A Rosy lungheon for Rose

Celebrating her natal day in style, the ever-gracious Rose Lazaro hosted a delightful 88th birthday and thanksgiving lunch at the Grand Ballroom of Okada Manila in Parañaque City.

By 11 a.m., guests were warmly welcomed and escorted to the dance floor by professional dance instructors while enjoying delectable canapés and refreshing drinks.

Luminaries from the government, business, and social sectors as well as relatives, friends, and co-members from the Friends for Cultural Concerns of the Philippines (FCCP), where Rose once served as president, graced the occasion.

Your columnist with Chuck Lazaro

The ballroom was a vision of elegance with floral bouquets adorning tables and a captivating LED display of the celebrator’s photos. An exquisite sit-down menu made by Okada’s top chefs and an orchestra serenading us with timeless tunes set the perfect ambiance.

Julia and Myra Lazaro with lawyer Mitch Lazaro and Joyce Dela Merced

Renowned singer-songwriter Ogie Alcasid delivered stirring performances, followed by a heartwarming birthday song led by Rose’s son. With heartfelt gratitude, the woman of the hour thanked her children, grandchildren, and guests for their unwavering love, making her special day truly unforgettable.

Rotary District 3810 past district governor and Rotary Club of Bagumbayan-Manila (RCBM) board of advisers member Ernie Ochoa, past president and board of advisers member Eric Marquez, president Jojo Uy Ching, guest of honor and speaker, Manila Mayor Dr. Honey Lacuna-Pangan, and all-star president and past president and chairman of Ten Outstanding Overseas Filipino Workers flagship project Manny Inserto

RCBM honors 10 outstanding OFWs

The Rotary Club of Bagumbayan-Manila (RCBM) celebrated its sixth annual recognition of excellence, honoring the Ten Outstanding Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) for 2024-2025. Held at the elegant Midas Hotel & Casino in Pasay City, esteemed guests included guest of honor and speaker, Manila Mayor Dr. Honey Lacuna-Pangan, who gave plaques of recognition to the awardees.

Among the recipients were distinguished individuals like Coco Martin and doctors Joseph Berlin Juanzon and Ronald Romero, whose remarkable contributions from the time they were still working abroad until today span various fields — entertainment, engineering, logistics, and education — and showcase the exemplary spirit of Filipino talent and dedication across the globe, as well as here in the country.

The Ten Outstanding Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) for 2024-2025 awardees: (from left) Engr. Cipriano Abdon, seaman and master mariner Capt. Gerald Flora represented by his wife Portia, seaman and master mariner Capt. Rodel Mangaba, Evelyn Refugio, Leah de Guzman, Hope Francisco, and Roseller Martinez

The ceremony, led by RCBM officials president Jojo Uy Ching, all-star president and past president and chairman of this Ten Outstanding Overseas Filipino Workers flagship project Manny Inserto and past president and board of advisers member Eric Marquez, underscored the invaluable role of OFWs in nation-building and economic development through their outstanding achievements and service.

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You may email me at jjlitton@indanet.com. Follow me on Facebook and YouTube: Johnny Litton by Jayelles PH and on Instagram: @jayellesph.