100 years of clear vision

A hundred years ago, the Sarabia patriarch Dr. Federico Sarabia, the first Filipino optometrist, opened his first clinic in Iloilo City. It was a practice that brought him to establish a Sarabia Optical in Manila’s elite section at Escolta. His clients included President Manuel Quezon and Jose Rizal’s sister Trinidad, whose eyeglass case with the markings of "Sarabia Optical" is now on display at Fort Santiago.

Since then, three generations of Federico’s descendants followed in the practice and the service of eye care. They made the family name a byword in the local optometry industry, a brand that has thrived for 100 years.

Dr. Antonio Sarabia, one of Federico’s children, recalls, "I remember Papa would talk about his clients. He had so many anecdotes about his experiences with them. As we listened to his stories, we not only developed an interest in eyecare.We also began to imbibe his ethics, his values and his sense of mission."

There are now 38 family-owned Sarabia Opticals in the Philippines. In addition to the numerous Sarabia Opticals nationwide, the heritage of Dr. Sarabia as a figure in the Optometric field goes down to his descendants. Dr. Sarabia had three sons who are optometrists. In the third generation, there are three ophthalmologist grandchildren, and 18 optometrists, including the popular Vivian Sarabia, the "eye stylist to the stars." Two great grandchildren are optometrists as well. Dr. Mike Sarabia is also honoring his grandfather in this Centennial Year by performing 1,000 cataract surgeries for free to people in Negros Occidental.

The Sarabia Optical Centennial Celebration was launched at the Ayala Museum with Luli Arroyo, representing her mom President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, as guest of honor. The family’s relationship with the President goes back a long way. (GMA’s maternal grandfather, Engr. Juan Macaraeg, and Federico were friends.)

Christine Sarabia-Heras delivered the welcome remarks at the event after the National Anthem was sung by Jose Paolo Sarabia. The event, which featured a video presentation of the Sarabia patriarch, was hosted by Korina Sanchez. Entertainment was provided by Basil Valdez and Vina Morales.

The exhibit of Sarabia Optical memorabilia will be brought to Iloilo City and Bacolod City mid-year.

The joys of Japanese liqueurs

Refinement and grace were present when Premier Wine and Spirits held the Manila launch of Midori Melon Liqueur and Zen Green Tea Liqueur during the premiere showing of Memoirs of a Geisha in My Cinema at Greenbelt 3. My Cinema was transformed into a cozy Japanese lounge with globular rice paper lanterns and ikebana set against the wall.

The two refined liqueurs from Suntory are set to turn around the metro’s bar scene by giving it two sophisticated and hip choices. Midori liqueur was launched at New York’s Studio 54 in 1978.

Zen "was developed in response to the growing popularity of green tea worldwide," says Ian Atherton, Suntory Australia GM. "Zen is geared towards young adults with a high level of sophistication and taste."

Others seen enjoying the Japanese-inspired Midori and Green Tea mixes were Romy Ripalda of Ram's House of Wine, Banny Hermano of Harry's Liquor Mart, Gerry Mendoza of Wine and Spirits Gallery, Cielo Arellano of Arellano's Wines and Liquors, Michelle Pamintuan, Quisine’s Fritz Weber, Proceso Callison of Hard Rock Café, Al Cordova, Chi-Chi Trinidad, Elbert Cuenca, Liza Ilarde, Teddy and Janine Dario, Cacay Moras, RJ Ledesma and Brad Murdoch.

Happy 12th!

Close friends and family members gathered for a cozy dinner to celebrate the 12th wedding anniversary of Fila couple Cris and Butch Albert.

The evening started with words from Pastor Gus Lising as saxophonist Vince Lahorra provided jazz music at the Carlos P. Romulo Room. Guests dined on lobster bisque, roasted rib eye, braised sea bass with truffle sauce, and a green tea crème brule for dessert.

Lovely favors of notebooks made by Rina Albert delicately tied in lace and feathers were given to the guests.

Others seen at the party were Letty Tordesillas, Boogie and JP Trinidad, Ralph and Bobby Joseph, Alex Van Hagen, Sally Lising, Baby Tingson, Philip and Beth Tan, Boom and Luisita Guerrero, Miguel Estrada, Chris Chongson, Rene Estante, Leo San Juan and JR Wacker.

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