A memorable
garden birthday

Retired but not tired, RTC Judge Emma Labayen, celebrated her double-seven plus one, or seven square plus eight, or, to make it easy, seven plus eight (these set her friends, including us, guessing as to her age). Anyway, whether seven times seven and etc., or whatever, the fact remains that the judge enjoys every year of it.

The Sprawling “L” Jardin covered with plants and greenery, and flowering plants is being cared for by the judge herself. It is the venue of her birthday bash every year.

Prima Luz Hilario and I arrived 30 minutes late because we lost our way at the “Agony Highway” or whatever you call it. The “L” Jardin was full of lovely people. The celebrator kept going from one canopy to another.

Thank God, the weather cooperated and it did not rain. Her birthday was full of entertainment as two of her grandchildren – Abbygail Labayen Betin and Mathew Labayen Garde – performed a super dance and declaimed, respectively.

Professor Nelly Gomez was on the piano while Prof. Cecil Aseco was on the marimba, entertaining the crowd with their music and, lastly, their own version of Happy Birthday.

Fr. Rene Gaylon blessed the celebrator’s collection of religious “Retablos and Rebultos” from the 18th century of Codigo Civil by Manresa and Procedimiento Criminal in complete volumes which she takes pride reading in the Castillan Language.

Among her well-wishers were survivors of the Hall of Justice, Judges Ramon Delariarte, Moises Nifras, Antonio Arbis and Dem Magallanes. Others were Baby and Ging Puey, Mangge Coscolluela, and Richard, Toti Ramos and Rose Karlson from Sweden who rendered a lively Swedish birthday song.

To you birthday girl, Hasta la vista Señora Juez!

Remember to guard your thoughts as you would your wallet. God orders our stop as well as our steps.*