Jarque family welcomes new member

Paco Jarque’s abuelita eighty-eight-year-old Adela, his three titas who are longtime residents of Valencia, Spain, namely Ana Fe Lujan, Len Jarque, and this writer, plus his cousin-in-law Esther Sanchiz, hosted a kitchen-and-bath bridal shower for his fiancée Monique del Gallego.

The late afternoon get-together held at the Loop’s residence, whose garden was dotted with umbrellas as the only decor for the shower, was a lively mix of parientes y amigas, solteras y casadas, all wishing the soon-to-be bride all the best.

To set the party mood, innovative games relating to newlyweds and marriage were organized by Marian Mendezona and Miren Jarque.

Guests partook of a sumptuous merienda, followed by the traditional cutting of the fondant cake exquisitely created by Cebu’s topmost baker Marissa Unchuan.

Huddled in a chatter was madrina Mari Villalon with frequent luncheon companions Marian Aboitiz, Deena Pages, Margette Sarmiento, and Therese Gonzalez.

At the next table, in animated conversation mostly centered on the forthcoming wedding were Annette Mendezona, Ana Climaco, Maricar Perdices, Susan Sala, and Marisol Michael, Kathy Javellana, Charito Climaco, Joyce Chiongbian, Tina Ansaldo, and Alice Lim. 

Future sister-in-law Isabel Jarque was gushing over her fabulous experiences in Madrid, while sibling Chaveli listened in awe. 

Making the event one to remember was the opening of many gifts by Monique, who was ably assisted by the youngest invitee, little Ana Lujan, all of two years old, who may have thought that it was Christmas once again.

As expected, both mothers of the couple were filled with mixed emotions: Marilen Jarque in losing an only son but gaining a wonderful daughter, and Marilen del Gallego in letting go of a daughter and acquiring a son in addition to her five daughters.