A time to celebrate

Everyone looks forward to celebrations, be it a wedding, a graduation, a promotion or simply an occasion to be with  friends.

Birthdays have a special significance as they are a commemoration of a rite of passage. It is a day of thanksgiving for family and loyal friends. For many a birthday is a celebration of health and happiness.

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Kathie Kiener-Javellana and Dennis Javellana together with her brother Johnny Kiener hosted an intimate dinner at the Grand Majestic Restaurant for their mom Araceli Tolentino  Kiener  who  celebrated  97 fruitful years.

Though in a wheelchair, the celebrant was all smiles as dear friends shared their warm felicitations. A short video presentation, brought back unforgettable memories that delighted the guests. Everyone left happy with the souvenirs to remind them of this memorable milestone.

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Marlinda Angbetic Tan, executive lifestyle editor of the Freeman, likewise celebrated her natal day at the Chateau de Busay. Surrounded by her sons Irvie and Allen with their respective spouses Tess and Jennifer, Mayen blew out the candles assisted by her adorable first grandchild Meg who turned three recently.

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Our son Eduard Loop opted to celebrate his 27th birthday at home with relatives and friends from school. They included childhood buddy Javier Sala, the Martinez brothers Iñaki and Pipin, cousins Brian and Chaveli Head and Kaye Luym.

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After a fortnight my husband Glenn Loop and dear family friend Marilen del Gallego decided to have a joint celebration at our residence in Bauhinia Drive, Cebu. The attire was casual denims and happily the invitees obliged.

Red and white wine flowed during cocktails, after which dinner was served buffet style excellently catered by Creative Cuisine.

In attendance were the del Gallego’s led by the celebrant’s husband Miguel,  and  five of their six lovely daughters, Monique married to Paco Jarque, Maitina and her better half Andre Borromeo, Michelle and Thomas Ngo, Martha and Meryll.

Other well-wishers included Bacolod resident Marvi Sala, Alberto and Tere Rotaeche, furniture makers Emil and Nora Lamata, party couple Binggen and Annette Mendezona, US Consular Agent John Domingo, vintage car collector Vic Torres and his wife Toots, TV host Bunny Pages and partner Tash, Cebu Port Authority manager Angelo Verdan,  my siblings Cisco with his wife Marilen, Len and Ramon Jarque, Ana Climaco and Marisol Michael. Quietly seated on the lanai but enjoying the party  was my mom Adela and  Pilar del Gallego.