Sumptuously Chinese

Mely Concepcion Hechanova invariably marks her birthday in the grand manner, and her latest was celebrated at the Tower Club’s Taipan Restaurant which overflowed with over 200 guests. Early arrivals were entertained by Mely’s husband Paing Hechanova at the lobby–Jose Cuisia, Fr. Pat Lim, Laly Lim, Fritz and Baby Fricke among them. As more and more people arrived, the lobby became too small, and everyone hied to the adjoining restaurant where round tables were set all over the place. Mely’s daughters Reena, Raissa and Riana graciously helped guests to their seats.

Felicing Camara invited me to join her at her table where her husband, cardiologist Augusto "Toto" Camara, the Soriano sisters–Nena Jalandoni and Mameng Vargas–Maggie Lizares Jimenez and her husband Dr. Tim Jimenez were already seated. Just a bit later, Raul and Menchu Concepcion, Oscar and Connie Lopez and Tere Litton occupied the rest of the seats.

Conversation was on diverse subjects but the confusing (and absurd) political situation seemed to come and go and come–again and again! Dr. Camara and I talked about music. Naturally. (Do you know that before entering college, he had to seriously decide between becoming a concert pianist and a doctor?)

All of us remarked on the sumptuously Chinese dinner which was a virtual lauriat. Read the menu, if you please, and you’ll agree: assorted cold cuts/double boiled bamboo pith with black mushroom/sweet and sour pork with pineapple/deep fried fish fillet with garlic oyster sauce/yang chow fried rice/pork ribs with King Dao sauce/sauteed prawns with asparagus in garlic sauce/efu noodles with assorted seafood/Chinese sausage/braised bean curd with black mushroom/steamed garoupa with fine soya sauce. Dessert: Chilled almond bean curd with lychees and watermelon/deep fried sesame balls/Christmas cookies.

Incidentally, speaking of dessert, many guests brought birthday cakes but what stood out had one of Mely’s many fashionable handbags (complete with lipstick beside it!) for decor, a cake done by Mrs. Matute (see photo).

At the celebrant’s table were P.L. and Madeleine Lim, Meldy Cojuangco, Nene Quimson, Boling and Victor Reyes, Trining Panicucci, Regina de Leon Jalandoni, Josie Lichauco and Mary Prieto.

Among the many other guests were Danny Vazquez, Anton Roxas, Conchita Toda, Judy Roxas, Paqui and Susie Ortigas, Manny and Eloy Yan, Maridol and Narcing Mabanta.

Guests around Mely started to sing "Happy Birthday" as she blew the candles on the huge birthday cake, with all the rest in the room joining in lustily. Before saying "Goodbye" everyone headed toward the principal table to wish Mely happiness and a long, long life–as the Chinese noodles had indeed suggested.