Nine cakes for Helena Benitez
July 11, 2004 | 12:00am
The invitation said it all.Hosted by her doting family, extending to four generations, and joined by the dedicated movers of institutions, organizations and associations closest to her heart, it promised to be a grand celebration capping the week-long festivities commemorating the 90th birthday of Dr. Helena Z. Benitez, the distinguished stateswoman, senator, diplomat, educator, a lady of substance devoted to the advocacy of women and family life, the preservation of the environment, the promotion of arts and culture and is the source of inspiration to numerous worthy causes and the role model to emulate.
It turned out to be a festive evening, and yet an intimate beautiful affair con mucho cariño and full of love with over 500 guests dressed in Filipiniana attire and barong tagalog.
The venue was Mira-Nila, the fabled ancestral home of the honoree – donde se podia mirar a Manila en aquellos tiempos – where the thanksgiving mass was celebrated at the patio by the most Reverend Luis Antonio Tagle, the Bishop of the Diocese of Imus in Cavite and a dear friend of the clan.
The remarkable garden, where several tents sprouted overnight for those heart-breaking just-in-case moments when possible inclement weather may bring about chaos and havoc, was a fitting arena for the honest-to-goodness full-of-life barrio fiesta complete with kakanin and refreshments, ice cream and palaro, brass bands and rondallas, and an extensive all-Filipino buffet showcasing the finest cuisine from our islands. The highlight of the brief program participated in by family and friends – from various grandchildren to repre-sentatives of several confederations the festijada heads or has been affiliated with through the years – was the surprise delightful Curacha number, spiritedly performed by the still plucky life-long friends.
Nine sets of impressive fireworks display followed and a nine-cakes-in-one culinary masterpiece was shared – to pay tribute to the 90 blessed, fruitful years of Helena Z. Benitez – indeed a true icon.
Tita Helen, en hora buena!
It turned out to be a festive evening, and yet an intimate beautiful affair con mucho cariño and full of love with over 500 guests dressed in Filipiniana attire and barong tagalog.
The venue was Mira-Nila, the fabled ancestral home of the honoree – donde se podia mirar a Manila en aquellos tiempos – where the thanksgiving mass was celebrated at the patio by the most Reverend Luis Antonio Tagle, the Bishop of the Diocese of Imus in Cavite and a dear friend of the clan.
The remarkable garden, where several tents sprouted overnight for those heart-breaking just-in-case moments when possible inclement weather may bring about chaos and havoc, was a fitting arena for the honest-to-goodness full-of-life barrio fiesta complete with kakanin and refreshments, ice cream and palaro, brass bands and rondallas, and an extensive all-Filipino buffet showcasing the finest cuisine from our islands. The highlight of the brief program participated in by family and friends – from various grandchildren to repre-sentatives of several confederations the festijada heads or has been affiliated with through the years – was the surprise delightful Curacha number, spiritedly performed by the still plucky life-long friends.
Nine sets of impressive fireworks display followed and a nine-cakes-in-one culinary masterpiece was shared – to pay tribute to the 90 blessed, fruitful years of Helena Z. Benitez – indeed a true icon.
Tita Helen, en hora buena!
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