A birthday wish

Cirilita “Tootskie” Briones Cabahug-Fortuna, a very close friend of many years, celebrated her 75th birth anniversary at Salon de Barcelona, Casino Español de Cebu. It was a celebration of thanksgiving and gratitude to God the Father Almighty for the gift of life, of good relationships and beautiful friendship for all those friends and relatives who walked with her through the years.

The invitation was a unique collage of Cirilita from age one to age 70 by her only daughter, Gay Fortuna-Albotra, who made a video presentation of Cirilita as a teenager, as a professional and as a mother and wife. Atty. Carlo Fortuna, the moving spirit of the whole event, included in the program performances from students of the Mandaue School of the Arts, Bernalyn Dacayan & Jack Estrera, silver medalist in the dance sports competition of the State College Universities Athletic Association and, Marielle Montellano, 3rd prize winner in the Cebu Pop Music Festival.

Birthday wishes and stories of yesteryears were shared by Cirilita’s sister, Anita-Cabahug Trasmonte, bosom friend Editha Monreal, who sent a videotaped greeting from the USA, childhood friend, Linda Logarta and high school classmate, Carlota Sevilla-Abilla. The trivia from husband Tex Fortuna and from Atty. Carlo Fortuna alerted the minds of the guests. Caque, Micha, Cha-V and Makie, grandsons of Cirilita by her son Dexter and Lissa presented an MTV. USA-based son Andre and Ann also sent a videotaped greeting. Six-year-old Rhiva did a self-choreographed ballet and hip-hop dance while 8-year-old Monica sang a ballad. To you, my dear Tootskie, many more years to celebrate!!!