Cebu’s first lady governor, Gwen Garcia, was more than her usual vibrant and witty self during her birthday dinner at the Ballroom of the Grand Convention Center. In a flaming red off-the-shoulder dress, she was dazzling and effervescent, the very picture of happiness and confidence. Her well-wishers included family and friends, co-workers in government and political supporters.
○○○
Now in their ninth decade, grand dames Milagring Sembrano and Tita Nolasco Deen remain glamorous and young at heart. They each had a birthday party in the midst of family and dear friends. ○○○
As is traditional in Chinese birthday celebrations, red was the color of the night when Angelita “Baby” Dy of Grand Hope Travel notched another year and played dinner host at Ballroom 2 of Grand Convention Center. Dancing attendance on the well-loved lady travel executive were devoted husband Nelson and their three children— Lloyd, Angelaine and Angela.
○○○
Sisters Agie B. Escario and Ester B. Fajardo have their birthdays three days apart so it was one celebration after the other on the same week for them and their close circle of friends... a lunch affair hosted by Agie on a sunny Wednesday at the clubhouse of 32 Sanson by Rockwell, and on Saturday, a lauriat lunch organized by Ester at Tsay Cheng.
○○○
It was a simple birthday gathering in Amara for Bugs Unchuan and his group of close friends. Oh yes, wifey Lelah saw to it that pancit (for long life) was part of the menu.
EDITOR: LUIS A. QUIBRANZA III / live@sunstar.com.ph
BIRTHDAY LUNCHES. At the clubhouse of 32 Sanson during the lunch hosted by Agie Escario, seated from left, Dr. Mila Tolentino, Elit Fajardo, birthday girl Agie, Beth Go, Paz and Amanda Escario. Standing are Baby Roldan, Ester Fajardo, Nita Chiongbian and Kyle Escario. Right photo shows Ester Fajardo (eighth from left) during her birthday lunch at Tsay Cheng. From left: Agie Escario, Lede Burns, Teresin Mendezona, Patsy Lim, Zeny Larrazabal, Elo Fernan, Naty Gonzaga, Ester, Nita Chiongbian, Baby Roldan, Angie Unchuan, NGN, Dr. Mila Tolentino and Norma Borromeo. Seated is Elit Fajardo.
WELL-WISHERS. Presidential Assistant for the Visayas Michael Dino greets Gwen in the presence of certified public accountant Commissioner Duke Frasco and Liloan Mayor Christina Frasco. Middle photo shows Presidential Adviser on Political Affairs Secretary Francis Tolentino and Rep. Benhur Salimbangon. At right, the birthday girl’s brod Pablo John leading the toast.
A RED CELEBRATION. At the birthday dinner of Angelita “Baby” Dy at Grand Convention shown here with her family—Angelaine, husband Nelson, Angela and Lloyd. Right photo shows Baby with from left, Hazel Tagimacruz, Penny Carvajal, Aida Uy, Joan Tiu and Ann Momongan.
GWEN’S BIRTHDAY DINNER. At the ballroom of Grand Convention, Rep. Gwen Garcia flanked by Sen. Jinggoy Estrada and Bacoor Mayor Lani Mercado. Right photo shows Gwen with from left, Elizabeth Go, Mariquita Yeung, Nora Muntuerto and Tessie Javier.
IN THEIR 90S. Grand matriarchs Milagros Sembrano and Tita Nolasco Deen during their recent birthday celebration.
BIRTHDAY BOY. Bugs Unchuan with wife Lelah.