81 cheers for Lita

MANILA, Philippines - Friends, relatives and new acquaintances of Lita Faustino recently joined her as she turned 81. She remained gracious and sociable as always, even having enough strength to have three outfit changes when she celebrated her birthday at her home in Parañaque City.

Music followed after the sumptuous dinner with Lita’s eldest child Emy, daughter-in-law Emcy and one of her musical director-sons Mon (the other one is hit songwriter Tats Faustino) taking turns to perform for the celebrator. Mon invited some of his Kundirana brothers to serenade his mother with a couple of songs from their recent concert.

But it was always Lita’s wish for many years to have one of her favorite singers, Martin Nievera, to grace her birthday. She got her wish! Lita was so enamored of the singer that she also joined Martin in singing Two for the Road and Iisa Pa Lamang.

Another highlight of the party was a surprise attendance of Hayden Kho, who is a friend of Lita’s son, drummer Tek. After giving “blushing” Lita a bouquet of flowers, Hayden also gamely posed for some photos.

Erstwhile Philippine Idol finalist Suey Castrodes (now married to Vince Medina, owner of Chef & Brewer in Ortigas Center), also obliged with a few jazzy numbers.

Some of Lita’s grandchildren gamely sang for their “Mama.” To cap the night, Lita’s youngest child Ylette offered a song, too, then some of her pretty nieces — Giana, Nicole, Arielle and Denise — belted out Firework, which aptly ended the party with a bang!