A Glimpse of Old Negros Island in Southwestern Philippines

A Glimpse of Old Negros Island in Southwestern Philippines

 

THE "NEGRENSES"

(By DinggolAranetaDivinagracia-IlonggoNationMovement)

"Negrense" is the term used to distinguish a "tumandok" or original inhabitant of Negros Island, which became even more popular only during the tenure of Governor Daniel "Bitay" Lacson because national and local media and all government agencies aggressively promoted it.” --dinggol.d~~~

However, in most part of Negros Occidental, they still prefer to be called simply “Ilonggos”, until today. While those in the Negros Oriental area are often called Cebuano’s, because of their common language and geographical proximity to the island of Cebu.

Negros used to be called "Buglas", an Aeta word which means "sudden cut-off" and in Hiligaynon or in Ilonggo language it means "Buklas". These Aeta’s, Eta's, Agta’s or Ati's are short dark-skinned nomads with woolly kinky hair are the aborigines of the archipelago.

The Maragtas legend explained and the ancient Chinese Ming Dynasty Chronicle confirmed that the ten (10) noble-bearing Malay Datus from Bornay (Borneo), led by Shri Vijaya Sultanate Minister Datu Putih bartered their gold and their jewelry with local Ati Chieftain Marikudo for the lowlands, plains and valleys of the island they called “Aninipay".

The Malay settlers later renamed the area as Madja-as or paradise and they likewise, called the island “Panai” after their place of origin near Lake Toba in the middle of the Indonesian Islands of Sumatra along the Malacca Strait in the Malay Peninsula -- before they were forced to sail and to settle at Kinabatangan in North Borneo. Today, we call the whole island “Panay”.

After the barter trade, Marikudo, his wife Maniwangtiwang, and family together with most of their tribesmen, resettled in the hinterlands and up to the high mountains of the island where they lived peacefully and undisturbed for centuries. While many other Aetas sailed to "Buglas" passing "Himal-os" now Guimaras Island where some stayed behind near the area of "Bundolan" later known as Bala-an Bukid.

It was the Spaniards who gave the Buglas island its present name "NEGROS" due to the predominant presence of these small group of people they called Negroes or "Negritos".

Two great waves of migration, resulted in the gradual near extinction of this ancient (Filipino) ethnic group due to inter-relationship and marriages with outsiders.

During the middle part of the 1800s, many families joined the exodus of the more adventurous members of prominent Ilonggos from the City of Iloilo, such as; the Yulo's and the Yusay's, the Lacson's and the Locsin's, the Lopez's and the Ledesma's, the Montinola's, Montilla's and Montelibano's, the Villanueva's and the Valencia's, the Jalandoni's and the Javellana's, the Araneta's, Benedicto’s, Magalona’s, Salas's, and de la Rama's and others; who bringing along their own families, households, and subordinates immigrated to the "New Frontier", the island of Negros, that eventually became known as the land of "Sugar Barons" or Sugarlandia, "sa diin ang kuarta gina piko kag gina pala".

When the sugar industry started to boom, the demand for tens of thousands of sugar plantation workers was filled by the industrious and indigenous Ilonggos of Northwestern Aklan and Antique including the lowly Aetas.

A great number of these migratory sugar plantation workers known as "Sacadas" had ultimately decided to stay and settle permanently in different parts of Negros island and naturally multiplied.

Therefore, it is safe to conclude that "Negrenses" are G.I's or truly Genuine Ilonggos.

Footnote:

The Negritos of today still retain the "Inati" language used by their forefathers for many centuries, and refer to their brown brothers in the lowlands as "Mga Bisaya". A clear manifestation of a historical encounter between the aboriginal Aetas and the Shri Visayans as contained in the Maragtas; a myth that became a legend, and the legend that turn out to be the true history of the proud and noble people of the once upon a time great "Ilonggo Nation". ~~~

Acknowledgment:

1) A rare photo of Mount Kanlaon in Negros, with Guimaras island as viewed from Iloilo City in Panay -courtesy of Edgar H. Siscar.

2) The Malay landing and "Hinilawod" in photo are oil on canvas painting of famed Ilonggo Artist Art Geroche.

3) Main source re: “Panai” - Fr. Francisco Colin, S.J. in his 1600s work, The Evangelical Work of the Society of Jesus.

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It’s Springtime! ah, Fishing here we go!

It’s Springtime! ah, Fishing here we go!

(By DinggolAranetaDivinagracia - March 18, 2019)

“Sometime in March about three years ago, during a get-together party, the revival of the fishing boat "Star Gazer" in San Diego, California was the topic that resulted in a fruitful discussion.” --dinggol.d~~~

 

 

The revival of "Star Gazer" a brand new fishing boat that has been disregarded, for more than four years by the owners USN Christuping and Leonor Delarmente-Baldonado was proposed by Nonong Roxas during a get-together party at their home. The multi-talented Nonong generously offered his own spacious backyard in Kampo Galahad where he could personally repair and service the said boat "Gratis et Amore"; of course, with the concurrence of his partner for life the accommodating Sheila Perez-Roxas.

As expected, a huge amount will surely be expended in updating registration, renewals of permits, licenses, insurances, and other documentation.

Likewise, the more expensive quality spare parts, special gadgets and heavy-duty equipment and supplies to make it operational since the original parts were mostly outmoded or no longer serviceable.

The owners were hesitant at first to revitalize the boat, since it's not a priority in their budget, and they also frown on voluntary cash donations from the group. However, with the persistent logical explanation of yours truly, to save the Star Gazer from further depreciation and certain dilapidation and for the use and enjoyment of our San Diego Grupo Ilonggo, finally they acceded with some reservations.

Hence, as a token of good faith and to start the ball rolling ASAP, Dinggol purchased a heavy duty Marine Battery to energize the "Star of the Show". This was followed by Al Magalona Libo-on who bought the latest "Fish Scanner" model and Patrick Contreras Erpe who shared $50.00 as seed money for "Gastos de coryentes".

Meanwhile, the "Mahjong" quorums dominated by the "Las Ilonggas Gwapas" pledged to extract "Tong" as their share. While the teenagers who initially did the thorough boat clean -up headed by Audrey Baldonado, Ethan Roxas and Kyle Jereza shall have a friendly "Bingo Party" and other fun-filled activities --of course capitalized by their parents for fundraising purposes.

All was well that ended well! Padayon! Cheers! ~~~

~~~~~~~~~~~~ oo0oo ~~~~~~~~~

The Bayanikasan Constitution - Effective Democracy For All!

The Bayanikasan Constitution - Effective Democracy For All!

(By: DinggolAranetaDivinagracia - February 18, 2019)

“This is a capsulized presentation or brief outline of the “Bayanikasan Constitution, a non-traditional approach to Federalism, as envisioned by Dr. Salvador Z. Araneta to be adopted in the Philippines Constitution.” --dinggol.d~~~

The brainchild of the late Dr. Salvador Zaragoza Araneta was based on PHILCONSA studies of 1968 to 1971. It called for a Federal Republic of the Philippines. And because it proposed many drastic reforms that would require time before people would accept the terms, Araneta envisioned this to be adopted after about 20 years later.

Participatory Democracy; Democratization of Wealth; A Collective Leadership through the Troika; Moderating Powers in the Government, A Semi-Unitary Government with Local Autonomy, were all part of his vision for the Future.

The Federal form of government would separate Muslim Mindanao from Christian Mindanao; for a much greater participation in government, the state would promote the establishment of non profit institutions and foundations that would participate in nation building with involvement in government affairs especially in legislation and in the socio - economic development.

ARTICLE 83 – called for the termination of the present treaty allowing the U.S. to maintain bases in the Philippines and to work for the international neutralization of the Republic of the Philippines.

ARTICLE 44 – to remedy the backlog of cases for “speedy and equal justice for all,” it was proposed that a Special and constitutional Courts of original jurisdiction under it, be created to handle all cases involving public law, so that the existing Judiciary will only have jurisdiction over private law cases. It also urged the creation of temporary additional divisions in the Supreme Court and Court of Appeals and temporary courts of First Instance to exclusively hear and dispose of the back load of cases. Further to reduce the kinds of cases that may be appealed to the court of Appeals and to the Supreme Court.

ARTICLE 24 – the creation of the NEDA for achieving a sustainable economy to formulate, in consultation with the NACE (National Authority on Culture and Education) definite national economic and social policies, taking into account the limited fuel resources and foreign exchange, the high cost of foreign fund, the need to return to a less sophisticated way of life and to nature and the simple way of life in the tropics, the evils of pollution, the need to provide proper balance of available physical and spiritual work to all, and in sum, the promotion of the Bayanikasan way of life and the national purpose. (See Section 4 of the proposed Ordinance)

ARTICLE 65 provides – to solve the problem of inflation exiting at the (then) rate of 15% to 20% a year and to simultaneously solve the problem of unemployment – a policy of full employment must be carried out.

Unemployment which cannot be absorbed by normal work opportunities could be taken over by such projects, as follows:

1. A vast reforestation program for flood control and tree fuel source;

2. A bold housing located in new industrial estates;

3. Essential infrastructure;

4. A bold program of rural school building;

5. A program of high school and vocational and academic courses at every municipality;

6. A program of colleges and universities in every province;

7. A bold program of hospital buildings using medicines from our flora and fauna along with western medicines, accessible to all families;

8. Rapid, efficient and maximum development of all new natural resources. Giving high priority to those that are inexhaustible such as the sun, wind and the tide and the maximum attention to our water, mangrove, geothermal, petroleum, coal, lime and mineral resources.

9. Reclamation of our huge marshes leaving about one forth untouched to preserve the ecological balance, three – fourths thereof to be used to convert adjoining blocks: fishponds of about two (2) hectares each, alternating with areas to be used for agricultural of urban purpose, of about one hectare each.

The urban area shall not extend to one-tenth (1/10th) of the agricultural area which will be irrigated with excess water from the fishponds.

10. The use of water resources from all our rivers for mini or medium-sized hydroelectric power; also for irrigation and water conservation.

Summary:

The Bayanikasan Constitution: For Real Change through Rapid, Bold, Drastic Measures to Better the Lives of Every Filipino.

This Constitution calls for Reducing the Power of the President through a Collective Leadership, Empowering Citizens by Creating New Wealth for all, Preserving the Patrimony of the Nation, Uplifting Human Values, Promoting Fair, Equal, Speedy Justice, and Ending Political Dynasties.

Footnote:

Asked why he wrote in hieroglyphics, Pilosopong Tasio explained: “I do not write for this generation; I wrote for other ages. If the present generation could read me, it would burn my books, the work of a lifetime. On the other hand, the generation that deciphers these characters shall be an enlightened generation that will understand and say, “Not all slept during the night of our forebears!”

There is something of Pilosopong Tasio in Don Salvador Araneta; true, his Constitution is addressed to the present generation, but to be used in 10 to 20 years. His plan for Tomorrow is ready Today; it is Today that is not ready for his plan of Tomorrow.

Araneta’s Bayanikasan - The Effective Democracy For All! envisioned the union of material and moral greatness for the Philippines. The Bayanikasan Constitution provides the basic guidelines for that democratic democracy. The fundamental problem is universal. Man has conquered outer space but has yet to conquer inner space that is Man himself. Public poverty cannot be the foundation of private wealth. Araneta warns that under the existing rules of the game the alternative to inequitable wealth distribution is the equitable apportioning of poverty. His alternative is to democratized private property, not by abolishing it but by making it universal.

Time is running out for the revolution from above. We share Thomas Babington Macaulay’s thought: “We deplore the outrages which accompany revolution. But the more violent the outrages, the more assured we feel that a revolution was necessary! The violence of these outrages will always be proportioned to the ferocity and ignorance of the people; and the ferocity and ignorance of the people will be proportioned to the oppression and degradation under which they have been accustomed to live.”

The cock has not crowed twice.

Alejandro R. Roces

Source: The Bayanikasan Constitution-Effective Democracy For All - by Dr. Salvador Z. Araneta. The book was given to me by my generous second cousin Ma. Lina Lopez Araneta-Santiago, daughter of the late Dr. Salvador Z. Araneta and Victoria Ledesma Lopez de Araneta).

Dr. Araneta was the son of Don Gregorio Soriano Araneta of Molo, Iloilo City who was a younger brother of my very own maternal grandfather Gen. Marciano Soriano Araneta --1898 revolutionary leader in “Mangkas” now La Carlota in Negros Occidental. Tito Salvador was greatly instrumental of my first employment at age 19 as the Executive Trainee in a commercial Bank while still a college sophomore at Colegio de San Juan de Letran in Intramuros, Manila. Bless his soul! 

~~~~~~~~~~~o0oo~~~~~~~~~~~~

The Aquino of Tarlac That I Knew

The Aquino of Tarlac That I Knew
(By DinggolAranetaDivinagracia-IlonggoNationMovement)

"A tribute to my good cousin Hernan, a true and loyal friend." --dinggol.d~~~
 
The time was long ago when the "Aquino of Tarlac" that I knew was nurturing a dream to become the 11th President of the Philippines.

And so, our group in Iloilo with watering hole after 5 p.m at "Felmas' Place" along Yulo Street in Iloilo City organized the "Friends of Ninoy-Iloilo Chapter" that was headed by Ninoys' San Beda High School classmate and good buddy Hernan Peñaflorida Divinagracia of Pototan, Iloilo and by Ramonit Lopez of Jaro, Iloilo City. 

The group included Hernan's brother Rene, a staff member in the Senate office of the controversial Senator; Atty. Ramon Gonzales (of the Javellana vs Executive Secretary Supreme Court novel case); Raul Zarandin; Candit Pulmones; Manolet Custodio; Colay Borromeo; Boboy Jaleco; Bob Javelona; Dolping Besa; Johnny Cezar; Junior Juntado; Red Ortiz; Rudy Gorres; Virgil Vargas; KC Espinosa; EgmedioTraen of Antique; Ponsing Billones of Capiz; --many politicians mostly of the Liberal Party and others that I could no longer recall due to senior intellectual interlude.


Every time Ninoy comes to Iloilo, he is without escort nor bodyguard but only his private plane pilot. And he always stays over-night nowhere else but at the Doña Aurora Subdivision residence of Hernan and Telly Piccio Yusay-Divinagracia in Iloilo City. And yes! we, the "Friends of Ninoy" members acted as his personal bodyguards during his Iloilo sojourn. The last time the bespectacled Senator was in Iloilo was to act as principal sponsor in the christening of his former classmate youngest son named Benigno "Ninoy" Yusay Divinagracia.

When martial law was declared, the "Aquino of Tarlac" that I knew was the first arrested together with many members of the political opposition and mass media; members of the academe, business and, industry, labor, peasant and student leaders and others vocal against Malacañang.


During the early part of Ninoy Aquino's' incarceration, aside from his immediate family members, those who dared visited him in the stockade were very very few including Joker Arroyo and Hernan Divinagracia. Other close friends and even his relatives played it safe and shied away for fear being blacklisted by the martial law regime.

 Then later, on that fateful day in August 1983 history played its' role, and Ninoy's dream was destined to remain forever a dream. The tragic irony, his brutal assassination fulfilled his own words; "The Filipinos is worth dying for".


Hernan would again visit his "kumare Cory" and her children and stayed in their home at No. 25 Times Street, West Triangle in Quezon City; this time to sympathize and console with them during their moments of bereavement.


Fast forward:


After the successful EDSA-I People's Power Revolution, when the plain housewife Cory was transformed into "Her Excellency Corazon C. Aquino, President of the Philippines"; my primo Hernan decided to set an appointment for a courtesy call to Malacañang. 

The palace "Cordon Sanitaire" wondered how and why a "nobody" named Hernan Divinagracia easily got approval to see the Madam President. According to Hernan, after the usual intimate gestures, Cory asked him in front of her Executive Secretary Joker Arroyo: "Pare Hernan, anong ba ang gusto mong position sa gobierno?" --the shy guy Hernan politely replied that if possible he would prefer just a low profile liaison officer position. 

Right then and there, his appointment was processed as Liaison Officer in the Office of Political Affairs in Malacañang headed by fellow Visayan's Secretary Antonio Cuenco of Cebu with Manny Festin Martinez of Romblon as Deputy Secretary. "Ang lakas mo pala kay Cory", remarked the Executive Secretary later in gist.


Knowing his happy-go-lucky lifestyle and easy going attitude, who frowns on serious public obligations and sensitive government responsibilities, I was not at all surprised. Hernans' family own prime residential and commercial properties and vast tracts of rice land, sugar land and fishpond in Iloilo. However, politics is in his blood. His father Atty. Tranquilino Villa Divinagracia was one of Iloilo's fourth (4th) district delegate to the prewar Constitutional Convention together with his father-in-law Mathias Yusay, and his first cousin Mariano B. Peñaflorida was long- time Governor of Iloilo Province. Detailed in Malacañang's Political Affairs Office, Hernan as Liaison Officer was like a turtle thrown into the lake.


Thereafter, we would meet with other "Friends of Ninoy" chapters in social gatherings in Metro Manila and his former classmates including Cesar Yatco, etc. --I distinctly remember, in San Fernando, Pampanga the numerous glaring streamers "Ninoy a Dream, Cory the Reality!" displayed along strategic places when we visited the Office of Bren Guiao, newly appointed Governor of the Province. Pampanga Gov. Bren Guiao, a trusted Confidant was tasked by President Cory to coordinate personally with Hernan. The long honest-to-goodness relationship between the two proved fruitful as many Ilonggos were benefited.


During the early 1990s, Hernando P. Divinagracia passed away. Cory Aquino and family extended the sincere expression of sympathy to his family. Presently, perhaps, except for two of us, all aforementioned original members of the "Friends of Ninoy" in Iloilo have also gone beyond the great divide.

On August 1,2009, the most revered Philippine President Corazon C. Aquino joined her "kumpadre Hernan and Kumadre Telly" and other departed friends of her late charismatic husband, the "Aquino of Tarlac" that I knew, in the kingdom of their creator where there is no more death but only eternal joy! ~~~

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~oo0oo~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Sheila Perez-Roxas 50th Birthday Celebration

  Sheila Perez-Roxas 50th Birthday Celebration

(By: DinggolAranetaDivinagracia - March 4, 2019)

 From as far as Canada up north, down to south of the border near Mexico way; from New York, the Big Apple City that never sleep and Michigan of the Great Lakes and other States in the East Coast; to the West Coast of the northern and southern area California to the City of Angels, they all came. The same destination, San Diego. The same purpose, to attend and participate in the 50th year “Golden” birth anniversary of Sheila Perez-Roxas that was celebrated at the Presidio Room of the plush Handlery Hotel in San Diego, California last February 9, 2019. ~~~

The affair started at exactly 6pm with the registration of all in-coming guests and the seating arrangement. This was ably handled by young Usherettes; Audrey D. Baldonado and Nomi S. Ruiz.

Men in Black awaiting their turn to register: Patrick Contreras Erpe, Rey Lopez Jereza, Dinggol Araneta Divinagracia, Totong Vistavilla and Eric Tumbokon Ruiz.

The program proper began when the Master of Ceremonies (MC) Leonor Delarmente Baldonado announced the entry of Sheila, the Golden Girl Celebrant escorted by her Consort and former boy friend Nonong is his name.

The smiling Love-Team walked majestically down the aisle like the beauty and the best, to the thundering applause by all the audience, that filled the air inside the spacious room.

The romantic slow-dance then followed with Anthony Rivera as background singing "The way you look tonight" with his bedroom voice.

Dancing with gusto! as the music turned hot and wild.

Thereafter, when the prayer before meal led by MC Leonor D. Baldonado is done, dinner time began and everybody partook the special menu served by the hotel.

Meantime, a pictorial video montage was played, and was followed by the audio-video of tributes and messages from around the globe by family and friends of the Celebrant. It was facilitated by Sheila's KAISER co-worker Seth Samson,“Gratis et Amore”. Thank you!

Dinner Time

Sheila P. Roxas seated with her four sisters in profession: Melourd Estante, Jean Layson-Sales, Joanne Perucho Joyce Rugas-Padrones & daughter Pia Roxas.

The Kaiser Group with (l-r): Marife, Suzanne, Luke, Lee with Sharyn and Joy.

Eva Geasin-Erpe and only son Jay-R Erpe; Nazario ”Tata” and Lora Badiola-Biliran; with Ban Vhan and Wella Perez-Alcazar.

Seated: Ms. Christia Hinlo - Galilea, with Neil and Christine Young-Alfonso, and Dinggol. Hans Galilea went to get some beer. Yep! ~~~

(L-R): Leonor and Tuping Baldonado, Nomi Ruiz, Edsel and Marichu Ruiz, Rance and Eric T. Ruiz.

(L-R): Adele D.Rivera, Joanne Landar, Juliet Amancio -Henninger, Rose Amancio-Dico & Chris Dico, Bob Tran & Marjorie Villareal-Tran.

Among the best of her friends from L.A area (Back): Bobadz, Eva, Bong, Dennis, Haile & Bubbles and Rene.(up front)Anthony, Sheila, Lynnette, Mimi and Winnie.

Pair by pair na! mag couples pa! (L to R): Winnie & Bong; Mimi & Dennis; Bubbles & Haile and Lynnette & Rene.

Among her sisters in profession (Up front): Joanne, Sheila, Adele. (at back): Joyce, Jean, Melourd, Christia, Jo.

Among her closest Kaiser Family(Front): Verna, Sheila and Suzanne. (middle): Jeff, Lee, Marife, and Hershey(at the back): Shawn, Seth & Mike.

The couple Sheila and her PMA’yer hubby Anthony Evangelista, Rey, Biema Benedicto Jarantilla, and USN Commander Eric with wife Rance Lao-Ruiz.

Sheila the Golden Girl between two lovers; Ruel Bunag and Hector Laxa who both love to sing.

Among former Kaiser Hospital friends and fellow Nurses (L-R): Lhen, Neriza, Sheila, Leilani and Elsa.

Among her fellow San Diegan ladies (Front): CoraJoy, Aida, Sheila, Rance, Marichu, and Thelma Lopez-Jereza. (Back): Cypress and Leonor D. Baldonado.

Among the Boys of San Diego: Rey and Boboy Jereza; Eric and Edsel Ruiz, Sheila with Anthony Rivera, & Tuping Baldonado.

Los Hombre Buenos! (Front line): Anthony Rivera, Nonong Roxas, Edsel Ruiz and Nick “Bobadz” Bobadilla. (At back): Neil Alfonso, Dinggol Divinagracia, Hans Galilea, Richard Buenaflor, Tuping Baldonado and Rey Jereza. Tagaaaay!!!!

After dinnertime, family members and close friends of the Golden Girl delivered brief speeches and tributes that were either sentimental, humorous and inspiring to the delight of the listeners. The speakers: Nonong, Ethan and Pia Roxas; Wella Mae Perez - Alcazar; Mimi Bayoneta-Talisay; Jean Layson-Sales; Joanne Perucho; Joyce Rugas-Padrones; Juliet Amancio-Henninger; Franz Lopez Jereza; Sheila’s KAISER family; Leonor Delarmente-Baldonado and Dinggol Araneta Divinagracia.

Nonong seriously expressed from the bottom of his heart kuno! --his true feelings in a tribute to the love of his life.

Ethan acknowledged all the things his Mom (& Dad) has done for him. He is grateful for their love and devotion, their encouragement and guidance.

Pia was already delivering her message to Mom Sheila but was overwhelmed by the event and shed tears of joy.

Wella Perez-Alcazar, the favorite niece, almost turned emotional but was able to control her feelings to praise her role model aunt.

BFF Mimi Bayoneta-Talisay reminiscing the good old days of an era gone by, their adventures and their misadventures during their younger days.

Jean Layson-Sales, a barkada since way back when. During their student days, and even as Ballerinas while learning to do the “tip-toe” and dance the classical ballet.

Joanne Perucho recalling the nostalgic memories of the yesteryear. Grateful for being part of the “Cotillon de Honor” during her friend’s debut years ago.

Joyce Rugas-Padrones working together with Sheila at RN-ICU in Cardinal Santos Medical Center recalls their activities in Manila. What happened in Manila, stays in Manila.

Lynnette Ortiz-Alcebar proposing a toast with a glass of champagne or was it margarita? for the continued success of her BFF, the Celebrant. Three (3) cheers! Padayon! ~~~

Aunt Juliet Amancio-Henninger proudly expressed appreciation of her niece successful family life and gave Sheila her blessing.

Franz “Boboy” Jereza gratefully acknowledged to Sheila --for her all out support during the time when he needed it most.

Sheila’s Kaiser Family each expressing their personal appreciation working together with the Celebrant.

Leonor Delarmente-Baldonado is proud of her former student at St. Paul’s College and imploring Sheila to stay young looking, and remain beautiful and sweet forevermore.

Dinggol Araneta Divinagracia, si Akoh ah! --Welcome Sheila to the Golden age! and reminding her to join AARP and about her senior citizen’s discount. Harakhak!!!~~

Inspired by the handsome guy standing behind her, Sheila the Golden Girl finally delivered her heartfelt speech after the group singing dedicated to her "Happy Birthday" and the cutting of the golden cake with fifty(50)lighted candles she blew away! The first of the "40 Roses" dance was offered by her son Ethan, followed by male guests and ended with the last 10 Roses offered by the love of her life Nonong.

The Birthday Celebrant awaits the gentlemen, to offer her a Red Rose so they could dance with her.

In line awaiting their turn to offer red roses and dance with the Birthday Celebrant: (L-R): Hector, Ruel, Boboy. Dinggol and Edsel.

A special song "Can't Take My Eyes Off You" dedicated to Sheila was rendered by Hector Laxa the new singing sensation in sunny SanDie Californy.

The next number of the program was a special dance by four Registered Nurses.

The Dancing Nurses (L-R): Joyce Rugas-Padrones, Sheila Perez-Roxas, Jean Layson-Sales & Adele Divinagracia-Rivera.

Lastly, Sheila Roxas the celebrant of the day; the golden girl of the year; and the star of the show, surprised many guests with the solo performance of her gracious dancing style.

End of the Program Proper and dancing begins! Dance! Dance! Dance! till about midnight with superb singing by Ms. Jeane Moss and the musical performance of HOT SPOT BAND.

A memorable February affair to remember, indeed! Let’s celebrate again in the next 50 years! Cheers!!! Padayon! Harakhak!!! ~~~

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ oo0oo ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

More photos for posterity:

With the global traveling couple from Las Vegas, Nevada Hans and Christia Hinlo-Galilea.

With her wedding “Hijada” Marjorie Villareal-Tran and kins from Capiz, the Seafood Capital of the Philippines; Jo Amancio-Henninger & Rose Amancio-Dico.

Dinggol with the good guys of Alta Tierra in Jaro, Iloilo City “Tata” Biliran and Ban Vhan Alcazar.

A Physician-Surgeon from Sugarlandia Dr. Dennis Talisay and R.N. Mimi Bayoneta- Talisay a former Muse of the Iloilo Doctor’s College of Nursing (IDC ) in Iloilo City.

With Joanne, Adele, Jo, Boboy & Anthony.

With the newly wed Bob and Marjorie Villareal-Tran.

The Marathon Runners (l-r): Sharyn, Rose, Joy and Adele.

The “Trio Los Guapos” Male Nurses; Neil Alfonso of Mira Mesa, Hans Galilea of Las Vegas and Richard Buenaflor of New York.

With the good-nature couple Edsel and Marichu Sulangob- Ruiz of Escondido City, CA.

Dinggol with Jean Layson-Sales, (R.N) daughter of amigo Lando and Chit Layson of Fundidor, Molo in Iloilo City.

With Iloilo Doctor’s College (IDC) former Classmates(l-r): Mimi, Lynnette and Richard.

With veteran pedal pusher Haile and Bubbles Hautea of Rancho Cocamunga.

A sports enthusiast Rene and Lynnette Ortiz-Alcebar from Pomona, California.

The day after:

Early breakfast at the wee hours in the morning. Ayos!

Madjong first before parting ways with one player reserved. Pong! Todas! Charity! Double Pay! Ti man! Harakhak!!! ~~~

Nota Bene: With apologies to those not mentioned due to lack of material information. Salamuch! --Tito dinggol~~~