'December grand dames!'

As ever a chic dresser, quintessential hostess, and world traveler, NegOr's legendary social icon, visible in the Court of St. James during the Romero Ambassadorship of the fifties, mingled with the elite in the cafes, bistros and parties of the Spanish and Italian capitals during the sixties, a member of good standing of the high flying Benny Toda jet set of the seventies and a ballroom diva of late, Mediong Teves celebrated her natal day with a low key luncheon in the company of her close nieces, (now her constant companions since her equally socialite sisters have gone to their Heavenly Social Ball), at the El Dorado Beach Resort in close by Dauin.

Enjoying the Spanish red and white wines, antipasto of calamari, ceviche, sausages and fresh veggies followed by a generous spread of Chicken Cordon Bleu, Bicol Express, and Fish cooked the Basque way and crisp Caesar's Salad were her "favorite" nieces Maricris, Pichina and Bona Teves, Fining and Mitos Llanderal, Ula Villanueva, Chiqui Yoldi, Chining and Chona Bustamante, Mariton Carballo, Eva Raymond, lone sis-in-law Charito Teves, good friend Margie Gonzalez and her best birthday gift, the brief and rare social appearance of only surviving sister, NegOr's renowned beauty of all time, Lourdes Llanderal.

Natch her "fave" nephew "moi" didn't miss the heartwarming day! Force of habit Tony Ramas-UyPitching turned on the radio for music to start the day with a smile, lo and behold to their surprise and utter shock the singing was live with the golden voices of the Women's Auxiliary Bible Study group of the Dumaguete Christian Church doing the Mañanita Birthday Choral rendition for blue blooded matriarch of the successful UyPitching clan, Karen Terng Ramas-UyPitching.

It was truly an early birthday surprise for "mama" so quietly and ingeniously put together by her sons Ngoan, Tyrone, Don and daughters-in-law Arlene, Nancy and Marissa. Presented with thirty dozen red roses flown in from Manila, teary-eyed and visibly pleased "doyenne" Karen welcomed the who's-who of Dumaguete to a Bible Study, Prayer Worship and Dedication. Apres, a magnificent Breakfast repas of Baked Goodies, Eggs cooked in many ways, spreads of meats and noodles for long life was put together by the gourmet fingers of Nerisse. The UyPitching clan prepared their special "Lugaw" that's fit for the pallet of emperors. It was truly a wonderful surprise for the VIP's 70th birthday, Karen Ramas UyPitching, one of NegOr's Grand Dames is truly well loved judging from the throngs that got an early rise to pay homage and wish her the best. To our December Grand Dames, may you have many more blessings................NOUS!*