Tina Cuevas heads a Gemini fete

Ching and Philip Cruz love to entertain in their beautiful Makati home with their in-house chef, who always amazes with his culinary concoctions. With so many Gemini friends in their circle, the couple decided to honor Tina Cuevas who has made Manila her home after 25 years in Barcelona where she studied at Esade Business School and engaged in wholesale import-export business for interior decor and furniture. Tina finally came home to manage their family-owned Sulo boutique hotel, an industry landmark.

Co-celebrants were the well-liked Philippine Airlines president Stanley Ng, the amiable Mia Borromeo, and yours truly.

Gemini co-celebrants Frannie Jacinto and Mia Borromeo

Since it is customary to make a wish while blowing out the birthday candles, Tina shared a personal message that was on all the celebrants’ minds: “Grateful that we have family and friends who love and care for us,” she said. “We try daily to focus on the positive, as we look forward to more happy moments shared with family and friends, and of course, we look forward to the day where we can all live in this world full of peace.”

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Amorsolo’s 132nd birthday

Rosie A. Cheng, Christina Amorsolo, Sylvia Amorsolo Lazo, William Lanz I. Lazo

Sylvia Amorsolo Lazo has been the gatekeeper of her father Fernando Amorsolo’s legacy and artwork, certifying his paintings and drawings so that unscrupulous vendors cannot fool interested buyers and collectors.

At the recent celebration of the Fernando C. Amorsolo Art Foundation to celebrate the country’s first National Artist’s 132nd birthday at the Manila Hotel, Sylvia disclosed, “He was simple but not perfect, with 22 offspring from three families. But he did his best to accommodate all of us lovingly and generously.”

Manila Vice Mayor John Marvin Nieto with son Lucas, Fernando Amorsolo Lazo, Mary Ann I. Lazo

When his children were ill, he would stand over them in his Cordillera Street, Quezon City home to monitor how they felt.

Despite having worldwide acclaim and being known as the grand old man of Philippine art, Fernando Amorsolo remained extremely shy and a humble man.

“He was quiet, religious and embarrassingly antisocial,” Sylvia added.

Even with his honors and awards, he would usually send Sylvia or one of his other children to receive them.

“He left a legacy deep in our hearts, with a life filled with troubles and calm days, with happiness and sadness, and with ugly and beautiful, unforgettable moments,” she shared.

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The Fernando C. Amorsolo Art Foundation provides art workshops for Persons with Disabilities (PWD) and the blind.