Nelia G. Neri and Jenara Newman

GOV. Gwendolyn Garcia was all smiles during her 54th birthday celebration held at the Marco Polo Plaza grand ballroom. Even when her brothers Congressman P.J., Nelson and Byron teased her for her occasional (beware of that) “tiger” look, she kept her cool and her smile, truly a radiantly happy birthday celebrant.

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BIRTHDAY KISS. Grandson Jules offers flowers and gives a big kiss to Gov. Gwen while son Paolo looks on.

WITH FAMILY. top photo: Gov. Gwen flanked by sister Farla Empemano and son Paolo. Seated is Mom, Judge Esperanza Garcia (Ret.). Middle photo:: with cousin Sonny Garcia, Sun.Star Cebu president and uncle, former Dumanjug Mayor Tom Garcia. Above: with brothers Nelson (left) and Rep. Pablo John.

She came in a short, off-white evening dress, fitted at the torso and flaring out in a bouffant skirt by Cary Santiago.

Her family, dear relatives and close friends were on hand to greet her, as were some public officials like Representatives Teofisto Guingona III, Nerissa Soon-Ruiz and Benhur Salimbangon, Mandaue Mayor Jonas Cortes, and Lahug barangay captain Mary Ann de los Santos. And yes, coming in with her good friends Carlos and Mariquita Yeung were former president Joseph Estrada, and former senator Ernesto Maceda.

PARTY FACES. At the party were (from left) Mandaue Mayor Jonas Cortes, former Sen. Ernesto Maceda, US Consular officer John Domingo, former Pres. Joseph Estrada, and former Cebu City Mayor Alvin Garcia. Middle photo: Cordova Mayor Adelino Sitoy presents a rose to Gov. Gwen. Right photo shows Gov. Gwen with dear friends (from left) DOT 7 Director Dawnie Roa, Mariquita Yeung, PB Member Agnes Magpale, Rep. Nerissa Soon-Ruiz and Marissa Nallana.

PROUD DAD. Rep. Pablo Garcia welcomes guests to his daughter’s celebration (from left) DILG Usec Lito Ruiz, Rep. PJ, Rep. TG Guingona and Bobby Aboitiz. Right photo shows former the STC classmates of Gov Gwen who are (from left) Myra Sun, Annie Chen, Marissa Fernan and Bess Francia.

Gwen’s father, Cong. Pablo Garcia, had the task of giving the toast to his beautiful daughter... a former Cebu governor himself, he seemed (but please, only seemed) to be a bit miffed at everyone calling Gwen the best governor Cebu has ever had, citing some of his own achievements. But he finally resolved the issue by saying to the effect that he is the best father that the best governor Cebu ever had! She is the best (and unquestionably the most attractive, too).

GLAMOROUS LADIES. From left are Amparito Lhuillier, Teresin Mendezona, Gov. Gwen, Cynthia Frasco, Lilian Frasco and Elizabeth Go. At right, the birthday celebrant with former Mandaue Mayor and Mrs. Teddy Ouano.

Cheers, Gov. Gwen! May Cebu move to greater height under your leadership. More power and more years to you!