Twin celebration

It was a double whammy celebration with the two important events. First the Sarabia Group of Opticals held a thanksgiving Mass officiated by Msgr. GG. Gaston for the successful centennial jubilee and the birthday of the honorary chairman and the only surviving son of the late Dr. Federico Sarabia.

First to arrive for the rehearsal of the surprise numbers for the celebrator were Vivian Sarabia, Rosalie Treñas, Sandra and Ray Gomez, Ed, Fred and Toto Sarabia, and Joanna Sarabia Halili from Florida to help her mom Nelly, with Tima Lacson, Christine Herras and Millie Kilayko adding a glittering touch to the birthday bash.

Held at Sugarland Hotel, the happy affair was attended by life long cherished friends of Tony and Nelly who all flew in from Manila, like the CEO and publisher of Daily Manila Standard, and his wife Mini who were both college chums of Dr. Tony in Wisconsin University in the 50's.

Present, too, were Tess and Buddy Santos, Bert and Imelda Silayan and Bert Balagot who were all witnesses to Tony and Nelly's courtship in Chicago and classmates from UST Dr. Jesus Tuma Cruz and Dr. Ed Villacorta. Not to be out done were the popular Sunshine Boys of which Tony is a member who sing their National Anthem "You are my Sunshine ."

The Sarabia cousins presented their song and dance number followed by the celebrator's children, serenading their parents with their favorite love songs.

A truly good start, Sarabia Eye Optical, opened another branch owned by Dr. Christine Sarabia Herras at SM Mega Mall with cousin, Iloilo first lady Rosalie Treñas, Dr. Vivian, Ed, Fred and Toto Sarabia cutting the ceremonial ribbon.

REMEMBER:

"We can have our best witness in the worst of times"*