Lola Bening Marasigan's 96th birthday at The Aristocrat Restaurant

Me and Yeyette first met Lola Bening, the nickname of Atty. Benita Marasigan-Santos (the granddaughter of Marcelo H. del Pilar), four years ago. It was an exciting moment for both of us because it was our first time to meet the bloodline of a patriot whom we have read only in books. She was then 92, already hard of hearing and blind. But I was astounded by her sharp memory and profound wisdom of history. It was quite surreal that such a perspicacious mind is helplessly trapped in an aging shell.

We met her again, this time with our kids, last April 6 on her belated 96th birthday bash held at Malate district's The Aristocrat Restaurant which is not far from her art deco home in Calle Malvar. Family members as well as friends from Saint Paul University and Malate also graced the affair.

We arrived a few minutes before 11:00 AM, just in time before the thanksgiving Mass began. After finding a place for the family, Uncle Paul Évora, dad's cousin, escorted me to Lola Bening's table. Although wheelchair-bound, she was of high spirits, just like the last time I saw her. I then drew close to her right ear —the only one that is functioning— and greeted her in a raised voice so that she could hear. I was surprised to learn that she still remembers me even though we have met only once (and that was years ago)!

Arrival.

Learning some words of wisdom again from Lola Bening. Uncle Paul is standing right behind her.

The Alas kids at yonder table. They had no idea that Lola Bening was bequeathing me her grandfather's superpowers, hehe!

After the usual salutations, I curiously asked her what her birthday wish was. I caught a glimpse of a split-second of thought in her countenance — she seemed not prepared for that one. Nevertheless, she was able to deliver a somewhat ready answer (this lady never fails to astound me, really). And she had three to boot:

1) Quality education for all Filipino students, regardless of economic standing.
2) Medical care for everyone, especially the poor.
3) Upliftment of family life. And she meant ALL families.

She enumerated each wish as if she had been brewing them in her thoughts all these years. But she didn't even have any wish for herself. And no, she won't stop talking, haha! And her voice is not as frail as her body. It was commanding even. She talked about acquaintances, her dad, her country's deplorable state. She's even updated on that whole Janet Nápoles circus! Yet inspite of all the hullabaloo the country's in at the moment, she remained hopeful.

With our dear Tita Sylvia, Lola Bening's eldest daughter.

Fr. John Leydon, MSSC, officiated the thanksgiving Mass for Lola Bening's 96th year on this topsy-turvy yet happy planet of ours. He is the parish priest of nearby Church of Our Lady of Remedies, popularly known as Malate Church (Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de los Remedios).

The Missionary Sisters of our Lady of Fatima, popularly known as the Peach Sisters of Calambâ. They must have invited Yeyette to become a nun, hence her surprised look.

With my Peach Sisters. We are family.

Sharing a table with members of the Santos clan (family members of Lola Bening's deceased husband).

The Ladies of Malate serenading the birthday celebrant.

The great grandchildren blowing the birthday candles on Lola Bening's behalf.

Lola Bening with the Saint Paul Sisters and alumnae of Saint Paul University. Lola Bening is an alumna of the said university.

La Familia Viajera con la pensadora anciana.

Yeyette with Tita Corina, Uncle Paul's better half and a daughter of Lola Bening. She was the host of the event.

Me, Krystal, and Jefe together with Philippine poetry's high priestess, Virgie Moreno, a dear friend of my favorite writer, National Artist for Literature Nick Joaquín. She is also the sister of renowned fashion czar José "Pitoy" Moreno who recently passed away. Actually, the dress she's wearing here was designed by her late brother (this info I got from my fashion police of a wife; excellent interrogation there, dearest wife).

I asked Virgie why Nick left the seminary in his youth. She said the answer could be found in his novel "The Woman Who Had Two Navels". Oh great. Now I had to do some rereading.

Uncle Paul and Yeyette.

I couldn't imagine myself reaching that age with my sentience still intact. I'm not sure if Lola Bening feels the same. It must be lonely being in that condition (I dared not ask her). But what I know for sure is that the reason why she is still with us is that she still has a mission on earth. And what could that mission be? Well, she sent all of us to task. Just listen to her closing statement at the end of this video...

She is really eager on making her three selfless wishes come true. I hope everyone in the hall was listening to her intently.

Slowly ebbing away, but with grace and intellectual posture, she and her engaging statements for the country —reminiscent of her grandfather— remain a beacon of hope, at least for me.

❤L❤A❤F❤A❤M❤I❤L❤I❤A❤V❤I❤A❤J❤E❤R❤A❤

What better place to celebrate the birthday of a historical figure's granddaughter than in an equally historic place! Known as "The Philippines' Most Popular Restaurant", The Aristocrat is probably the most well-known and most historic restaurant in all of Manila (and probably in the entire archipelago). Mere mention of its name will immediately evoke nostalgic scenes of Manila Bay and its postcard-perfect boulevard. It started as a foodcart and has amazingly morphed into the restaurant which we know today. Famous men in our annals such as Emilio Aguinaldo have dined here. It is also the only food establishment I could think of that has been accorded the honor of having a historical marker. The place has gone through wars, coups, earthquakes, typhoons, and competition. But it has endured the test of times. Now it has several branches, sprouting in malls and elsewhere. What seems to not have changed is its reputation as a comely eatery for classic Filipino and intercontinental cuisine which Manileños in particular and Filipinos as a whole have loved throughout the decades.

Juanito beside the restaurant's historical marker situated at the Plaza Rajah Sulayman, just across the restaurant itself.

Click here for the complete photo album of Lola Bening's 96th natal day feast! ¡Hasta la vista!