A toast to a judge

The Sea Breeze Hotel in Bacolod was bustling with judges, fiscals, lawyers, politicians, and relatives and friends who joined the birthday celebrator, Municipal Trial Court in Cities Branch 1 Judge Alfredo Peralta Hilario, at a party prepared by his wife, Luz, recently.

All of the celebrator's close friends attended the program emceed by his "pañero," Rudy Parreño.

Judges Moises Nifras and Gorgonio Ybañez enjoined everyone present to honor and give a toast to Judge Hilario, while Judges Napoleon Diamante, Edgar Garvilles and Judge de los Santos sang a medley.

Judge Diamante also played the violin.

A photo-op with the celebrator, and dancing followed.

Judge Hilario has served the judiciary and the people of Negros Occidental for the last twenty-two years. A number of couples wanted him to solemnize their marriage.

He is also an active member of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines-Negros Occidental Chapter and the City Judges Association of the Philippines, and director of the Aklan Association in Negros Occidental.

He was chosen by the Supreme Court as one of the four judges in Western Visayas to participate in the "ASEAN Regional Symposium on Enforcement of Industrial Property Rights."

The judge is married to Luz Raval Andrade, election officer of Talisay City, with whom he has three children -- An Lee who is now married and residing in Melton Kanes, London; April, a physical therapist in Maryland, Washington,; and Jun, working at the MTCC Office of the Clerk of Court.

He said he plans to visit his grandchildren abroad and to enjoy and cultivate his small portion of land and plant vegetables, flowers and medicinal plants. Remember: "It is a wonderful heritage to have an honest father."*