Birthday belles and boys

Best buddies and retired nurses Susan Calero and Nelda Cabucos share many things—including the same birth month! So, on a clear summer weekend, they gathered a few friends to mark the event.

The venue? Not the usual hotel or restaurant but in the residence of the Cabucos couple, Dick and Nelda, located in a snug and verdant mountain glen, 1,800 feet above sea level in Sapangdaku, Guadalupe Hills.

We didn’t mind the hourlong ride along narrow, sometimes rocky one-lane paths. The view that greeted us was that of a lush rainforest. And when we reached the place, we thought were in the Garden of Eden.

Dick had landscaped several hectares of rolling terrain into a terraced orchard, abloom with plants, all varieties of flowers and fruit-bearing trees. Amid the cool climate are cottages for rent and an inviting pool.

With such an ambience, Susan and Nelda served their fancy cake, with “cosmetics” for decor—lipstick, cologne etc.

The guests enjoyed a concoction of sumptuous dishes with, guess what? Fresh fruits for dessert from the Garden of Eden. Where else?

○○○ Columnist, pianist, songwriter and dear friend Sam Costanilla, chose a lively, cozy piano bar, Jazz Chillin, for his natal day recently.

The select guests included accomplished motion picture director Carlo Caparas, lawyer Raul Padilla, doctor/baritone Warfe Engracia, media ladies Nelia Neri, Flor Ynclino, Cookie Newman and CVU.

A hearty lunch was had by all, with gorgeous proprietress Joanna Arriba seeing to our ultimate comfort and enjoyment.

The real excitement happened after lunch when Sam took to the keyboard and serenaded his guests with love songs and Broadway hits, especially my favorite “Some Enchanted Evening.” Of course, Dr. Warfe did the solo! This prompted Direk Caparas, Joanna and Raul to form a trio and do their thing, making for a mini birthday concert.

Many happy returns, Sami.

GUESTS. Smiling girls Susan (seated, right) and Nelda (second from right) with Nelda’s hubby Dick. From left are CVU, Flor Ynclino, Delgie Ting, Thelma Aznar, Cookie Newman, Nona Ong and Judge Ekit Belarmino. FANCY CAKE. A fabulous “cosmetic” cake stands beside a bountiful fruit basket.

SINGING TRIO. Carlo Caparas, Joanna Arriba and Raul Padilla with Sam Costanilla at the keyboard.

BUDDIES. Celebrants Susan Calero and Nelda Cabucos getting ready to blow their cake candles.

CELEBRANT SAM (standing, right) with director Carlo Caparas. Seated are lawyer Raul Padilla with proprietress Joanna Arriba.

DOCTOR and baritone Warfe Engracia with a solo.