Shirley Ledesma’s
birthday bash

It was a glittering gem of an evening when Shirley Ledesma celebrated her 73rd birthday with a big bash at Planta Centro Hotel. All her guests came in their formal attire complete with bling-blings that sparkled with the lights from the elegant room. Shirley’s many friends from her numerous organizations and civic clubs were there to celebrate the occasion with her as well as her old friends from way back when. Looking absolutely glamorous in her figure-hugging gold and brown gown, the celebrator made her grand entrance amidst ringing applause.

After the invocation by Mateo Velenzuela, everyone sang Happy Birthday, while Shirley blew the candles on her towering birthday cake. Dinner was a delicious array of special dishes concocted for the party. A video presentation was shown of her life as a young girl to a grown woman and a happily married wife to her late husband Rudy (whom Shirley describes as an unbelievably patient and understanding man).

There were recorded greetings from her family in London with the audience laughing over the antics of her lovable apo. The evening’s program featured special numbers from her children and grandchildren as well as performances from the guests. Edith Robillo and Inday Pefianco sang a capella while the Circulo de Bacolod presented a bossa nova dance number by Mila Moya, Ofelia Gonzaga and Joebert Dumancas. There were special messages given by close friends like Lydia Sison (who came all the way from New Jersey USA) and so many more.

Seeing all the love and affection surrounding her, Shirley couldn’t help shedding a few tears of joy. Her thank you speech was deeply heartfelt and full of gratitude. It was a most memorable birthday celebration, indeed.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, SHIRLEY!*