'Baby Anica's christening'

They call her a "miracle baby" because she almost didn't make it. Little Andrea Camille "Anica" Javier was born at St. Helier Hospital in Carshalton, London weighing 4.9 lbs. Her mom Pinky's bag of water had ruptured twenty days earlier and the baby had to be placed immediately in an incubator in a neonatal unit, because she was in distress.

Those attending the delivery were a bit alarmed because the baby had meconium stain, high lactate and low BM. Pinky had experienced bleeding several times during her pregnancy aside from suffering pre-eclampsia. Her doctors in London had wanted to do a Caesarian section but being a nurse, Pinky was adamant about delivering her baby normally. Finally, Baby Anica, a fighter just like her mom, was born.

Almost a year later, the grand Christening was held here at St. Joseph Parish Church with Fr. Mitzh Guadalupe officiating. Godparents were: Roland Reyes, Irwin Ledesma, John Floro, Michael Sarabia, Michael Maramag, Michael Javelosa, Aufred Sa-onoy, Grace Ferrer, Teresa Calvo, Dawn Cortes, Rachelle Javier, Anfidelit Ibuyan, Daisy Binas and Jonah Vergara. The reception at L'Fisher Hotel, was attended by friends of Anica's parents Nobel and Pinky Javier, as well as her grandmama Shirley Ledesma's friends. Guests came from as far as East London, Chicago Illinois and New Jersey, USA, Cebu and Manila just to attend the affair. Our beloved amiga Shirley, whose over-the-top panache is never more in evidence than at her parties, welcomed the guests with much humor and wit. Pinky's best friend in London, Grace Ferrer, spoke of Anica's difficult birth and how relieved they were when it was all over.

Through all the excitement, Anica showed much poise and charm (just like her "dakilang lola"!). Everyone enjoyed the delectable buffet of international cuisine. (The roast beef was "to-die-for"!). Nobel and Pinky were all over, seeing to it that all the guests received the precious party favor - an enchanting baby angel figurine. WELCOME TO THE WORLD, ANICA!*