Allure

For the love of Bootsie

February 26, 2012 | 12:00am

“Intimacy is what makes a marriage, not a ceremony, not a piece of paper from the state.” — Kathleen Norris

Life is a journey made colorful with memories you create and special people you spend it with. For the ever joyful Olympia “Bootsie” Violago, celebrating her birthday has become more special every year. Bootsie felt truly blessed when she recently ushered in her 65th birthday, surrounded by a loving family, friends and well-wishers.

The celebrator’s lively ‘60s-themed party at the Makati Shangri-La started with a thanksgiving Mass followed by a lavish feast of intercontinental cuisines perfectly paired with the finest selection of wines and champagnes. Family members, including Bootsie’s adorable grandsons, surprised her with special performances. Not to be upstaged, the woman of the hour also showed off her vocal talent as she sang a rousing duet with “The Guitarman” RJ Jacinto.

But the highlight of the evening was when Bootsie’s devoted husband Oscar “Oskie” Violago made a moving and heart-rending speech for his beloved wife of 40 years. “Bootsie, you are my shining star, my Joan of Arc, my Madonna and I wish you a happy, happy birthday and I promise you that I will always love you beyond eternity! Happy birthday, my darling Bootsie!” Oskie said. His statement stirred the hearts of so many guests that it left some of them teary-eyed.

Here’s a toast to you, Bootsie! May you be blessed with more years of happiness!

Greetings

Happy birthday to our celebrators today, Louie Locsin, former German Club past president Dr. Gunter Matschuck, Louie Galvez, Lucille Villanueva, and Mikee Cojuangco-Jaworski.

Advanced birthday greetings to Bea Zobel and Biboy Enriquez, Feb. 28; Romy Aquino, March 1; FCCP’s Lulu Castañeda, Nikki Prieto-Teodoro, Juan Carlos del Rosario, and Gasthof’s Bot Gersbach, March 3.