Rosita's feast

When my beloved Mamá and I entered the ritzy L'Fisher Hotel's elegant La Proa Ballroom, by the entrance was seated the evening's bday gal, DBF (De Buenissima Familia, in case you forgot) Doña Rosita Arregui Montañez dressed in a most elegant frock and looking every inch like the Grande Dame that she is in Bacolod genteel High Society. Already fretting why she couldn't go into the ballroom to entertain her guests, she was totally unaware that a grand entrance was prepared for her with waiters escorting her to her table with sulô lamps ablaze on both sides and trumpets heralding her arrival.

Instead, we were warmly greeted by elegant daughters Australia-based Beth Maramara and Singapore-French resident Rosemarie Charamnac with daughter, Claire, dressed in flowing summer evening frocks that set the tone for the well-dressed perfumed set who attended the evening's celebration. Eldest son New Jersey-based Joe M. was busy preparing the evening's program while son Butch looked dapper in a vested pant ensemble.

Delightful to see was Cebu's gain and Bacolod's loss, fashion icon Rosebud Sala with Escaño beauties Julie and Tina. There were the Redemptorist angels of Doña Rosita: Fathers Lucy and Tobin, Sugrue, Columbian Fathers Gore and Ryan who were her support during the tumultuous martial law days when she marched the streets together with my mother. L'Fisher's chefs went all out for a very classy, healthy menu that included grilled blue marlin and grilled marinated chicken in olive oil ending with mango mallows in Bavarian cream and to-die-for chocolate truffles.

The evening's finale was a program showing Doña Rosita's life in a slideshow, songs and tributes from family and friends. A beautiful life, indeed worth emulating!

MY PRAYER

When my cold hands can no longer embrace Your Cross, forget not the affection with which I embrace it now-and have mercy on me!*