Cakes, canvases and a centenarian
Such jubilation, and what a celebration!
The grand ballroom of J Centre Mall in Mandaue City, Cebu, came alive with a huge red and gold billboard that read: Happy Birthday Go Sing King on your 100th year!
Indeed, Mandaue’s beloved industrialist, philanthropist and favorite citizen reached the century mark. The day was greeted with warm admiration and applause, for this gentleman’s vision and zeal in building his bustling business empire.
Celebrating the significant milestone of this Patriarch were his children: Haw Sing (+) and Thelma Go, Teodoro and Conching Yap, Henry and Marcelina Yap, Angeles Go, Tommy and Linda Po, Sunny and Anita Lu, and Amado and Luz (+) Go, and of course, the joyful grandchildren and great grandchildren, who were romping about.
A simple but complete video show traced the history of Go’s life and times during which a sumptuous lauriat dinner was served. At this juncture, Mandaue’s top official, Mandaue City Mayor Jonas Cortes and his team, ascended the stage and presented the celebrant with a token from the city.
The evening ended all too soon but all guests brought home a generous souvenir—a mini birthday cake! Cheers and more years, Go Sing King!
*** Cebu City Marriott Hotel never misses the annual birthday soiree it hosts for our local lifestyle writers. This year, it was held at the ballroom, no less, which featured a long buffet table, a stage décor of greens and frothy draped tulle, and lining each side were framed paintings of noted Cebuano artist Mar Vidal.
Surprise! It was also an evening of art and music, with the presence of artist Mar, daughter soprano Izarzuri (Zari) and photographer Jose Antonio Nigro. It was a chef’s table dinner by the hotel’s executive chef Chachpol Suaisom.
To add pizzazz to the evening, all guests were requested to don gold and white attire, the better to give a formal feel to the event, and for good reason. Soprano Zari rendered best-loved arias from famous operas. During the blowing of cake candles (individual cakes for each) we were joined by Mar, a birthday boy himself! Still another surprise?
The framed canvases were for giving away, to all of us, celebrants. Thank you, Marriott: Patrick, Frances and Nico. It was indeed a magical night of wonderful surprises!
*** It was a sunny day when birthday gal Susan Calero asked us to join her and co-celebrant Nelda Cabucos for lunch at Casino Español de Cebu. Only a few friends were present at the joint celebration, a hen lunch.
Chatter was animated as the ladies rambled on and on, most especially since both were taking a jet to the U.S. the next week.
Hurry back and let’s finish our chatter!