Love to rejoice!
Fifty years of an untarnished career, good health and a winning streak in business are successes worth celebrating; what more if it is half-a-century of a marriage we are talking about?
Marking their blessed union that began at San Roque Church in Tondo in 1964 were Brother Mike Velarde, founder of El Shaddai, the biggest Catholic charismatic renewal group in the country, and wife Belen.
The golden wedding anniversary Mass held at the 16,000-seater El Shaddai International House of Prayer in Parañaque City was officiated by Manila Auxiliary Bishop Teodoro Bacani who also serves as El Shaddai’s spiritual director. The Velardes are blessed with four children Franklin, Rene, Selina and Buhay party-list Rep. Michael Velarde.
Ilocos Norte Rep. Imelda Marcos, Muebles Italiano president and CEO Noel Gonzales, tenor Al Dresden Ramos and soprano Fame Flores rendered songs during the event.
The celebration was attended by many of Brother Mike’s supporters, high-profile politicians, El Shaddai representatives from other chapters and personal friends.
Congratulations to the Velarde couple!
GREETINGS
Happy birthday to our celebrator today, former senator Santanina Rasul.
Advance birthday greetings to STAR editor-in-chief Amy Pamintuan, Marietta Santos and Marnee Santiago Litton, Sept. 15; Furnitalia managing director Florence Ko, golfer Bolo Tuason and Irene Marcos-Araneta, Sept. 16; singer and composer Aiza Seguerra, Toti Fernandez and Beth Mendoza, Sept. 17; Chiquita Trapaga, Sept. 18; Gerard Ramos, Sea Wind GM Joebert Cocjin and Peping Cojuangco, Sept. 19; philanthropist and two-time Papal awardee Imelda “Meldy” Cojuangco and Maridol Mabanta, Sept. 20.
So, how was your week?
(For comments or inquiries, please e-mail me at jjlitton@indanet.com.)
