Cruisin' on crests of gold

CEBU, Philippines - We were not there primarily for the cruise, but for the inimitable delight of being with close family and friends, and the distinct honor of pre-celebrating gold: the Golden Wedding Anniversary of Dr. Prospero Gogo Sr. and wife, Sylvia Regis-Gogo, R.N. of Beckley, West Virginia, USA. (November 25, 2011) First off: a big KISS to the thoroughly efficient coordinator who shepherded all 60 of us from touch down/land arrival, through the 5-day cruise, until our separate departures – their only daughter Melanie!

My Gogo-Angbetic cousins (and their equally “persuasive” spouses) convinced me to be their only representative coming direct from the Philippines. It was an invitation that was hard to refuse. So, I was US-bound again in late July…for this once-in-a-lifetime cruise on the Eastern Caribbean sea, July 31 – August 4, onboard the charming Carnival Inspiration.

Tito Pros & Tita Sylvia have two children: Melanie & Perky. Melanie Concepcion Gisler, Esq. is practicing law in Washington D.C. while being hands-on mom her two children Sylvie and Max. Husband Mark Gisler, Esq. is a full partner of Gisler Peel & Gauz (Washington D.C.), specializing in labor law. They have a lovely brownstone house in Georgetown.

Dr. Prospero Gogo Jr. is Asst. Professor of Medicine and Director of Interventional Cardiology Program, University of Vermont. He is co-Director of the STEM1 Program of the university and authored a chapter in the textbook “Cardiac Intensive Care” (J.B.Saunders, 2010). Wife Amy Lilly has a Doctorate in Literature and is a contributing literary critic in various publications. They have an only son named Henry. They live in Burlington, Vermont.

Relatives and friends came to celebrate with them from California, Florida, Illinois, New Jersey, New York, Vermont, Washington State, West Virginia, D.C., and farther away in Austria, Japan and the Philippines.

After the fun-filled cruise where family members showed off onboard their prowess on the piano and guitar, as well as their singing and dancing talents, the celebration continued after the cruise. There was a pool and Zumba party at the Perico Island Club. I so enjoyed watching enthusiasts of all ages and in every size imaginable, trying to follow the moves of the sexy and pretty Zumba teacher. The next day was a whole day picnic/swimming get-together at Holmes Beach that ended in watching the sunset and a photo session. We had again loads of grilled seafood and cold drinks. It was fiesta in the following three days after the cruise. The last day – a fantastic dinner cruise along famous Sarasota Bay – was a treat I sadly missed as I flew back to New Jersey to catch my flight home from JFK Airport in New York.

My Gogo Golden Wedding momeries are indeed gold-filled – golden sunrises at sea on the Caribbean, that ended with an unforgettable sunset at Holmes Beach, Florida. I too touched gold, Tito Pros and Tita Sylvia. Happy Golden Anniversary to the most lovable couple I have ever known.