Sisters act

MANILA, Philippines - It was an evening of women power and female solidarity when the sisters of the Sigma Delta Phi Alumnae Association (SDPAA) gathered to celebrate the sorority’s 77th anniversary last Sunday at the Crowne Plaza Galleria in Quezon City.

It was a most special birthday party since the occasion also marked the 100th birthday of the sorority’s only living founding member, Gloria Lucero Monzon, who came to celebrate with her sisters despite a recent two-week stay in the hospital.

Another highlight of the evening was the conferment of the 2nd Betty Go Belmonte Awards on five individuals and one organization. The awards, established in cooperation with The Philppine STAR, honors The STAR’s founding chair and the ideals that governed her life – integrity, service to country and fellowmen, and Christian values.

STAR president and CEO Miguel Belmonte hands a bouquet to BGB awardee for Outstanding Service to the Sorority Ester Sison Cruz, with SDPAA chair and president Ligaya Tankeh, Quezon City Vice Mayor Joy Belmonte, and BGB Award judge Alfred Pascual assisting. STAR PHOTOS BY JOEY MENDOZA

Belmonte was the charter president of the SDPAA.

Her daughter Joy, now vice mayor of Quezon City and the event’s keynote speaker, shared how her mother lived out her values and how this influenced her own path of service. “Before my college Jesuit education influenced me into becoming a ‘woman for others,’ I first saw how Mom truly cared for the poor and the downtrodden, and how fiercely she practiced her Christian faith. Often at the expense of her own conveniece – and sometimes, ours too – she would lend a helping hand to people in need, paying no mind to cost, time and effort.”

Gloria Lucero Monzon celebrates her 100th birthday with her Sigma Delta Phi sisters.

She also recalled how, as she looked forward to getting part of her mother’s salary come payday, “wala nang pera sa wallet ng Nanay ko, ipinagbigay na sa mas nangangailangan (there was no money in my Mom’s wallet because she had given it to those in greater need).”

“Having been influenced into a life of service by my parents, it is heartwarming to know that my mother’s dedication to various causes aimed at uplifting the lives of her fellowmen had not been for naught,” she said. The awards given by the SDPAA in her honor “speak volumes of the impact of her life, her work, and her legacy.”