BRENDA Aranas Tenk always dreamed of having a sitcom. A natural stand-up comedian whenever there is company, or as husband Jan would say, there is never a dull moment at home.
Brenda went beyond that – she threw in some hot moves and fulfilled her dreams for her hot and spicy 60th birthday celebration.
While in most birthday celebrations, the celebrant is wooed and honored with a program by family and friends, expectedly, Brenda did a twist – she wooed and wowed her audience in the flair that only Brenda can do!
As guests were all settled in their seats, Jan told the crowd, “But where is Brenda?” In a steaming Salsa number, Marlene Monfort opens the act, her dancing prowess surprised the crowd.
Then Brenda, all in flaming red and steaming as Tabasco can be, did her extensions, and gyrated wantonly to the Salsa beat. Applause, standing ovation, whistles… who would imagine the celebrant will make her glorious entrance in such a fashion. But nothing can get past Brenda when it comes to bending the norm.
The first time I met Brenda, immediately I knew much about her. Not one who is shy or mysterious, Brenda is candid and transparent as clear glass. Your first impressions are further enhanced the more you become familiar with her.
For Brenda’s birthday, we all learned more about her. We journeyed with the anecdotes of her dorm classmates. Arriving in St. Scholastica’s Manila, timid and quiet, skinny with curly tops, they wondered who this girl is. And she is from Toboso, not knowing where that place is.
Was it metamorphosis or true identity just playing dormant? In less than a month of familiarity, the butterfly, now comfortable in her new home, emerged to its natural state-loud, resourceful, persuasive and the ultimate charmer.
The closest of friends say she can wiggle her way to an agreement even in the utmost bipolarity of your opinions.
Persuasive I must agree. Jan and her son David did a Gangnam performance. Most wives and mothers cannot come close to that. And even her classmates – some who are intrinsically bashful and retiring were coaxed into a dance number.
Brother Clint also came to the stage and narrated his “bullying” ordeal with Brenda. Wanting a more stellar life for him, she would arrange for him to go to Broadcast City in the hope of a part in some shows. While he loathed it, he did as a dutiful younger brother would do – Obey! But in the end, he wizened up and was able to shake his way out of it.
Brenda felt “roasted” as all the funny and amusing stories unveiled from more flatmates and other intimate friends. Roasted perhaps but lovingly so. Brenda wouldn’t be Brenda if she wasn’t the fun, lovable persona with the ultimate zest for life. And she is blessed with the precious gift of humor and laughter.
At 60, she decided to do it all. If Clint couldn’t land a job in the big and small screen, and she was not discovered while she waited in the sidelines playing his “manager,” then she gave herself license to live and fulfill her dreams.
Bravo Brenda! You are definitely one of a kind and the only person who can pull it off with such aplomb, umph and ahhh! You had all of us bending over laughing. Unique, hilarious, passionate, fabulous! Brenda take a bow!