A Golden Girl Celebrates With A Blast From The Past

By: Maria Girlie Pascual

 

She is always smiling, her big infectious grin from ear-to- ear draws you in like a soft hug in a sea of faces whenever there is an event that she is part of, has organized, has performed in, or just attended for friendship. Yes, she has quite a bandwagon of friends, having that warm, friendly demeanor in all the time that I have known her, Chaziel Patron, or Chaz to family and friends, has been nothing but a fun, happy lady that truly epitomizes the true “Pinay” Filipino mom and wife that she is. Married to Jun Patron for over two decades, they will be celebrating their silver anniversary next year, and even that, is part of this story.
Chaz sent out her birthday party invitations a few months back then started following up in earnest a few weeks before her “golden” event. Her colorful montage featured neon lights, balloons, all clues to say that this will be a fun night so be prepared to enjoy. A week before her party, she personally asked me to emcee and, of course, I gladly obliged, honored that she wanted me to host such an important night for her and her family.
When I walked in to the ballroom of the Medinah Banquets, I knew it’ll be an 80’s-themed fete, but what I was not prepared for was the labor-intensive decor, the well-thought out space that made sure the guests would get to see the show, participate, and be genuinely part of Chaz’s celebration. Nothing was left to chance. Chaz’s line-up of performers included our local parish priests like Father Sunny and Father Dindo who each rendered a song, and local talents that proved to be hidden gems in our community, especially Mr John Mari-Bamba, the resident “Puto Bumbong” vendor who embodied the true 1980-era in both “Herbert Bautista” get-up, dance moves and song. There was Sychar Yebra, Llyod Mara Ligunas, Sege Calasang, Willy Lucas, who all rendered fantastic numbers. But, of course, the Belle of the Ball was none other than the birthday gal herself, Chaz, who wowed audiences with her vocal range and generational songs, even coaxed songs and dances from all four (yes four) of her daughters that evening. Even Jun, became “husband of the hour” singing with the Mixed Energy Band after 11 shots of scotch before, during, and after his song. (JOKE)
But it was the love of family, love of friends, most certainly love of life that came shining through in a big way. Chaz had her own bout with the big “C” and thankfully, through medical compliance and her strong faith, still manages to live her life to the fullest, and in a big way, just faithfully being the best mom and wife she could be as her daughters’ tearful testimonials attested.
Dance choreographies with disco songs from the 80’s by her best friend, former WEA Dancer and TV personality Angel Blanco who flew in from out-of-state just to support her bestie Chaz, brought the house down. It just brought back that era with fun and glitz, ending the night with an invitation to join the crew on the lighted “Saturday Night Fever” style dance floor (special order for that night only).
It was an honor to host her golden party, and Chaz would like to thank:
• Her husband Jun, daughters Clare, Cris, Azzy, Chaziel and granddaughter Lilah for their unwavering support and unconditional love
• Her Faith Community especially the FEAST CHOIR with Marilin and Alyssa Solomon
• Her Mason brothers and sisters of Hinsdale Lodge
• Her parish priests and friends: Father Sunny, Father Dindo Father Jose and Deacon Gerry
• Her Viatimes family, with Veronica Leighton and Girlie Pascual
• Her performers, dancers and besties: Jess Viado, Joy Francisco, Josel V, Leny Cabildo, Bodie J and Lindy Tan
• Her Choreographer: Angel Blanco
• Her musician partner Edizon Dayao
• Hair & Makeup by Froilan Cabrera
• Photographer Clyde Cavada
And, like Jun Patron kept repeating throughout the night, if you were invited and attended Chaz’s fabulous event, you are invited to their Silver 25th wedding anniversary next year! Congratulations on a night to remember MS CHAZ PATRON!

The birthday celebrant, with her buddies in the dance scene, rendered an explosive production dance medley of her most favorite ’80s dance hits and popular dance crazes, choreographed by one of her best friends and, a former WEA dancer, Angel Blanco.

A sultry crooner, Chaziel Patron known to be one of the best singers in Chicago, would not have made her birthday celebration a complete one without the beautiful and entertaining song numbers by her very good friends in the community, as she joined some of them in rendering love song hits from the 80s.

Chaz, with her sisters in Christ, rendered their own rendition of a classic that has been recently made popular as a TikTok dance craze.

From Top- Left to Right Angenel Blanco, Cris Patron, Azzy Patron Bottom- Clare Patron and Alyssa Solomon.

Ms Girlie and Angel Blanco My two beautiful and gorgeous emcees of the evening, who made the celebration even more lively, entertaining, and unforgettable.
Thank you for bringing so much energy, laughter, and joy to the night!

To my Portillo’s family thank you for always being there for me, not just at work but beyond it. Your friendship and support mean the world to me.
I’m truly grateful for all of you.

Left to Right- Father Sunny, Deacon Gerry, Father Jose and Father Dindo To the Pastors and Deacons who blessed my special day with your presence, thank you from the bottom of my heart. Your prayers, kind words, and blessings made the celebration even more meaningful.
I truly appreciate you taking the time to celebrate with me.
May God continue to bless each of you abundantly.

A mi familia de Portillo’s gracias por estar siempre a mi lado, no solo en el trabajo, sino también fuera de él. Su amistad y apoyo significan muchísimo para mí. Estoy verdaderamente agradecida con cada uno de ustedes. ¡Los quiero mucho!

Left to right: Clare, Cris, Azzy, Chaziel, Jhun, Cece, Roman and our precious apo, Lilah —my amazing family who surrounded me with love and unwavering support on my special day. I am truly blessed and forever grateful.

From Left to Right Chaz and Clyde , Chaz and Froilan.
A heartfelt thank you to my Hair & Makeup Artist, Froilan Cabrera, who always makes me feel beautiful, and to our Official Photographer, Clyde Cavada, who always
preserves the unforgettable moments of every celebration. Thank you both for your wonderful gift, your incredible talent, and for making my celebration even more special.