Not everyone is blessed with a long life. In truth, many people didn't grow old simply because they died very, very young. Others succeeded in getting their bonus years but many of them are spending it, if not in pain, in bed.
Last January 4, 2014, my father turned 80. To see him grooming and fixing himself everyday to go to the nearest mall and play the piano to the sweet delight of the shoppers is indeed a wonderful blessing that calls for a thanksgiving and a celebration.
My siblings and I, together with our families gave him a simple and intimate party as our way of saying "Thank you, Lord" and as a celebration for life. It was held at the Third Floor of Betty's located at the corners of Biak-na-Bato and Cuenco Streets in Quezon City and was very well attended by our relatives and close friends. We had the simplest but very meaningful repertoire of songs and dances for the night as well as special numbers in piano performed by people closest to my father's heart.
We had the best food for the occasion, delicately prepared and served by Betty's. Among the favorites were Guisadong Sotanghon, Chicken Alexander, Fish Fillet with Tofu in Oyster Sauce, Beef Caldereta and Lumpiang Ubod. of course, nobody could ever forget their specialty ~ Betty's Sans Rival for dessert coupled with cold tropical fruits. To quench our thirst in the midst of the celebration, everyone enjoyed the Four Seasons and/or his/her choice of soda.
It was truly a night of music, fun and thanksgiving. Most of all, it was a celebration for life that God graciously gives to this man whom He chose to be our father ~ Mr. ERNESTO A. BALADJAY, SR. !
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| A night of royal blue, light blue and white |
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| The celebration started with a Doxology ~ singing the song "Tribute" led by Dorothy Chrizelle Baladjay, one of Papa's grandchildren |
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| Wishes do come true! Blow your birthday candles now.... HAPPY 80th Birthday Papa! |
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| EI and Aimee, both Papa's grand daughters were the Masters of the ceremonies... |
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| The HOSTS and the CELEBRATOR |
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| Ela, Eunice and Banjie dancing to the tune of Michael Buble's SWAY |
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| My sister Ela and I dancing boogie steps to the tune of "Crazy Little Thing Called Love" |
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| SWING IT BABY . . . |
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| A special piano piece from one of Papa's piano students |
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| Deryk Baladjay, one of Papa's grandchildren, rendered one of his own musical arrangements |
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| A wacky shot with all of Papa's grandchildren minues Rein and Lal |
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| A wacky pose with Papa and my siblings after our dance number |
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| A special dance number from all the grandchildren of PAPA |
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| Papa with some of his "balae"s and close friends |
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| Papa with some of his nephews , nieces, grandchildren and great grandchildren ( Evaristo and Guinto Family) |
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| Papa with his brother REMY BALADJAY and family and sister LYDIA FLOR BALADJAY-ANINGAT and her family |
My brother Ernie Jr. and his family
My family (my son-in-law Joseff was not around at that time )
My sister Bhet and her famiy
My sister Elaine : the surprise
My sister Elaine (her husband Phillip not in the picture)
My sister Evelyn and her family
My sister Citas and her famiy
My sister Banjie and her famiy
My youngest sister Eunice who remains single up to this time
Papa, his children and grandchildren
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