Sitoy Alvarez celebrates 86 years

CEBU, Philippines -  Luis Rosas Alvarez, as a young boy, had a very happy childhood and he longed to experience and recapture that moment in his life. And what better time to make that sentimental journey than during his 86th birthday, surrounded by family, close relatives and dear friends.

His home then was the Zulueta House, located in the heart of old Parian.   Allow me to go back in time.  

In 1730, when the Jesuits first came to Cebu, they engaged Chinese artisans from Manila to build a strong house, which overlooks a spacious inner courtyard walled high with strong limestone blocks. The brick tiles of the entire roof were brought from China and the heavy antique wooden doors and carved décor on the walls are genuine Chinese in style.

In the 19th century after the Jesuits left, the property exchanged hands several times until Don Luis Alvarez y Diaz, a wealthy haciendero with roots from Asturias, Spain took possession of the house. Together with his wife, the former Irene Rosas fondly called Niyang, the couple eventually had 12 children, one of whom was Luis, better known as Sitoy.

In 1943, Don Luis died unexpectedly of a heart attack at the age of only 57. Eventually, the Zulueta House was sold by his heirs to Chinese businessman Nicanor Sy, the owner of Hotong Hardware Company, considered once upon a time as the largest firm in Cebu. His son Jimmy, with his wife, the former Margarita Vaño, recently transformed the house, considered one of the oldest buildings in the old part of early Cebu, into a museum. 

One evening not too long ago, the invited guests all clad in various Filipiniana attires—the ladies in Maria Clara and baro't saya to the elegant ternos and the gentlemen from the simple camisa chino to exquisitely embroidered barong tagalogs, meandered through the private quarters of the once proud mansion led by the former occupants. They proceeded unto the public areas such as the sala, comedor, balcon, y cucina, each learning something new and moved on through the different sections along the way while the erstwhile former residents of La Casa de Zulueta, Sitoy and his younger brother Itos, shared stories of the beautiful times gone by. It was certainly a walk in history.

The grand salon, with a massive dining table, easily accommodated 40 guests. It was beautifully decorated with antique candelabras and tropical flowers.

The daughters and only daughter in law of the birthday celebrator Luis and his ever supportive wife Ditas Borromeo Alvarez – the eldest, Manila-based Merche Castro; Marita, top honcho of the family-owned Costabella Hotel & Resort, whose husband, prize winning photographer Raul Arambulo, took care of capturing the milestone with photos; Mariles Nable, gifted with the talent of organizing anything under the sun, put things together; Marisse Sy, who constantly whips up delicious, mouth watering desserts; and daughter- in-law Hazel, married to the youngest and only son Lui – left nothing unturned to make the celebration something that everyone will remember for a long, long time. 

It was truly an unforgettable affair of thanksgiving, reminiscing, sharing, bonding and loving. (FREEMAN)