Birthday, balikbayan visit

It's nice to see Philippine flags waving as the country marks today its 109th Independence Day. Let's celebrate.

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One of the most memorable birthday celebrations held recently was that of Luzviminda Abdon Sartaguda or "Island" to her friends and family, at the Business Inn in Bacolod City. The celebrator was especially happy because her sons Edgar and Alan, and Dr. Aileen were present.

Daughter Aileen took care of the reception, while sister Paquita Torres saw to the menu, and Alan was responsible for the huge birthday cake. A three-day holiday at the South Sea Hotel in Dumaguete City was courtesy of nephew Ernesto and Carmen Maalat.

She also thanked Jessie Vasquez and Nenita Tulaybe for their kindness.

Also present were high school and college classmates from ONI (now UNO-R). Guests enjoyed dancing to the music of Trio Latino.

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Raymond and Chloe Fuentebella, now based in London, were here recently, and were quite surprised to see how the City of Smiles has changed, particularly with the emergence of shopping malls.

Again, it was a hello-and-goodbye dinner tendered by Ramon and Diding Gamboa Guanzon at Kai Sei. During tea time, the young ones excused themselves, to go jamming.

Remember:

A real friend is one who walks in when the rest of the world walks out*