Ageless and tireless Teresin Mendezona, the epitome of glamour, sophistication, refinement, style and elegance, celebrated her 90th birthday amid dear relatives and close friends represented by three generations.
The hosts were her nephew, the fun-loving Sean Campbell, the only son of sister Carmen Campbell, his wife Pia, together with Mary Ann Aboitiz Arculli, daughter of best friend Annie Osmeña Aboitiz — the two were maiden and matrons of honor at each other’s weddings.
Father Ernesto Javier, SJ, led a personal prayer of grace.
Held at La Parilla in the Il Corso Complex, guests delighted on the wonderful spread of hors d’oeuvre followed by a sumptuous buffet that had a generous mix of traditional and more healthy foods. It was lovingly prepared by long-time friend Lita Urbina and her daughter Jill.
Among her childhood friends present were Rosebud Sala, Margie Taylor and Elo Fernan. Spotted were Maricar Perdices, Chary Aboitiz, Oche Golez, Anna Marie Dizon, Margie Lhuillier, Pilica Streegan, Mitos Montilla and Diana Franco. They were joined by a younger set of friends who considers Teresin as their favorite aunt — to include Marissa Fernan, Elvira Luym, Marco Protacio, Pinky Chang, Merian Tirol, Deena Pages, Randolph Libres and JP Lim.
A three-tiered fondant cake created by Jeah Baron of Cupkeyk N Art took inspiration from the popular Broadway musical Hello Dolly, in which the celebrator once upon a time portrayed the role of matchmaker and professional meddler Dolly Levi. This was a part of the Cebu Arts Council fund-raising project.
Over dessert, a well-orchestrated PowerPoint presentation of treasured photos of the lady of the hour from family and friends was presented to pay tribute to a woman who touched their lives in so many ways. Some of Teresin’s close friends sent greetings from near and far, as they shared unforgettable memories which made the evening even more meaningful.