December 4 was a red letter day for Virginia "Mama Gie" Pernia Costales. Mama Gie, as she is fondly called by relatives and friends, was honored by her eight children with a grand birthday celebration when she turned all of 80 years old and looking younger. Venue was the Grand Ballroom of Casino Español de Cebu. Mama Gie's children who feted her to a dinner cum dancing were: Alma (Chicago), Allan, Beth, Bembem, Volks (Texas), Alice, Tatah and Lenlen. Except for Alma and Volks, the rest of the children and grandchildren were present during this auspicious occasion.
With the theme of the 30s, the festejada wore a red dress with ruffles at the hemline fashioned by daughter Tatah… she too was wearing white feathers on her hair. The ladies who came to the party wore the fad of the 30s while the gents were in dark suits.
Entertainment was provided by Mama Gie's grandchildren, who are all endowed with the gift of singing and dancing. And before dinner started, the birthday girl blew the candles on her artistically eighty-formed cake lovingly made by daughter Alice.
Immediately after dinner, dancing followed with ready DI's for the lady guests who were raring to go to the dance floor. For Mama Gie, her birthday celebration was the most beautiful thing that ever happened in her life. With a little quiver in her voice, she thanked her eight children and friends who came to her 80th birthday celebration. PTL!