Cebu’s beloved ladies celebrate their birthday

Five accomplished individuals, glamorous, well-respected and much loved: A philanthropist, a working socialite, a doting abuelita, a former beauty queen, and elegance personified. They are Annie Osmeña Aboitiz, Carmen Adad Campbell, Chiqui Ronquillo, Annie Woolbright Mahrt, and Rosebud Rivilla Sala.

These admirable ladies jointly celebrated their 70th birthday recently surrounded by family members and closest friends.

The venue of choice was naturally the Casino Español de Cebu where they have shared over the years memorable moments, auspicious occasions, significant events, and the happiness of family and friends.

Rosebud Sala’s magical touch was clearly evident at the grand ballroom, which was tastefully and elegantly decorated with lush palmeras and candelabras.

Taking center stage was an ample dance floor guaranteed to please any ballroom dancing aficionado. The five couples gamely took to the dance floor for the traditional first dance. Louis and Annie Aboitiz, Harry and Carmen Campbell, Romy and Chiqui Ronquillo, Annie and Doug Mahrt, and Choy and Rosebud Sala. They were joined by Mariano and Maricar Perdices, Tony and Grace Lozada, Efren and Margette Sarmiento, Pinky and Winglip Chang, Alberto and Tere Rotaeche, Ernie and Marie Aboitiz, and Danny and Zeny Deen.

The viudas Piluling Aldanese, Teresin Mendezona, Josephine Booth, and Hazel Gonzalez, together with the fun-loving solteras Tessie Javier, Marissa Fernan, and Marvi Sala demonstrated their competence and skill in dancing as they twirled, boogied, and did the cha-cha with no-nonsense professional dance instructors, a birthday gift of Annabelle Luym.

The señoras who opted to simply enjoy the night chatting with querida amigas y parientes were Paqui Abotiz, Quina Melendez, Antonia Moraza, Julina Muertegui, Conchita Taylor, and her sister Carmina Klinger and Nena Garcia who was briefly accompanied by her son, the much loved Mons. Cristobal Garcia.

After much laughter, dancing, drinking, and more laughter, the finale was, of course, the blowing of the one single birthday candle on the birthday cake, which was lovingly baked by childhood friend Hazel Gonzalez.

The grand birthday celebration was certainly a heartfelt, moving event for Cebu’s five dynamic and enchanting ladies.