Reghis Romero II celebrates his roots
MANILA, Philippines – Family, relatives and friends from childhood to the present came to celebrate the 60th birthday of Reghis M. Romero II, touted as the Wonder Boy of Pampanga. The celebration was held at the Grand Palazzo Hotel in the celebrant’s hometown, Angeles City. But, what many thought was the usual grand celebration of the man who has gone a long way from the streets of Angeles City to the world turned out to be a gathering for a noble cause.
Reghis Romero, or RII to many, chose to make the Capampangan Studies Center of the Holy Angel University the beneficiary of gifts intended for him. He persuaded his guests to dig in and donate “for the furtherance of studies on Capampangan arts, culture and history so that more Filipinos especially our children and grandchildren will be proud of our glorious past.” The donation was turned over to Erlinda Cruz, cultural activities coordinator, Center for Kapampanga Studies.
The celebrant’s family led by son Dr. Michael “Mikee” Romero of Harbour Centre Port Terminal, Inc. gave the celebrant a party to remember not only for the celebrant but for all present.
A Mass officiated by Monsignor Mercardo preceded the event. After the sumptuous dinner of Spanish, American and Japanese cuisine, what followed was a 90-minute program of nostalgia, pomp and laughter that traced the roots of RII. On hand to add spice to the presentations was Willie Nepomuceno who came as President FVR and P-Noy. The program was hosted by Kristine Dera of Love Radio. Ramon “RJ” Jacinto and his band kept the guests on their toes the whole night with their ‘60s music, alternated by Alchemix and Decadas.
A heartwarming toast was offered by the other son of the celebrant, architect Nathaniel “Nikki” Romero. The dashing and pretty younger Romeros proved to be chips off the old block as they all joined their father/grandfather onstage for the traditional cake ceremony.
Relatives of RII came — Romeros, Lagmans, Magdangals, Pantigs, Suarezes — to join the toast to long life and more success.
Business associates and executives who have stayed with RII for years in his companies such as R-II Builders, Harbour Centre Port Terminal, Inc. Manila North Harbour Port, Inc, PhilEcology Systems Corporation and Prime Homes Ventures, were present for the founding chairman.
High school buddies of RII and co-members of a group they called Casbugs, with their families in tow, came all the way from many parts of the US and turned out to be feted as co-celebrants by the maverick port city developer. They were Bob Hernandez, Dan Ayson, Ding Dizon, Rod Ayson, Marcial Agabon, Mel Serrano and Ramses David. Roland and Judith Laus were also on hand to join the fun and accord the balikbayans a memorable homecoming.
Cabalens joined the celebrant in what also served as a reunion of sorts of Baby Boomer heartthrobs and sweethearts of Angeles city such as Angeles Mayor Ed Pamintuan, Ato Tiotuico, Sam and Tina Bugayong, Mina Paras, Doren Tayag and August de Guzman, among others,
Stalwarts of the real estate industry came in full force, such as Creba president Jun Dulalia, Rep. Rod Valenciam, Architect Henry Olonan, Jerry Navarrete, Pete Tario, Vitus Cruz and Gene and Techie Bautista who drove all the way from Manila to greet the birthday boy.
The Supreme Council of the Order of the Knights of Rizal headed by lawyer Roger Quiambao, Sirs Virgilio Esguerra, Dave Santos and Reynold Mateo were also present to give support to their Deputy Supreme Commander who holds the Knight Grand Cross of Rizal rank.
Club 200 riding mates took part in the program-tribute and came garbed as Village People-Hagibis. There were led by Joseph Shaw, Miguel Bichara, Rey Relativo, Martin Tancinco, Francis Feliciano, Gerald Aycardo and Patrick de Leon.
In his message, RII stressed that all he wanted was a night of good memories, sumptuous food and a lot of dance music, where genuine and lasting friendship tested by time and circumstance still reign supreme.
