Castigador. Its mix of Ilonggo favorites and familiar party staples reflected both the celebrant’s roots and the international life she has built.

A generous seafood boil anchored the savory spread, accompanied by calamari, lechon, spring rolls, noodles and richly flavored estofado. The dishes were hearty, communal and made for passing around the table — precisely the kind of food that turns a meal into a shared experience.

Dessert brought a tropical counterpoint. Mango-and-avocado salad, mango float, buko pandan, banana fritters, cakes and fresh fruit made certain the feast ended on a bright and indulgent note.

The afternoon’s soundtrack came courtesy of the guests themselves. Karaoke drew everyone into the celebration, with favorite songs moving easily between contemporary hits and nostalgic classics.

The singing captured the gathering’s warmest quality: Nobody was merely watching from the sidelines. Family and friends participated fully, dedicating performances to Faith and filling the residence with music, laughter and affectionate teasing.

The celebrant summed up the spirit of the occasion through the language she knows best — hospitality.

“Food is like people and culture — diverse in every sense of the word when generously shared on my special day!” Faith said joyfully.

Her words reflected an afternoon shaped less by spectacle than by generosity. Every dish, song and conversation reinforced the ties that had drawn Faith and Izellah across continents.

For Faith Clero, the finest birthday luxury was not found in Paris or Los Angeles. It was the rare pleasure of gathering her people around one table — and giving them every reason to linger.