Mon Marks 60

CEBU, Philippines - Ramon Jarque,  the youngest of my three brothers, celebrated another milestone in his life when he turned 60 recently.

Very true to  his  good-natured and uncomplicated character, Mon, as he is fondly called – simply wanted quiet, quality  time with family  as he marked his special day.

Unknown to him, his three children had other plans for him.

A few days prior to the big day, Cebu resident and  youngest daughter Cristina and her husband Mike Sasnouvski  casually invited their dad for dinner at the Casino Español de Cebu. Over dessert,  Mon’s London-based eldest daughter Margarita Bellal and brother Eduque, on job training in Europe, walked in and surprised him. Understandably Mon was speechless, overwhelmed with happiness.     

Preparations  began in earnest. Everyone pitched in with ideas, keeping in mind  the celebrant’s wish for a simple affair.  And so it was, a close-knit dinner at his well appointed home with immediate family, relatives and some closest of the closest friends  in attendance.

The invitees walked along  the  driveway which was  lined with torches and white and black balloons  that  were strategically placed among the lush foliage.

Ramon, an avid fan of the Beatles, together with the  guests enjoyed  a  video anthology of the legendary British group  that Eduque masterfully put  together.

The night’s piece de resistance   was the  surprise video presentation chronicling memorable moments from Ramon’s life that left some  invitees in stitches and others close to tears.  

It was an evening of merriment and many happy memories for this birthday celebrator who is definitely loved by everyone.