Joven's 90th Birthday

Jovita "Joven" Ouano Du (wife of the late Dr. Graciano Du) was honored by her children… Dr. Maribel Du, Archie Du, Gerry Du (who came all the way from LA, USA), and Gigi Du Macachor to a dinner-musical to celebrate her 90th birthday on January 9th at the Cebu Country Club.

Joven, as she is fondly called by relatives and friends, looking younger than her age, was in her element on her birthday.

The evening's affair started with a Thanksgiving Mass celebrated by Archbishop John Du of Palo, Leyte and concelebrated by another relative, Fr. Carmelo O. Diola and a dear friend Fr. Socrates Saldua. Right after the mass, Ernie Ouano, brother of Joven, host for the evening, asked Bishop John to pray over his aunt Joven. Then dinner followed. As dinner was going on, tributes were delivered by Joven's brothers and sisters who came from Canada and the USA, just to be with her on this memorable occasion… Dr. Romeo Ouano and wife Azon from Philadelphia; Ernie and Lita Ouano, and Norma O. Reyes from Canada.

Last to give tribute was Ernie who revealed the extreme goodness and generosity of his Manang Joven during his younger days. A living testimony of her generosity was from Joven's student in 1973, Macky Cabiluna, whom she helped when she was still teaching at the Abellana High School, and as a tribute to Maam Joven, dedicated a song "What a Wonderful World!" This was followed with another song from charismatic daughter Dr. Belle dishing beautifully "Home," and ended the program with another song "Because You Loved Me" by her children and grandchildren. Gerry Du then led a toast for good health as the smiling celebrator made her response.

After the dinner and program, dancing followed, and to our surprise, the festejada Joven danced for a while and thanked everyone for coming to her birthday celebration. Dr. Belle also thanked Mila Cabiluna and Adel Veloso for the successful coordination of the affair!