Celebrating a full life times two!

If life begins at 40, then identical twins Jose and Raul Concepcion have lived theirs twice over! Better known respectively as Joe and Ronnie, the Concepcion brothers have really been through — and accomplished — a lot.

Who can forget Namfrel, Concepcion Industries and their pro-consumer rights advocacies? It was just fitting that on their 80th birthday celebration at the Makati Shangri-La Hotel’s Rizal Ballroom, two books on the lives of the brothers were launched, namely, Joecon’s Journey and In Pursuit of Excellence: The Odyssey of Raul T. Concepcion. Copies of the book were given as mementos to the guests who all went home happy and hearty, celebrating with two great men and their families, friends and associates.

Around 600 guests partook of a fine feast of foie gras terrine tian with cured duck, teriyaki glazed Chilean seabass and herb-crusted beef tenderloin. Prominent guests included former President Fidel Ramos, Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile, Sen. Manny Villar, Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima, Trade and Industry Secretary Gregorio Domingo, Transportation and Communications Secretary Mar Roxas and CATS Motors, Inc. president Felix Ang.

After the dinner, guests enjoyed a show featuring video snippets from the lives of the twins interspersed with well-loved songs. More dancing followed and the revelry simply refused to end, continuing with an after party at the Makati Room.

Born 10 minutes apart, Joe and Ronnie are blessed, indeed! Here’s to more years ahead, Joe and Ronnie!