I can’t even find the words to describe this epitome of an exceptional woman who had been my angel and that of the Baguio Museum.
She, together with the late Leonora San Agustin, started the reconstruction of the Baguio Museum 10 years after it was devastated by the July 16, 1990 earthquake with the support of former National Commission for Culture and the Arts chairman Jaime Laya and former Baguio mayor and congressman Mauricio Domogan.
Truly, the acronym that Michael del Rosario, president of the Baguio Association of Hotels and Restaurants or BAR gave her during her 80th “surprise” birthday celebration was the gist of what she is – a GIFT.
She has great positive attitude. Nothing can dampen her optimistic spirit. She is an inspiration and a fighter. She fights for what she believes in, especially for the people that she believes in.
She is likewise a living testimony of valor. She is indeed a warrior in every sense of the word. I can only hum Stevie Wonder’s song, “Isn’t she lovely? Isn’t she wonderful? Isn’t she precious? Isn’t she pretty? Truly an angel’s best.”
Aside from these accolades, she is eloquent, a great writer, a wonderful mom, wife, sister, and friend, a connoisseur of food, after all, she belongs to the Reynoso clan and has a chain of Sizzling Plate restaurants.
Not to be forgotten is her sense of humor. Her daughter, Marcia Anton-Anonsen, describes her as “pilya”.
“Happiest 80th birthday to the most beautiful woman I know, “ says her daughter Margo Anton-Munden.
“I
wouldn’t be the person that I am today without your love and encouragement. I have always looked up to you and I told myself that someday I will be the confident, independent, strong willed, charismatic, generous, and loving with a heart of gold woman that she is . You continue to inspire me Mom! Here’s wishing you more blessings and good health! I love you!” she added.
Teary eyes are what you will have attended this wonderful “surprise” celebration prepared by her fabulous daughter-in-law Karen Navarrete-Anton and son Carlos.
Mam Edna really had no inkling the celebration she was going to attend was for her. Her two daughters, their husbands and their children all came home from the United States and kept the preparations a secret. Her siblings also came and as mam Edna said, “everyone that I wanted to see were present.” And that included most of her family, siblings and friends. So delighted to see her happy face.
It was a celebration galore. Complete with dance performances from Karen and the Aloha Philippines dancers, a theatrical performance of young Andre Navarrete Moynihan, butterfly magic from gifted magician Alakim, and a video presentation of Edna and Mike Anton’s life. There were also plenty of macadamia boxes for giveaways.
Pete Siapno had this to say, “I always had utmost respect for this woman who has an impeccable sense of humor. However, behind that kind and accommodating demeanor is a decisive character who commands such convincing power that easily gets the nod of everyone in agreement. “She is Eloquent, Daring, Nimble witted, and Altruistic – EDNA.”
Happy birthday, Mam Edna.
Here’s wishing you many years of good health and happiness .We love you. (photos by Karen Navarrete-Anton)
