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Manila Bulletin devider Opinion devider 80 is for celebrating

80 is for celebrating

Published Jan 15, 2026 12:02 am  |  Updated Jan 14, 2026 04:21 pm
MEDIUM RARE
Said his best friend and sidekick: “He’s been planning, planning and going over the menu since December 26. He’s changed it three times, maybe more.”
That’s Benjie Yap, all right, as described by Fermin Reyes. Meticulous to the last tiny drop of sequin (or ruby, or diamond), Benjie is, after all, a jewelry designer and collector of Asian antiques. On the other side, he’s a guardian of orphans who live in his foundation’s House of Refuge until they’re of working age, upon which they are then helped to “graduate” by finding a job.
To celebrate his 80th birthday last Jan. 8, Benjie chose a red theme, starting with his crimson silk jacket, on whose lapel he pinned a diamond brooch as big as the Eiffel Tower or, if you prefer, the family-owned Manila Hotel. Guests were encouraged to come in red, and they did, creating a sea of happy, glorious red silk, satin, chiffon, liberally sprinkled with sequins, pearls, or faux rubies, red being the color of life.
The VIP’s who surrounded Benjie at table No. 1 included Edna Camcam, Baby Arenas, Joey Antonio, Philip and Ching Cruz, Marivic Vazquez, Gilda and Jun Palafox, and Dick Gordon. Yes, they were all in red – why, even the menu was printed on red paper. On the back of the menu Benjie wrote, “I am thankful for nights that turned into mornings, friends that turned into family, and dreams that turned into reality.”
Spoken like a poet, Benjie! Do poets love desserts? The menu included an intermezzo of strawberry and rose sorbet, plus two desserts before coffee and tea. Looking forward to the next party, Benjie!

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MEDIUM RARE JULLIE Y. DAZA
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