MEDIUM RARE

They have been partners for 48 years, with “not a single fight” to mar or fray the relationship. At Mader Ricky Reyes’ birthday party a few nights ago, the ultimate compliment was paid by Father Anthony, who described his kindness, generosity, and compassion, quoting Cris Aquino’s loving tribute to his other half as “a friend to many, selfless for others, a mother to everyone.” The basis for such smooth sailing is packaged in one word. “Respect,” said Cris. If I may add, it’s also because they’re a good fit in the ways that count. I have known Mader and Cris for many of those 48 years, but this was the first time I heard a priest of the Church refer to Mader as a she and her. Welcome aboard!, Mader, though you’ve forever been as female and feminine and motherly as you were made to be, just like the mom to whom you were so devoted. Father Anthony’s greeting was the biggest surprise to mark the surprise birthday party hosted by Hans Sy and carried out to the hilt by Cris, with 70 “only” of their “real, close friends” gathered for dinner at Conrad Hotel with family members, the couple’s daughters, Jamie and Stephie Aquino (both clad in red leather outfits), and a horde of nephews and nieces. Familiar faces were those of Helen Gamboa (aka Mrs. Tito Sotto), Wilma Galvante, and Chiqui Hollmann Yulo, who tickled their audience with tales of how they discovered Mader and why they’ve remained faithful to him/her, without a scratch.  As Helen pointed out, Mader is a brand that has conquered time and changing tastes and fashions, he’s outlasted the competition, if there ever was one, which makes him a victor and conqueror. The Mader-Cris saga, told to me in private by Cris, spans a history of 14 houses. From a teeny-weeny apartment to chandeliered mansions as they moved from San Juan to Pasig to QC, they have expanded each other’s business interests as well. Cris’ travel agency is the bedrock while Mader nourishes her Ganda RR beauty salons – “no franchising!” Her latest invention is a line of “personal care products” in the form of coconut-milk soap. Her formula but Cris’ accounting (?), you bet.