HOW many of us could possibly ever hope to reach 90 years of life? Well, a very nice lady we know, Lydia Abad-Mackenzie did, and how?
For this singular occasion, Lydia’s close-knit family, legions of friends, and beloved classmates and schoolmates went all out to make this birthday lunch both significant and unforgettable!
Her schoolmates from St. Theresa’s College (STC) where Lydia and all her sisters pursued their studies, gathered ‘round her for the blowing of the candles and the lively birthday song! Of course, the sumptuous Chinese lauriat at Grand Majestic was also something to rave about!
Let me give my thanks to Lydia’s thoughtful sister, Las Vegas-based Linda, who so graciously provided these photos. And to Lydia, here’s to many more years of life and more life to those years!
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This year, Cebu’s finest Marco Polo Plaza Cebu veered slightly in its usual display of Spanish gastronomy. For its Sabores de España: Viva Madrid food fest, the hotel’s lobby lounge sprouted little “tiendas” serving an unlimited variety of Spain’s famous “tapas.” So innovative and colorful!
We have to give credit where it’s due. “Sabores” was headed by Cebu’s Authority on Spanish cuisine, Gema Pido, who conceptualized this with the Marco Polo culinary team. Aside from the “tapas,” there were the regular favorites: Jamon Serrano, Seafood Paella, Fabadas and Leche Frita.
The grand opening cocktails had a pair of “matadors” garbed in Spain’s fiery colors; red and yellow, as special guests, Spain’s Honorary Consul in Cebu, Anton Perdices and Amparito Lhuillier sliced the Jamon Serrano. Ole!
Obviously very pleased with the impressive event were the hotel VIPs, general manager Julie Najar, resident manager Xavier Masson, director of marketing Lara Scarrow, communications manager Manna Alcaraz and public relations officer Yvonne Silva.
Congrats all. Same time next year, si?