Double Feature

Being leading Filipino entrepreneurs who have given a tremendous boost to our economy, twin brothers Joe and Ronnie Concepcion–not to mention brother Rene and "old man" Jose Sr. who established the family’s vast business empire–fully deserved to celebrate their joint 70th birthday in a grand manner. And they did.

At the Makati Shangri-la ballroom, over 600 came, besides the extended family, 60 by actual count. Even the one-month old infant Erica made a record for being the youngest hostess although she was blissfully sound asleep in her mother’s arms, oblivious of the din and chatter.

Marivic Araneta, JoeCon’s wife, and Menchu de las Alas, Ronnie’s wife, were in lovely red gowns, as were the other women family members. JoeCon’s oldest son Joey, he of the sports firmament, and his wife Marissa (incidentally my grandniece) wreaked "havoc" on my "youthful" looks.

At our table, the delicious dinner–the mushroom soup was heavenly–with its wide choice of wines and juices was enjoyed by Justice Bernardo Pardo, Ambassador Howard Dee, Toto and Felicing Camara, the witty lawyer Ester Follosco and my sister Helen. We had glimpses of Meldy Cojuangco, P.L. and Madeleine Lim, Don Jaime Zobel de Ayala, Nena and Al Casimiro, Rose L. Avancena, Mercy Tuason, Ada L. Mabilangan, among the vast throng from social, civic, financial, diplomatic and religious circles ( Msgr. Pat Lim and Fr. Tony Rosales).

To our immense pleasure, the great impersonator Willie Nepomuceno parodied you-know-who, enjoining us to buy Filipino–which meant: buying the judges, politicians, drug lords, cronies and even the press!

He claimed he and the twins had one thing in common: they were workaholics while he was an alcoholic. How the audience roared! Willie then grilled the twins: Joe and Ronnie on one side of the stage; Marivic and Menchu on the other. The further away from the truth the answers were, the more hilarious they sounded. Sample: "How much cash do you have in your wallet?" Answer: "None." Truthful answer came when Willie asked: "What would you like your husband to do through the new year?" The common answer: "Work less and spend more time at home."

Before leaving, guests asked, "Whose brilliant idea was the rib-tickling show?" Marivic and Menchu chorused: "The children’s." It was the only other truthful reply that wonderful evening.