A grand birthday bash

It was a grand birthday bash recently for sugar industry leader Enrique “Nene” Rojas who brought together the who's who in Negros Occidental, and about 200 guests who included former Sen. John Osmeña.

Cars were parked along the main streets of the subdivision towards the sprawling Rojas residence, a well-attended party indeed.

The celebrator dashing in his black striped polo looked years younger. His better half, the former Lourdes Montilla, was also a sight to behold in her immaculate evening attire accentuated by sparkling gems. Surprisingly present that night was Boy Montilla, who was looking great as ever, despite having just recovered from a heart ailment, but said he wouldn't miss the affair.

Nene's parties are well-known for their delicious food, good crowd and wine. The sugarman, known to have one of the best wine collections in the Visayas, made sure the best wines flowed freely, and that, guests had their glasses filled, and well taken care of.

Nene is the long-time president of the National Federation of Sugarcane Planters. His leadership revolutionized the free education system for children of sugarcane workers in the country through the establishment of the NFSP Foundation Skills and Training Center, where the children of farm laborers are educated to become professionals and are assisted in getting jobs here and abroad after graduation.*