A delightful birthday dinner

Her laughter fills up the room like a booming thunderbolt. Anyone who hears Shirley Ledesma laugh, can never forget it. She is a strong woman, a dominant figure in the community. But beneath that intimidating façade lies a heart of pure gold.

Shirley's friends came in droves, dressed in their best Bacolod “chic,” when she celebrated her birthday recently at L‘Fisher Hotel. The celebrator made a stunning entrance in her elegant ivory gown and immediately greeted everyone with hugs and kisses. On hand to help her welcome her guests were members of her family: son Irwin and daughters Teresa Calvo, Leilani Ledesma and youngest daughter Pinky Javier, who came all the way from London with hubby Nobel and darling toddler, Anika (the apple of her lola's eye).

Dinner was simply yummy and we all had our fill of the delicious cuisine. The after-dinner entertainment was a big surprise. Gracious Inday Pefianco, past president of the Bacolod Lions Sampaguita Club and Soroptomist International of Bacolod, sang a capella to the delight of the crowd. Inday admitted that she rarely sang in public but for love of Shirley, she gladly performed that night.

A dance number by Teresa Ledesma and Joebert Dumancas followed. Other guests who sang during the program were Fr Dormiendo, Edith Robillo, Dr. Nena Nolido and Viol Caram.

The Soroptomist members gave a rousing dance performance while the Circulo de Bacolod led by prexy Mila Moya, wowed the crowd with a hot Latin dance number. Tributes to Shirley were made by her friends and admirers like Judge Lorna Demonteverde, Fe Remitio, former Mayor Joy Valdez, Dr. Cecile Salvador and Gilda Puey. Everyone enjoyed the impromptu performance of the guests.

Shirley glowed like a debutante that evening. Her special guest was Mayor Bing Leonardia who came to greet her on her natal day.

The fun-loving crowd had the time of their lives ballroom dancing ‘til the wee hours. It was a delightful birthday dinner, indeed!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SHIRLEY!*