‘My cup runneth over…..'

When you're young and life is ahead of you, birthdays are usually celebrated with the usual fuss and excitement. But as you grow older, you hate to be reminded of how old you are and want to observe your natal day quietly (so people won't remember your age!).

This is what I had planned to do on my recent birthday. But my friends Dr. Ver Lacson and Mila Moya (president of “Circulo de Bacolod”), would have none of it. The two “conspirators” decided to throw a big bash at Dr. Ver's luxurious home complete with good food and dancing ‘til you drop!

They gathered the members of the Circulo, who came in full force, members of my family and some of my close friends to savor the delectable cuisine and enjoy the scintillating conversation amidst so much laughter and the heady effects of the sparkling red wine.

The dinner was superb as all the guests delighted over the crispiest lechon this side of Negros, the juicy ham, chicken roulade, delicious Lapu-Lapu in oyster sauce, an authentic Italian Pasta Putanesca (concocted by a real Italian chef friend of Dr. Ver's) and of course, the dessert bar which was groaning with “to-die-for” desserts: a gigantic birthday cake from former Rep. John Orola, a decadent chocolate cake from Mila Moya, a ‘Sabayone' dessert from Luci Lizares and yummy Buco Pie from Boy Montilla, together with fresh fruits and a special fruit compote of Dr. Ver's. Wow! Wotta spread!

Then it was time to party! The music was so tempting that Mila and Joebert opened the dancing with a hot cha-cha number followed by the rest of the swinging crowd.

A surprise guest was Mayor Bing Leonardia, who came from a meeting and said he just wanted to wish me a Happy Birthday! It was indeed a most memorable evening for me as I know that having good friends is such a blessing – “My cup runneth over with love”. You guys are terrific! The party was a blast!*