A Birthday with
Glam and Glitz!

Former Governor and Congressman of the third district, political godfather of Negros Oriental, Herminio “Meniong” Teves turned a bright and sprite 88 years a fortnight ago.

Like I always say, “Balboa made the wrong turn when he headed west to discover the fountain of youth centuries ago, should have headed east ‘cause the bearer of such phenomena is right here in NegOr in the personage of Tito Meniong! Yes pals, he is the epitome of lasting youth, full of vim, vigor and vitality.”

To celebrate the auspicious occasion, his loving wife Tita Victoria “Turing” Teves and their offsprings Gary, Pam, Bebot, Dodong, Baby, Lorna, Lingcoy and Janice gathered all the social, political and business elite of the region to a birthday bash that was strictly glam and glitz.

It was in the old Hollywood style with a show of their star studded cast of family and friends in Broadway number all in shades of red and silver.

For starters the mammoth Convention Center was turned into a sound stage of Warner Brothers with yards and yards of red and silver satin draped cloudlike. Tables for 10 strewn all over were centered by red roses and calla lilies gigantic arrangements, so much like the “Mogambo” of Sunset Boulevard of yesteryears. The chairs were equally chic in white. Wines and spirits flowed freely, with the rush of the Niagara, from the bar. Ingenious buffet tables filled with Japanese and Chinese delectables and delicacies were strategically placed all over.

The “palabas” put together by Tito Meniong’s sons, daughters, grand and great grand children, and emceed by designer of the decade Rajo Laurel was heartwarming and “plain ole fun” bringing nostalgic misty eyes to the multitude. There were numbers from “the great white way” hits like the Rogers and Hammerstein’s immortal classics, “Cabaret”, “Gypsy”, “Sweet Charity”, of course “A Chorus Line.”

Secretary Gary Teves was a surprise serenading his dad backed by the “supreme sisters” Bebot Laurel, Ninnette Teves and niece Lizbeth Villanueva. A very Gypsy Rose Lee Janice Gaston was charming in her “Let me Entertain You” number.

The clincher was a show stopper with a Marilyn Monroeish granddaughter Angela Teves Laurel jumping out of the birthday cake; Bugsy Malone couldn’t have done any better! What a wonderful short but sweet show!

It was an awesome party long to be remembered by the Negrense elite. Wishing The Grand Old Man of Negros, Meniong Teves, many more fruitful years. Looking forward to your 98th!...NOUS!*