EVERYONE calls her Nanay, it's because of her overly concern to people who needs help. Some newsmen label her as the "Mother Teresa" of Pampanga. My colleagues in Capampangan Media Inc. (CAMI) describe her as "Mother of Perpetual Help." But whatever you may want to call her, she is Nanay Baby to tens of thousands who are recipients of her generosity. Most of them are sick people who were extended help when they needed it most. Very recently, and that was last February 21, Friday, it was her 69th birthday and a party was held at the family owned Royce Hotel and Casino in Clark Freeport. The hotel's ballroom became too small for the more or less thousands of well-wishers. She hopped from one table to the other table with guests sincerely requesting a selfie with her. I am lucky to be one of those invited, and I can feel the very sincere admiration of people who wanted to have a photograph with her. It was the kindness and generosity of Nanay Baby which were the main topic in our table which I shared with Mayor Pogi Lazatin, actress Vivian Velez, Cynthia Garcia and some politicians from Nueva Ecija whose name I can't remember.
At the other table beside ours was Archbishop emeritus Paciano "Apu Ceto" Aniceto, who was enjoying the music provided by the band while happy conversing with former Pagcor manager Joe Tulio with wife Divine and San Fernando businesswoman Tess Chua, who seemingly has moved on since the passing last year of her husband Eddie.
It was some sort of a reunion for Angeles City Mayor Carmelo "Pogi" Lazatin, Bryan Nepomuceno and Alex Caugiran, the three "combatants" in the most recent mayoral race. I saw them huddled even for some minutes. Lazatin came all by his lonesome, Nepomuceno as with wife Erica, mom Cecil and dad Robin. Caugiran was with his wife and was so animated in telling his stories on the table where my friends Rico Guilas Jojo Flores and former Bacolor Mayor Buddy Dungca were seated. Birthday Girl Nanay with her husband sportsman were the most photographed that evening. Senator Ramon "Bong" Revilla, Congressman Dong Gonzales, Pampanga mayors were all present led by their president Minalin Mayor Edgar Flores. I spotted Macabebe Mayor Bobong Flores who came with his wife. San Fernando Mayor Edwin Santiago had a short huddle with Apo Ceto, tapped my shoulder and waved to my companions at the table.
The other mayors I spotted were Jing Capil of Porac, Ninang Ronquillo of of Sto. Tomas, Jun Tetangco of Apalit, Dante Torres of Guagua, Ross Gamboa of Sta. Ana among others. Even former San Simon Mayor Leonard Wong, presently the town's vice mayor came even on a wheelchair. The provincial board members led by Senior BM Dinan Labung and Rosve Henson came in full force. I saw the happy face of Governor Dennis aka Delta who was most delighted to witness a successful birthday party honoring her mom.
There were some invited performers from Manila the likes of Jovit Baldovino and Marco Sison among others. It was Kukay, the Pinedas youngest daughter who painstakingly did all preparations. All the guests were impressed that night. It was a simple but meaningful birthday bash for the Nanay.