Raul is the industrialist in the family while Jose Jr. or Joe is the agriculturist. Both are respected and loved by their peers and richly deserved the big surprise dinner lovingly prepared by their families.
The twins’ families and close friends gathered at the beautifully decorated Rizal Ballroom.
Each table was opulently set with twin giant red candles on black iron candelabra. Fresh flowers accented the white linen-covered tables. Lovely Menchu Concepcion herself painstakingly prepared the setting, a smaller version of which was given to each guest as a memento.
The grandiose celebration was meant to be a surprise for the twin tycoons. Both were invited to the event without their having any idea of what was to happen. They arrived in black suits and red ties, each a mirror image of the other.
The naughty "culprits" behind the many jokes delivered by "Erap" (impersonated by Willie Nepomuceno) were the twins’ children: Joe and Marivic’s Joey, Marie, Bernie, John, Celine, Vina, Liza and Michelle, and Raul and Menchu’s Robie, Jojo, Patrick, Rica and Ton.
Everyone who is anyone in the Philippine diplomatic, social, banking and business sectors were there including the philanthropist Imelda Cojuangco; Don Jaime Zobel de Ayala and his lovely wife Bea; First Philippine Holdings’ Oscar Lopez and his wife Connie; Senate President Franklin Drilon and his wife Mila; Sen. Loren Legarda and her husband Tony Leviste; the ever sweet and charming Madeleine Lim and dashing, dapper PL Lim; Tower Club vice chairman Joey Cuisia and charming Vicky Cuisia; the icon of the business community Wash Sycip; Steve and Precy Psinakis; the dashing Finance Secretary Lito Camacho and his elegant wife, Kim; FCCP president Thelma Gana; and many more.
The brothers went on stage accompanied by their families to blow the candles on their unique birthday cake. They also gave a toast for each other’s good health, long life and continued success.
The festivities ended in the wee hours of the morning, with everyone exuberant and pleased about the brothers’ expressed commitment to "continue serving the Filipino people" even beyond their 70 years.
Way to go, Raul and Joe! We need more citizens like you!
Advanced birthday greetings to ace TV director Johnny Manahan and Knit Queen Lulu Tan-Gan, Feb. 11; Tony Lorenzana, Feb. 12; golfer Henri Muzarelli, Feb. 13; former Sen. Juan Ponce Enrile and TV host Kris Aquino, Feb. 14; Mylene Ong, Tessie Luz, Liding Oledan, Marlou Huibonhua and Jorge Araneta, Feb. 16.
So, how was your week?