Our Very Own, GRANDE DAME of Chicago, the Great Veronica V. Leighton

By: Maria Girlie Pascual

 

Who else could celebrate her 84th birthday wearing a Chinese cheongsam complete with a hairpiece to complement her attire, held in a…yes! Chinese restaurant called Ming Hin Cuisine in Rolling Meadows. Such is the bouyant spirit of this octogenarian which makes her parties and events the toast- and-talk of this town, we call Chicago. Veronica Leighton, beloved publisher and broadcaster, out-Chino-ed the Chinese in her very bright and attractive outfit which not only made everyone smile, but brought a certain joy and lightness to her birthday celebration attended by at least a hundred guests, including yours truly.

Her emailed invitation requested for the attendees to wear something red, this color considered to be one of the luckiest shades in the Far East. Paired with golden ornaments or jewelry, this practice is said to not only grant luck and good health, but it also protects the wearer from harm and evil spirits. Vero, at her advanced age, still continues to hedge her bets by surrounding herself with loving family and good friends, while continuing to practice good karma and believing in positive energy. It has certainly helped her achieve what only a few can dream of—a successful publishing career, a well-known and lauded newsmagazine and the only Filipino television show in Chicago and Midwest for many years, years of great involvement and leadership in the Filipino American community of Chicago, numerous awards and recognitions in and out of our community, as well as an epic love story with her late husband Joe Mauricio. She continues to have it all—a self-made, petite lady that may be called diminutive, but roars like a lion when pushed to react. To add to this magnificent characteristic, she was born in the Year of the Dragon of the Chinese calendar, a Dragon Lady through and through.

With the support and affection of her only son Bobby, his wife Christy, and her grandkids Maya and Christian, Veronica also enjoys time with her sisters in Chicago, Rhodora and Neneth and only surviving brother in a nursing home, Adonis, down to six siblings from a brood of fifteen, Veronica now heads the Bacatan clan of Navotas as the eldest among the surviving brother and sisters. Suffering a stroke a few months earlier, Vero continues to work with therapists, chiropractors and natural wellness, and continues to edit and publish Via Times Newsmagazine, and is still deciding if she has the energy and physical ability to hold a revival of the famed and internationally-known Chicago Filipino Asian American Hall of Fame in her current condition. The super-gala Hall of Fame ran for over 25 years, halted by Covid pandemic, and has made quite a history in our community. I, having emceed the very first, hopes to be there if she decides to hold it this year. Through all her trials and tribulations, I saw long-time friends and newer companions, those that have contributed to Veronica’s history, and those that are continuing to make it with her. Whatever the future holds for our dear publisher, one thing anyone can be assured of, is that she will never be ordinary.

Blessings and cheers to your health, dear friend, Vero! We are, and will always be grateful companions in your continuing life’s journey. We love you! Enjoy pictures of her fun and delicious Chinese lauriat birthday party on her 84th. With gratitude and much love, Veronica the gentle dragon lady sends her thanks to all our readers and friends.

The birthday celebrant and woman of the hour, Veronica Leighton.

Mother and Son moment Vero and Bobby.

Newly grad apo Maya with Vero

This columnist and her mentor.

Vero with photo man nephew James DC.

Vero with personal stylist and friend Robert Chavez.

Jane Palomar & Veronica.

Veronica with Jocelyn Needer.

Vero with Ella Basilio.

Jovie Calma, Lindy Tan & Chicago couturier Ramon Lazaro.

Vero’s old friends Elsa Tioco and Rose Eloriaga. Extreme right: Cristina Gutierrez.

Community leaders Conrad & Norma Manankil with Vero.

L-R: Segundina Quiba, Ellen Maguad, Pressian Tejero & her mom, Judith Santiago, Vero, Rod Merced, Melody Angstadt.

Jovie Calma, Veronica and Dale Tippett.

Getting ready for her closeup.

Vero with Nora & Fred Tsai.

Vero with columnist Lourdes & Francis Mon.

Lindy Tan, Nancy Castro & Marylyn Lopez.

Vero with Rey & Hermie Espiritu.

Vero with Melody Angstadt & Rod Merced.

Vero with Lain & Nel Frias.

Vero with Dina & Pabs Quiba.

The Red Team with Elizabeth & Elbert Regacho, Vero & Girlie.

Pastor Nancy, Rita Cueter, Vero & Norma Manankil.

Former columnist Jovie Calma & son Rovic with Vero & Edna Pavel.

Vero, sis Neneth Miranda & Pastor Nancy Abiera.

Drs. Nida & Ed Hernaez, Nestor & Elsa Castillo, Vecile & Diego Ramirez & Rose Hipona.

L-R: Ellen Maguad, Faye Mendiola, Veronica & sister Rhodora Gutierrez.

Jovie, Rovic, Chie, Isabella & Nichole Rivas.

L-R: Pastor Nancy, Flor Kramer, Hilida Sy, & Liza Vasich.

Melody Dizon, Veronica, Pastor Nancy Abiera & Liza Vasich.

Vero with Nenneth and family.

Vero with Nenneth and family.

Group of fun friends in red.

L-R: Pabs & Dina Quiba, Myrna Mahant, sister Neneth Miranda, Joanne & RJ Turija.

Birthday girl blowing the birthday candles.

The celebrant with the “last to leave” table (L-R) seated Jerry & Janet, Flor Kramer with Girlie, Dan Gawat, Elizabeth & Elbert Regacho (L-R) standing are Rhodora, Jocelyn, Vero and Nancy Abierra.

Jovie & Alric, Rose Hipona, and Drs. Nida & Ed Hernaez.

Standing: Dr. Vio Jonson, RJ & Joanne Turija, Myrna Mahant, Rey Espiritu; Sitting: Ella Basilio, Hermie Espiritu, Nenen Maghanoy & Rey.