'Dumaguete's Golden Boy'

Why turning half-a-century is equated with gold often makes me wonder. I guess if you can survive the trials and tribulations of everyday living, as well as the joy and jubilation of achieving success in all your endeavors and still remain unassuming, then you deserve the gold.

Our November golden boy is none other than the man behind the Scooby's success story, civic and business leader, Dumaguete City Tourism Council chairman, and Councilor of the City Council, friendly, bubbly, gregarious and big man in all senses Manuel "Chiquiting" Teves Sagarbarria. Honorable Chiquiting (as he is warmly nicknamed) celebrated his turning half a century natal day with a dinner party at his residence in Calindagan, Dumaguete.

Après the traditional visit to our dearly departed, relations, business associates and political friends trooped to Honorable Chiquiting and Maissa Sagarbarria's well appointed garden to enjoy the fine wine, scrumptious food, and jovial conversation. Taking pleasure in the delectable repast were Gov. George Arnaiz and his lovely Nannette, Bacolod visitors and the golden boy's kin Ditas, Felix, Taira and Fian Trebol, Al and Tanya Picardal, local kith and kin socialites, Maricris, Pichina, Carol and Mateito Teves, Fining, Mitos and Nekane Llanderal, Bona and Buboy Teves, Chining and Dodo Bustamante, Pom, Linnette and Eva Raymond, Chiqui, Antonio, Marissa and Jaime Yoldi, Mariton Carballo, Chiquiting and Rosanna Ortiz, Marichel and Teddy Magalona, JJ Villanueva, Mike and Nona Locsin, Chechu and Eva Longa, Maite Teves, Carmeli and Lorenzo Zayco, Martin and Carina Teves, associates in the hospitality business Joey Varela, Boy Uymatiao, Bong Noble, many of the Teves younger set, and "beacoup plusâ" of "namedroppables." These were all downed with the best Spanish red and white wines and of course San Mig products. Loving wife Maissa and daughter Chabeli were an asset in the hosting. Son Chako took care of the younger set.

To our leader in the near horizon and this year's golden boy Honorable Chiquiting may you have many more. Go for the gold "primo!" . . . NOUS!*