Inaugurals and parties

Msgr. Victorino Rivas officiated at the inauguration of the Marby Arcade at La Salle Avenue recently with Frs. Jojie Ansula, Emil Jaruda, Renato Bebit and Jude Serfino.

Very visible that day were Tony and Offie Manaloto, the moving force behind the new fully air-conditioned arcade, and their sons Oliver and Micco. Guests were all praise for the building's new metropolitan look. The 15 establishments in the arcade were blessed that day including the 4th branch of Marby Computer Center, Marby Extreme.

The second floor has a 16-room ladies dormitory that could comfortably accommodate six to a room.

Sumptuous snacks followed the rites. Among the tenants are Jaki's owned by Jaqui Felix and Yummy-Yummy.

Among the guests were Laura Lizares, Manuel Yu, Linda Yu, Remedios Reyes, Cecile Ploteña, Manay and Mencion Manaloto, Jeremae Te, Sharon Tiu, Deni Chua of Paperbeam and Cristina Gamboa.

SERVANTS OF THE LORD

The Servants of the Lord Community held at party on the theme "Christmas Around the World" at the SJI Gym. Members wore costumes of various countries. The group of Emma came in Filipiniana attire while others were in Japanese and Hawaiian costumes. The group of Sally Tan wore Belen costumes. About 250 members attended the party.

A day before Christmas, for the past 72 years, the Parreño family upholds the tradition set by their parents, the late Amado and Mrs. Parreno, Sr., of treating the blind, deaf and homeless to a sumptuous lunch at their mansion at San Sebastian Street. This tradition has been passed on from generation to generation. Close to a thousand indigents were given free lunch and even gifts to take home this year.

The tradition began as a promise of Atty. and Mrs. Amado Parreño Sr. Before to the birth of Remache, his three older siblings died at infancy. Remache got diphtheria and was pronounced clinically dead. His parents stormed heaven with prayers and made a promise that every 24th of December, they will feed the blind, eventually including all other disabled. Mayor Parreño considers this his real birthday since it is this day when he "lived." Mayor Bing Leonardia who was present at the party said: "This is one of a kind. The only institution of this kind in Bacolod. It takes character, and this is inherent in the Parreño clan. Very laudable. May their tribe increase."

Dr. Patria Parreno-Gensoli likewise helped organized the charitable event and, together with her brother, former Mayor Remache, gave food and gifts to the indigents.

A BIRTHDAY

Civic leader Nemesia Sy celebrated her birthday at her Capitolville residence recently. Among those present were her friends at the Negros Occidental Garden Club. The celebrator is also with the Soroptimists International and other clubs. She was behind the recent Garden Show of the NOGC held in the back of the Provincial Capitol.

A happy, happy birthday!

GOLDEN MILESTONE

It was a grand 50th wedding anniversary for the Chuganis, one of Bacolod's pioneer Indian families, at the ballroom of the L'Fisher Hotel. With patriarch, Bob, and matriarch Lachmi, they chose Bacolod to be their home. Guests, relatives and children jetted in from various parts of the country and abroad to attend the event.

Among those who attended were the Sunshine Boys, of which Bob is a member; Diotay and Virgie Lopue, Billy and Bing-bing Lopue, Rep. Monico and Patching Puentevella, Mayor Bing and Elsa Leonardia, members of La Salle Batch High School Batch '75, and Tony and Ofelia Manaloto.

The couple's grandchildren and relatives presented an Indian dance and song numbers after dinner.*