Thursday, November 15, 2007 Utzurrum: Balikbayans, bashes, birthdays By Chinggay V. Utzurrum The Scene
IT is always a red-letter day when Susan Calero marks her natal day. So, loving hubby Paul, who’s employed by a Russian firm; and dutiful daughter Tata, a nurse in the land of Uncle Sam, take the first available flight home, which is Cebu!
Things were on sked this year with the venue being the Grand Convention Center, Susan’s favorite dining haven. It must be the fabulous Cantonese menu that teases the taste buds.
We admired the honoree’s Chinese-inspired silky top, and were pleasantly surprised when she said, “I made it myself,” The enterprising lady counts a string of satisfied clients, one of which is the Grand Convention itself. Many happy returns, Susan, and may your business continue to boom!
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Trust our colleague Jaime Picornell to mark his birthday differently this year.
At the Casino Espańol during its monthly luncheon, the Amigos De Espana, which he founded, was well attended with members toasting him with many more years!What was truly admirable was the presence of amiable priest, Fr. John Iacono, who has grown to love Cebu. His lofty mission being chaplain to the inmates of the Bagong Buhay Rehabilitation Center. We all know this is no enviable task, but the good priest embraces his work with utmost diligence and zeal. That day, he gave a short message and it so moved the assemblage that they voluntarily shelled out a generous donation to his cause.
Not only was the chaplain happy, but Jaime was almost moved to tears of joy.
Now, doesn’t this gesture make a positive difference in someone’s life?
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Theresians from HS ’60 are indeed a sociable lot. They meet for almost any occasion under the sun, such as birthdays, despididas and what-have-you.
Recently, the class met to celebrate Elena Du-Jarantilla’s and Sally Gimenez-Baking’s natal day, which fall days apart. Elena’s cozy abode is a favorite spot where the gals can let their hair down with nary a care in the world!
Another get-together at Port Seafood restaurant had three honorees—September-born ladies Lucy Franco-Garcia, Gilda Laput-Bandala, and Sofie Timulak-Lao; and a warm despidida for the latter, whose annual trip to Michigan (USA) was a few days thence. Sofie dotes on her apos and completely surrenders herself to the harsh writers in these parts.
Balikbayan Paching Velez, certainly looks forward to her Cebu sojourns, which she misses very much when the New York snow becomes unbearably chilly.
This time, with the Waterfront Hotel as her base, she was feted right and left by chums and gang mates: Lucy F. Garcia and Paching’s dearest cousin. Sony Velez said there was no end to their exciting updates. We’ll miss you, Ching!
