Love those orchidaceous octogenarians

NENE and Bing celebrate their love every day.

With so many of our friends and loved ones leaving us this year at only 50, 60 and 70 years old, we celebrate with extra joy the continuing presence of the octogenarians in our midst.

Last Dec. 9, we greeted acclaimed artist Cheloy Dans a very happy birthday and an artistically productive 2014. No problem there—the iconic artist still paints every day, and had just come back from an exhibit in Singapore. More shows are lined up next year!

PAREJA. Loveingly feted in a simple but memorable party.

Weeks before that, the one and only Eggie Apostol notched another year. Recently, film historian Lynn Pareja was lovingly feted by her children and grandchildren in a simple but memorable 80th birthday party at the famous Vera Perez Gardens.

Miniconcert

Last Dec. 12, former Sen. Nene Pimentel became an octogenarian—and therein lies a tale: Months before, his loving wife and helpmeet, Bing, contacted us to conceptualize, script and direct a miniconcert of her compositions for and about him, planned as a surprise celebration at the Manila Hotel on the day he would turn 80.

We did as requested, the musical interpreters were selected, and everything was green-lighted—until, sadly, Bing was faced with a medical crisis. It was eventually resolved, but prudence dictated that she should avoid all stress for a while, so the “surprise” celebration was overtaken by events.

DANS. Continues to be artistically productive.

Not to worry, however, Bing and Nene celebrate their love every day. As for the “official” celebration, it ended up as a simple Mass and lunch at the University of Makati, where Nene heads the school for public governance, which has the important task of raising the standard of public service for LGUs and other public officials.

APOSTOL. Has turned another year younger.

We’ve had the privilege of lecturing there on the value of arts and culture in public affairs, so we’ve gained a hands-on understanding of the great good that the school is doing on a local and national level.

Happy, happy birthday, Nene, Eggie, Cheloy, Lynn and our other beloved octogenarians! It’s wonderful and inspiring to have you in our lives!

—And, that goes double for the nonagenarians  in our midst, like our own beloved mom, Isabel;  Alita Divino’s mother at 98; Mama Nene Vera Perez; Celine Fabie’s iconic lola, Mona Lisa—and Boots Anson’s balae-to-be, Mrs. Rodrigo, at 99!