Susan’s wish for Grace

Make a wish, make a wish!

Susan Roces stood before a huge square cake with only two lighted candles Saturday night, July 25, three days before her actual birthday which falls today which also happens to be the 29th anniversary of The Philippine STAR, the broadsheet that kicks off the day for stars in all fields, especially showbiz.

The dinner was held at Pio’s Kitchen (corner Scout Reyes and Scout Fuentebella Streets, Quezon City, call 0917-5322892 for inquiries) which the owners Mon and Chin (who both used to be flight attendants) close exclusively for a party of eight (upwards). The kitchen is famous for, among other mouth-watering dishes, paella and also serves both white rice and black rice.

Instead of making a wish, Susan joined the barkada in singing Happy Birthday. She’s turning 74 but definitely doesn’t look it. “And I’m proud of it,” said Susan who has remained, excuse me for starting to sound like a broken record, “The Face That Refreshes” through the years, every part of her “original” (read: untouched by science).

Asked what her birthday message was, Susan playfully said, “Prosperity. Love! Harmony! Good health to everybody. And peace!” Then she proceeded to sing, “Let there be peace on earth…” She was mum when asked about her daughter Grace Poe’s much-awaited decision related to the 2016 presidential election. She simply flashed a smile so sweet that it seemed to say everything.

And Grace’s wish for her mom?

“That she finds fulfillment in everything that she does both in her career and her life. Satisfaction in her work and more free time in her farm (in Batangas)…And for her to find every reason to be proud of me.”

What would give Susan one more reason to be proud of her…you know? Grace made no comment, except to break into a smile so sweet that it seemed to say everything.

So what gift is Grace giving her mom?

“Secret! I’m giving it to her on her birthday,” which is today. “My mom is actually very simple,” revealed Grace. “She doesn’t expect an expensive gift. A home-made concoction will make her very happy. One time, I came from a trip abroad and gave her a lavender plant as pasalubong. Tuwang-tuwa siya!”

What Grace values the most are the pieces of advice from her mom.

“She always reminds me, ‘Huwag mong walain ang sarili mo, don’t lose yourself; you have a moral compass and follow it.’ (Those pieces of) advice are priceless.”

To Susan and The STAR, many happy returns of the day! Rest assured that both of you will have many more to come.

(E-mail reactions at [email protected]. You may also send your questions to [email protected]. For more updates, photos and videos visit www.philstar.com/funfare or follow me on www.twitter/therealrickylo.)

PHOTOS by RICKY LO

and RAOUL TIDALGO