Chamber Newsletter December 2009 Vol. VI No. 12
Bernadette Tiu had commented that while others pamper their grandchildren, it is the other way around with Nimfa – she is pampered by her two spinster daughters, Helen and Nikka. Her every wish is their command. Fely Young had time and again counseled that ‘children should love, honor and respect their elders so that God’s bountiful blessings would continue to flow into their lives’. She is extremely happy with these two sisters, her exemplary students during their time, that they follow this advice to the extreme.
Ten out of the eleven children of Nimfa (one was ill), her 78 grandchildren, and countless relatives and friends, went all the way to Eagle Ridge Resort in Upper Ulas, Davao City, to celebrate the 77th Birthday of Manay Nimfa. Many commented that Barangay Butuan had been established in that place, with so many people from Butuan City all in one place. Indeed, friends and relatives from Butuan, Cebu, Cagayan de Oro, and Manila had converged there for the grand celebration of a beloved mother, grandmother, and dearly respected auntie. Just imagine the preparation and outlay involved when all the available rooms of the resort had been leased by Helen for this special occasion.
The affair started with the Holy Eucharist celebrated by Rev. Fr. Romeo Barcelona, with Fr. Elmer Balorfino, another OAD priest, and Fr. John Christian Young, as concelebrants on that afternoon. The function room teemed with red-attired people who overflowed into the adjacent areas. A much younger looking Nimfa, 77 year old that December 3rd, brimmed with unabashed happiness as she was honored. Few are as fortunate as this lady who has such faithful and devoted children. She could not ask for more.
The blessing of the four cottages followed with Fr. Romeo and Fr. John doing the honors. Helen and Rudy own a half each of one duplex while Nikka and Marlyn own the other. The rooms, all except Nikka’s suite room, will be leased out by the Eagle Ridge Resort under a profit sharing and management agreement, an arrangement that will be mutually beneficial. Whenever they want to visit Davao City, they will have a room to stay.
In the evening, the affair was held at the open air function area at a lower level. Tables and chairs were spread all over and guests found their own seats. Most were in Hawaiian costume which was the theme for the evening. Each son or daughter of the celebrant was attired with his or her spouse and children in a different flower pattern such that it was easy to identify who was grandchild of which son or daughter. In other words, there was color coding.
Guests included TCA Alumni living or working in Davao. Presentations were given as tributes to the grand lady and rewarded with kisses. The program was hosted jointly by Helen and Nikka, both exuberant and jolly hosts who could make fun of themselves, and laugh at their own jokes. They set the tone of the affair, which was quickly joined in by the audience.
After the catered buffet dinner, the program resumed with songs sung by family or friends where many men took turns in offering a rose each to and dancing with the celebrant just like in a debut. One could see she was thrilled, she smiled endlessly. The photo sessions followed while each of her children’s family presented a memorable gift to their ‘lola’. When the whole family gathered for the family picture, the stage appeared too small, some sat on the steps while others perched on chairs to be visible.
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