MANILA, Philippines - The birthday fete for Lydia Castillo by a group of travel industry professionals, media and PR practitioners who have bonded all these years as a group that called themselves the Eating Club, turned out to be an outpouring of affection for the celebrant who has kept the group alive through four decades. Thus, SMS messages from Toni Gregory, Lydia’s de facto successor as organizer, rounded up the EC members, including some of the origs whose presence have been missed in recent gatherings — Jullie Yap Daza, Larrie Silva and Rusty Lopez. Mary Prieto and Tingting Cojuangco’s presence were missed, but their spirits were felt. Millet Mananquil, Philippine STAR editor (she was then with Daily Express) couldn’t make it either but was nevertheless in touch with the group.
The private room of Ascott’s restaurant reverberated with laughter and the usual chirpy din that has become the trademark of many EC gatherings. But the mood became nostalgic as the attendees recalled how Lydia has touched their lives through the years. Sonia Roco paraphrased Kahlil Gibran’s poem on friendship via a song and recounted memorable moments, acknowledging how Lydia made a “a great yet gentle impact” on her and her life. Conchita Razon traced their friendship in their newspapering days, describing Lydia as “my encourager, my steadying influence.” Newshen Jullie Daza said it is rare for her to come to Makati at daytime, “ But for you, I’m here — wishing you the most of the best as you deserve.”
Mila Magsaysay-Valenzuela, who, as the daughter of then President Ramon Magsaysay, was Lydia’s first front-page story when she was assistant society editor of Philippine Herald, says she met up with Lydia 20 years after when the journalist was already with Cathay Pacific and she had joined the Peninsula. “She knew I had little working experience, but she took me under her wings.” Erstwhile travel agent Baby Raymundo recounted how, after being in UST as college students, she followed Lydia’s media career and gained many nice memories as they nurtured their friendship while working in the travel industry. Lydia’s brother, the fashion designer Larrie Silva, said, “ I am humbled by your good example.” Close chum and fashion designer Rusty Lopez who continues to make waves in footwear fashion, expressed his thanks to Lydia, saying that “Without you, there’s no Rusty Lopez.” Charisse Chuidian, who first met the honoree when she became PR manager of Century Park Sheraton, says she was grateful for the mentoring from the PR stalwart, even as their friendship solidified like super glue through many PR and marketing hotel-airline tie-ups, and to many more years thereafter with Lydia as godmother of her only daughter.
Another one whose note was read in absentia was Carmita Francisco, who wrote: “Lyding is an aromatic herb in my life. A blending of love and caring that seamlessly fuses a friendship that has moved effortlessly thru the years.” Rose Libongco, Lydia’s sisters Ledda Zaragoza and Zeny Silva spoke extemporaneously, the latter narrating some humorous anecdotes of her younger sister. Mila Abad and Bibay Nolasco had to leave early, but not before whispering their love and affection to the celebrant.
“Those of us who have had the privilege of experiencing your gifts — great cooking, wisdom, outspokenness, humor, thoughtfulness and compassion — can only pay forward by doing the same level of real human action not only to you but those who come our way,” Toni echoed everyone’s sentiment.
Indeed, Lydia, Liding, Didi, Dayday, or whatever name she is fondly called has touched lives as a society journalist, an airline executive, a PR practitioner, chef, resource speaker, political campaigner, and food columnist.