'Man of the hour!'

One of the luminaries of the Philippine cinema, the head honcho of Premiere Productions/Peoples Pictures, a slice of the "big five pie" of the golden age of Filipino movies (the 50s and 60s), who later spread his celluloid wings, and co-produced and directed films in partnership with the international king of B-Films Roger Corman, films still being shown in the underground art houses of the major capitals of the world is Cirio Santiago.

Now chairman of the Laguna Lake Development Authority, Santiago, who claims that his major achievement is being an honorary citizen of Oriental Negros because of his long-time marriage to socialite-philanthropist Annabelle Teves Raymond, marked a major milestone in his super-duper fast life and turned a youthful seventy a few cool January days ago.

His natal day was trumpeted with a two day "to do", lovingly put together by wife Annabelle. Not to miss this auspicious event, "Nous" glued on his wings and flew to Imperial Manille in a comfy Cebu Pacific seat.

A prelude to the big day was a dinner at their elegant Ayala Alabang home with old friends from their "boogie-woogie" and "baybay" days in good ole Dumaguete, sharing tidbits and funny anecdotes from the "devil may care" days. There was much laughter elicited by Jaime Romero Salas, still his gregarious self.

The main event (birthday) was Chinese dinner and pre "Kung Hei Fat Choy" celebration at the popular Hai-Shin-Lou with close family and friends from the Malacañang inner "sanctum-sanctorum" the likes of Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita (who was in his usual rushed self and left before I could whip out my new digital), Government Media Bureau Secretary Serge Remonde, SM Cinemas big boy Rick Camaligan, controversial but yet right MMFF boss Wilson Tieng, Solar's Willie Tieng, Lucas Pasiliao and other who's-who in the political, business and movie world, there to give popular Cir a hug and a big pat on the back for a life well lived. All the Santiago siblings except for Cathy who is in far off "La-La Land" were present to proclaim Cir as the best dad in the world. Great birthday.

And that my dears were highlights of my "once-in-a-blue-moon" Manila sojourn! Have a good day…NOUS!*