A Birthday Reunion
Happy Birthday to me!
At first, it looked daunting, with the noonday fog covering the cliffs of Tagaytay Highlands and its famed view nowhere in sight. But as the ride continued to the Midlands section, the fog cleared to reveal Raul and Nena Gamban's private hideaway in this neck of the woods. Here, Nena celebrated her 60th birthday last November 15, 2008, one week after her original birthday. It was spent with family who drove all the way from Manila, and some who flew in from Bacolod. Four generations of the Fontanilla family were present, all descendants of Alberto Abiera Fontanilla of San Jose, Antique, and Josefa Cuison Gonzaga of Victorias, Negros Occidental. Teresita Santiago represented one of two living members of the first generation, while Luca Tanjangco, grandson of Paquito and Pinky Tanjangco, was the youngest of the fourth generation at three months old.
Perfect setting for a group picture.
It was an intimate gathering that was spent catching up on other relatives who were based in Manila, Bacolod, and the rest of the world. It was also a day spent munching on everything that was placed on the buffet table. Everything was home-cooked, from the prawns, laing, and adobo. Just when you thought the meal was over, out comes cake and fresh fruits for dessert, followed by the next batch of food for merienda! Every party always has something new, and this one had champoy-powder dip to go with thinly sliced guava! This was probably the reason why everyone was stuck in the dining area.
Second Generation Fontanillas, or
some of it!.
Bambi Gamban made sure everyone signed on the birthday card for Nena, although it turned out to be an album instead of a card with the numerous dedications and sketches written on it. The younger crowd was on the second floor deck, enjoying the view, while the not so young stayed on in the balcony, with more serious conversations like politics and sugar-biz. By late afternoon, everyone had walked around this quaint community and agreed that it was well worth the two-hour drive from Manila. It was everything Nena could ask for in a birthday celebration -- the air was fresh, nature was in bloom, and the company was special. It was also everything the guests could ask for in a day trip to Tagaytay – a cozy home, wonderful hosts, entertaining company, and the best tasting guinat-an ever!