Celebrating 95 years

The 95th birthday celebration of Luisa "Ising" Diaz-Lacson was planned by her grandchildren who invited us to an evening of laughter and songs for their lola, at the Grand Ballroom of the Bacolod Business Inn, recently.

Relatives, guests and friends came in their most elegant 60's attires, relived rock and roll with Elvis Presley, remembered "Yesterday" with the Beatles, and had Breakfast at Tiffany's with Audrey Hepburn.

The celebrator made a grand entrance with her sister, Celia Diaz-Laurel, and the almost four hundred well-wishers sang "Happy Birthday," followed by the youngest grandson, Jordan Matti's rendition of "The Lord's Prayer."

It was a sight to behold when moms or dad, titos, titas and brods and sisters took pictures of the "Polka Dot Bikini" number danced by the apos aged 2 to 7 years old.

Msgr. Gigi Gaston serenaded the celebrator with a Spanish song, while Cocoy Laurel delighted the crowd with his "Some Enchanted Evening," rendition. His mom Celia Diaz Laurel sang "Embrace Me", and she was followed by brother Julio Diaz, then, cousin Dr. Rudy Patiño.

Dereck Beige from England and Italy also gave tribute to the celebrator.

A 60's dance medley by her children and sons-in-law, "My Girl," and other dances from branches in Cebu, Iloilo, Talisay and Manila followed.

A video of her wedding with the late Don Fernando Lacson, the births of the first child up to 12th, and later with the in-laws and apos. In lieu of gifts, the celebrator requested that donations to her pre-school outreach program he made.

To Tita Ising, may the Good Lord continually bless you and your family!*

Remember: "Face your problems as they arise. Don't anticipate trouble. The majority of worries revolve around problems that never occur."