She's 96 and still
vibrant as ever

The lady is 96 and she's still going strong! When Aurora Kilayko (widow of Nicolas Kilayko of Talisay), celebrated her 96th birthday recently, her children: Ma Vicenta Lizares, Pacita Locsin, Ramon, Rudy and Eduardo Kilayko, surprised her with a grand birthday celebration at the Brick Pit Grill attended by her relatives and close friends. There was excitement in the air as Lola Auroring (as she is fondly called), arrived, amidst cheers and applause from her well-wishers. As she excitedly greeted her guests, it was hard to believe that she was all of 96 years and just as sharp as ever!

I was delighted to see her physician, Dr. Rodolfo Jocson who was there with his good-looking son, Dr. Raffy Jocson and his wife. We asked Dr. Rod about the secret of Lola Auroring's good health and keen mind despite her years. He attributed it to her genes, her diet and her positive attitude in life. I should also add that her zest for living is because of the love and devotion of her children and grandchildren. She told me that whenever she feels listless and blue, her son Rudy would immediately suggest a trip to the mall where the sight of all the people and old friends would revive her spirit and enthusiasm. Whenever a new restaurant opens, you can be sure that Lola Auroring and her family would be there to try it. In other words, the lady is living, not just existing.

The dinner was excellent and had the guests coming back to the buffet table for seconds. Grandson Bubut Locsin delighted everyone with his wizardry on the keyboards.

There was singing from the lucky ones who could carry a tune, especially the Frank Sinatra aficionados.

It was quite late when we bade goodbye to the celebrator who was still enjoying her birthday celebration when we called it a night. HAPPY BIRTHDAY LOLA AURORING!

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For all the art and culture lovers in town, be sure to come and see the exhibition,

"Francesco Riccardo Monti in the Philippines" at the Negros Museum which will open on January 14 and will run until March 3, 2006. This is presented by the Negros Cultural Foundation, Inc. in cooperation with the Embassy of Italy, the Phil-Italian Association and the Galleria Duemila. The artist was a famous Italian sculptor from Cremona, Italy who lived in the Philippines from 1930 to 1958. Bacolod City is home to one of his early works. His work, Homage to Agriculture (done in the pre-WWII years), was inaugurated even before the Capitol building was completed. This is definitely, a "must see"!*