A grand affair for Roseller

It was an affair not to be missed, and the close friends, relatives and classmates of Roseller Concha Ciocon, made sure they shared the moment with him last night. It was the 70th birthday of the man behind the Lourdes C Enterprises, considered by Bacoleños and Negrenses as the most outstanding example of what dedication, grit, a keen business sense and a startling intuition for handling people can accomplish. And proof of this are the various enterprises now helping the economy of the city, and the livelihood of thousands, such as L’Fisher, Kaisei, L’Sea CCC, the Chalet, etc.

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It took a lot of persuading from his family – his supportive wife, Ditas, sister Delia and their children – for the self-effacing Roseller to agree to the grand celebration. After all, they coaxed, it was a 70th birthday, and a milestone to be marked. And they all worked together to present the spectacular, and yet intimate affair at the L’Fisher’s huge La Proa Ballroom that featured colorful centerpieces of multicolored blooms, and several buffet tables featuring various dishes that presented a great variety of fish, meats and choices for salads and desserts. These, of course, are what the Lourdes C eateries are noted for, but in last night’s affair, it was obvious that a lot of tender loving care had gone into the preparation and presentation, proof of how Roseller is regarded by the staffs of all their enterprises.

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Of course I felt a bit sentimental while listening to his friends and classmates speak about the Roseller they know and how much they admire and appreciate him. That was because I regretted that his beloved mother, Tia Lourdes, was no longer around to hear the tributes to her son that I know she would have agreed with, but would never admit to him. She was a strict and inspiring mother, but very early taught her children to be enterprising, and not to expect praise for what they did. How pleased she would have been to see how far the Lourdes C enterprises, that they had lovingly named after her, have gone.

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It was a very convivial gathering with practically everyone knowing each other. We had interesting company at our table that included Ed and Linda Coscolluela, Yvonne and Michael Montinola, Bulak Dacles (how many people remember that she was baptized Maria Luisa Uychiat?) and Buddai Piccio, who commuted from table to table with her indispensable camera, and only long after remembered that he had forgotten to have her dinner. It was flattering to hear Ed confess that he had been a constant reader of Twinkling since the DAILY STAR was born. Cross your heart, Ed? All those 31 years?

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It was fun listening to the classmates of the celebrator narrating incidents in their schooldays when he was the smallest in the line-ups, but now acknowledge how much he has “outgrown” many of them in the community. I think the one who got his measure best was Eddie Boy Ledesma, who did not only have amusing stories to recall, but also expressed the thanks of their batch for the way Roseller has kept them closely knit until now. Of course, he added that their meetings and gatherings held at L’Fisher, courtesy of Roseller, had greatly added to that.

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Brother Pisto, now a thriving lawyer who commutes between Manila and Cebu for his practice, expressed how truly grateful and appreciative he was of the brother, who had always been behind him in every part of his life. Roseller himself delivered a very eloquent and touching response to the tributes given him, and demonstrated how much his mother had influenced him by starting his talk with the words “Thank the Lord”. Because, more than the inspiration and support she gave her three children, her prayers were, I believe, the most potent aid she supplied them.

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The highlight of the very successful celebration was the presentation of spectacular dance and song numbers performed by members of the staff of the Lourdes C companies, all very well choreographed and rehearsed, and delivered in dazzling costumes. But the most applauded number was, of course, the finalé starring his children, grandchildren, niece, and sons-in-law, who had also been proudly introduced earlier by Roseller. That really brought the house down.

Happy birthday again, Roseller! May the Lord bless you and your loved ones with more years to celebrate together!*

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