Celebrating Big with a Small Group of Good Friends: Happy Birthday Elizabeth

By: Maria Girlie Pascual

 

Last year’s party was a tough act to follow especially when it’s an all out musical extravaganza complete with a script of her life’s journey written and directed by yours truly, accompanied by Edison Dayao, music by the late Delfin Masangcay who gave it his all, and backed up by great friends, even with a guest appearance by Philippine recording artist and actress from California, Ms Giji Djhoanna Garcia. Yes, it was indeed quite the party, but this year, instead of sequins and boas, everyone showed up with face masks glammed up in white, sanitizing wipes and fun attitudes as only good friends will do. Elizabeth Cambay Regacho felt happy just to be in the presence of her hubby Elbert, sister Alice Lisowski, surrounded by longtime gal pals Glenda Ramos, Sue Buniao, Alma Viudez along with her ACCHAI family Salvy Marino, sisters Lalaine Golucan with Ray Anthony and Irene and Ray Gonzaga, current President Mabel Sacay and hubby Joe with sister Darlene Benito. It was a small, intimate affair held at the Executive Suite of the Hilton Oakbrook on Drury Lane, but it was a night complete with temperature checks, hand washing and sanitizing, true “clean” fun with safety protocols in place. Such are the signs of the times, and like the wise Japanese doctors have said, COVID is here to stay, so we must learn to safely live with it until the cure is here. James Papi DC provided the requisite musical equipment and playlist, and yours truly was in charge of the room and drinks to liven up this impromptu celebration orchestrated by Mama Salvy Marino who brought along her pal Cora.

There was no shortage of entertainment, food or drinks. Everyone had something to share, and it warmed the celebrant’s heart to just be able to laugh, sing, joke and reminisce with this community of great people that she lovingly claims as her “extended family”. To Madame Mylab Elizabeth Regacho, whom her children John, Michael and Paul look up to as the woman behind their dad Elbert’s success in family and business, Glamma to little Ella and Mom-In-Law to Amy, the caring force that keeps them all together in love and prayer, may the Lord continue to give you good health and a clear vision as you go out of your way for family, friends and those who are lucky enough to be in your orbit! Happy birthday Madame Mylab Elizabeth, Lizzie, Beth!

Friends celebrate with Elizabeth (L-R top) Sue Buniao, Glenda Ramos, Lalaine Golucan, Irene, Birthday Girl Liz, Salvy Marino, Cora, Mabel Sacay and Darlene Benito with Girlie, Alma Viudez and Elizabeth’s sister Alice Lisowski.

“That’s What Friends Are For” fitting song for the “Dancing Queen Elizabeth “ show last year, and this year’s special celebration.

Elizabeth pretty in plum flanked by Irene and Alma in their party white attire

Best friends since the 1980’s Birthday celebrant Elizabeth Cambay Regacho and Glenda Ramos

Girlie with Anthony and Lalaine Golucan, Salvy Marino and Darlene Benito

Go Gents! With Anthony Ray Golucan, Elbert Regacho and James Papi DC

Dancing and singing Queens Darlene Benito, Lalaine, Alice, Glenda and Irene

Sharing is caring: swapping stories on how Elizabeth became a good friend with Glenda Ramos starting the conversation

Mama Salvy Marino takes her turn reminiscing about her friendship with Elizabeth as Sue, Irene and Ray, Anthony and Lalaine listen intently