A grand birthday bash for Shirley

+Her laughter thunders across the room like a blast from a machinegun. There's no other sound like it. She's tough, flamboyant and assertive. But beneath the intimidating exterior, this lady's heart is pure gold. Shirley Ledesma, a very popular figure in Bacolod, recently celebrated her birthday with a big bash at L' Fisher Hotel. Her guests were friends from the academe and various organizations she has been involved in: Circulo de Bacolod, Soroptomist Club, Colegio San Agustin Bacolod and Lex '83 (her fellow law classmates).

Looking younger than her years, the celebrator swept into the room in a shimmering silver and white gown that showed off her whistle-bait figure. On hand to help her welcome her guests were members of her family, who made sure everyone was comfortably seated. Gifted with a brilliant mind and a laser-sharp wit, Shirley kept us laughing all night with her outrageous tales and revelations. After a super delicious dinner, the guests sang Happy Birthday to the celebrator, who positively glowed. Then some of the guests came forward to talk about darling Shirley. Most of them revealed hitherto hidden facets of her life which the audience lapped up with gusto. But the thing that impressed us all, was how Shirley has endeared herself to so many with her kindness, honesty and true friendship. Everyone said, "When she's your friend, you can be sure she'll be there for you through thick and thin."

Later, Shirley thanked all those who came to her birthday celebration. She then convinced everyone to join in the sing-a-long with a contest among the different tables where the guests were seated. Our table rated 98 percent with Mila Moya leading the singing.

The winning table was the Soroptomist Club which got a 99 percent rating (blame it on Edith Robillo!).

The evening ended with Shirley distributing her gifts to us which she had brought from abroad. HAPPY BIRTHDAY SHIRLEY!*