The DU Reunion

Setting of a marvelous dinner-cum-get together was the fabulous mansion of Ben and Carmela “Cami” Du nestled on top of the Newport Coast commanding a panoramic vista of the Pacific Ocean. This writer once attended Ben’s and Cami’s dinner party a year back and truly, their manse is fabulous to a T. As I mentioned before, their dream house was a theme in every room.

Anyway, reason for the gathering was the reunion of the Du’s. Ben and Cami invited their brothers Romy and wife Elvie and Boy with wife Robie to go on a ten-day Alaskan Cruise. Cousins from Cebu, Elena Du Jarantilla and hubby Rolly were also invited with another cousin Linda Du from Temecula.

But before the trip, Ben and Cami, the ultimate hosts, threw a big party to have all the Dus see each other again. Leading the list of cousins were Emma and Karl Lewis, Edwin and Rosie Du, Richard Du Lim, Gigi Du and Jose Loaiza, Malcolm and Jeanne Du Johnson, Gerry and Fiza Du, Vincent and Gemma Yu, Letty and Andrew Du. Ben and Cami’s daughter Lizette Du Pribus with hubby Chris also joined with lovely daughters Christiana and Jessica. Also on hand vacationing from Cebu were Mark and Beep Jarantilla with son Kobe. And of course don’t forget the kids led by Jason Du, Allie and Alec, Kaya and Luke, Maya and Nicholas who played around the huge yard watching the beautiful California sunset overlooking the Pacific Ocean.

By the way, Ben and Cami still continue to carry on with their philanthropic legacy having the Orange County Community Foundation and helped local charities. In fact, OCCF is proud again to be able to help the Du family reach their goals and assist in the teaching of future generations about the spirit of philanthropy. Especially now, Ben and Cami are helping fund music and performing arts programs of the Orange County Performing Arts Center where both Ben and Cami sit as members of the Board of Directors. In fact, in the latest issue of Orange Coast magazine, Ben and Gami were featured and their photos appeared in their formal attires during the Segerstrom Center for the Arts’ 37th annual Candle Light Concert which raised more than $1 million to support arts and education programs.

At any rate, the oh-so-joyous reunion in Newport Coast reignited the very special and unique bond the Dus have shared. It was a fun-filled night of catching up and gossip...all clean fun. Food was aplenty and drinks aflowing.

The big question was...when are the Cebu group coming back again. Perhaps, there should be another one next year…probably in Cebu where it all started!