Life should not be measured not by the number of years, but rather by the love shared with your relatives and friends. These moments are priceless memories — the joy and blessing that God has given to us.
This love was felt during Ferdie Villar’s birthday celebration held last Saturday, June, at his residence in South San Francisco. The place was transformed into a Hawaiian paradise by well known hotel party planner Marc Garvida, complete with leis for all the guests.
The celebration started with a Thanksgiving Mass, officiated by Rev. Fr. Virgilio “Bart” Bartolome of Saint Michael’s Church in San Francisco; assisted by religious leader Joe Santos.
Senator Leland Yee headed the list of prominent government officials who graced the celebration, which included California State Commissioner Ray B. Satorre, Daly City Vice Mayor David Canepa with his wife El Salvador Consul General to San Francisco Anna Canepa, San Mateo Harbor Commissioner Robert Bernardo, Daly City Library Commissioner Bradley Roxas and Dory Cachuela Paniza, and many othes.
The luau buffet party was served to the guests, prepared by Ed Concepcion, a San Francisco chef who also manages his own catering service; assisted by Filipina-Canadian chef Elaine Estabrooks.
Members of the press and media were also present headed by Balitang America news reporter Henni Espinosa with her husband Ramon Petros, and which included Philippines Today owners Marilyn KIng Camilosa and Thelma Cruz, Manila Mail Operations Manager Edwina Aniag and photo man Gary de Guzman, Marvin Charisma and Ray Guarin.
George Elizalde, provided the music for the party, with special performances from Elvis Presley impersonator Manny Caoile and multi-talented young artist JD Charisma.
Other guests included well-known artists, beauty queens, business and showbiz personalities such as Lolita Hajian of the singing group Ribonets, veteran actress of Sampaguita and Vera Perez Movie Productions Pacita Arana, Club El Mundo proprietress Clarita “Baby” Byram with her chef Raquel Garcia, beauty queens Marilen Bernardo, Malou Hipolito, Elvie Bustamante and many more.
Ferdie is a well known philanthropist, writer, editor and columnist; and has wrote for many publications including Philippine News, Manila Mail and Manila Bulletin. He is now the resident entertainment columnist for Asian Journal.
