Montauk Local Eden Guevara Baradi Turns 100 Years Old

MONTAUK LOCAL EDEN GUEVARA BARADI TURNS 100 YEARS OLD Huge Celebration Draws Four Generations To Celebrate Eden’s Birthday. She is Officially Montauk’s Oldest Resident By Patria Baradi Pacis Eden Guevara Baradi, of Montauk, turned 100 years young last June 12, 2010. The birthday bash was held at the Grand Ballroom of the Long Island Marriott Hotel and Conference Center in Uniondale, Long Island, New York. More than 150 relatives and friends flew from all over the world: the Philippines, China, Europe, and the United States to honor and show their love for her. Four car loads of Eden’s friends from the Montauk’s Senior Nutrition Center car pooled so they could attend this once in a lifetime occasion. The ballroom lit by golden chandeliers was elegantly decorated with clusters of pink, lavender and purple balloons with a 100 Mylar, prism balloon on top. Tables of twelve covered in floor length ivory cloth were adorned with matching,ivory candles in glass enclosure, surrounded by potted plants of African violets of purple, pink and white over a lilac overlay cloth. Each chairs were also elegantly covered with matching ivory cloth. Four oil paintings of Eden’s portrait as Miss Marikina, a graduate of the Institute Fashion Design in Manila,Philippines, a young bride and her 95th B’day were placed on easels. Two tables of gifts and cake were displayed on stage in front of the 3 by 10 feet banner that son, Joe hand carried from Manila which had “Happy 100th Birthday Lola Eden!May you have many more healthy and happy days to come. From your children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.” Beautifully printed programs of the 100th party with Mom’s current picture in front and the whole family in the back was made by son Mauro Jr., and were placed at each setting for the attendees to read. Everyone helped to make the party a success! Eden’s grandchildren Vicky prepared the 20 minutes DVD presentation of Eden’s 100 years which everyone watched attentively. Kimberley went to Manila to bring back the specially designed souvenir lilac fans as giveaways. Her grand niece, Grace came all the way from California to sing “You Are So Beautiful”,” Wind Beneath My Wings” . As their gift to their grandma, they performed a duet, both in English and Italian to the song “The Prayer”. Gabriel also arranged for the venue and accommodations and sang tear jerking songs including his Lola’s (Grandma’s) and Lolo’s (Grandpa’s) favorite song, “Dahil Sa Yo” (Because of You). During the songs, Eden graciously sat in a rattan peacock chair, decorated by Peter, granddaughter Yvette’s husband, with small roses of white, pink and purple that outlined the chair. Kristine, Gabriel’s wife prepared the program and check list to make sure the party went like clockwork and arranged for the great, five piece “Philippine Music Boulevard Band” with Gabriel’s college classmate Joy as the Lead Singer. But the bulk of the work was done by daughter, Patria and husband, Cam, including sending invitations worldwide, ordering balloons, cakes linens, the album photos of well wishers, guest book, table and sitting arrangements, sparking cider for toasting, two video-graphers, Tony and Steve and one special, handpicked photographer, Vince, Eden’s nephew, his wife Thelma and other details that was needed to have a successful party. Eden’s son Joe, grandson Gabriel and daughter Patria emceed alternately. Invocation was meaningfully performed by Pastor Linda, a Barnard classmate of Patria. A photo-op of each table was taken with Eden before proceeding to the buffet lunch. A Song “O Inang Mahal Ko” or “Mother Dear I love You” was sang by Eden’s four children a cappella. There was not a dry eye in the room after the presentation of the video of Eden’s 100 years, showing pictures of relatives and friends, many of whom have The passed on but still, many were there to celebrate with her. The party served scrumptious Asian Hot and Cold menu, including crispy Shrimp and Vegetable tempura, Beef Short Ribs that melted in your mouth with Japanese Eggplant and Broccoli and Grilled Chicken with mixed Vegetable and Lo Mein Noodles. For dessert: Chocolate dipped Fortune Cookies, Raspberry Almond Slice with Berry Coulis and three cakes of mocha, strawberry and uve flavor,beautifully decorated with white orchids and lilac flowers: One for the birthday celebrant, one for the 35th Anniversary of son Joe and wife,Ann Marie, the other for the 41st Anniversary of Pat and Cam. Pat sang an original song “Blow Out All The Candles” written specifically for Mom by friend Gai Manansala from the Philippines, followed by everyone joining her with the Happy Birthday Song. The testimonial speeches of family, relatives and friends including daughters in law, Josephine and Ann Marie and our own Margaret Urvalek, from Montauk were sentimental. The band played a mixture of both Philippine songs and the more familiar songs for oldies and not so oldies including the Boogie, Cha-Cha, Merengue and Twist. Eden’s sons, grandsons, sons-in-laws and relatives and friends dance with Eden to the Tennessee Waltz and Moon River song..Each gave her a long, stemmed, pink rose. A bouquet of pink roses with lilac ribbons were presented by great granddaughter Elena Pearl, and two other great granddaughters,Cassandra and Ariana who could not be there but were truly missed. The dancing continued including line dancing that brought most of the guests on the dance floor including a special dance by the friends of Eden’s children who grew up in Nigeria, West Africa forty seven years ago by dancing “Hully Gully ” the “Locomotion” song. Eden, who was introduced by son Mauro, Jr, wore a traditional Philippine Gown of Ivory color made out of Pineapple fiber by designer Ben Farrales from the Philippines with hanging pearl sequins and long golden shawl that draped on her shoulders. Her daughters wore matching gowns, including matching bags. Her sons wore the traditional Barong Tagalog shirt which is the formal wear of the Philippines. Eden made a short but meaningful speech acknowledging everyone that came. Daughter, Patria gave the closing remarks and thanked everyone for coming to Eden’s 100th by telling everyone how much Eden loved them all. Who knew that 100 years ago, a beautiful baby born in Marikina, Rizal, Philippines from parents whose ancestors came from Spain and whose grandparents started the local shoe industry which later turned into the “Shoe Capital of the world”, would be blessed a wonderful life as the wife of 44 years to the Philippine Ambassador to Africa, have four loving children, Perla, Mauro Jr.,Jose and Patria, five grand children and 3 great grand daughters and one on the way. Eden shows no signs of slowing down. She is still healthy and active and plans to see everyone to her 200th Birthday as she said in her speech. Happy 100th Birthday Mom! We love you very much! p.s. Since Eden’s 98th and 99th birthday celebration was covered by the “Montauk Pioneer”, it was only fitting that she would choose the same for her 100th. Patria Baradi Pacis Writer/Photographer P.O. Box 1504 Montauk, NY 11954 patcam2094@aol.com Authors Bio Patria Baradi Pacis, born in the Philippines, grew up in East and West Africa as a diplomat’s daughter. She graduated from Barnard College, Columbia University & her last career job was with Delta Airlines of thirty years. As a contributor of articles and photos for the Montauk Pioneer, she was voted ‘Best of the Best Reporter’ in 2007 and 2008. She is a writer-photographer living happily in Montauk, NY since 1995, with husband Cam Pacis & labrador Princess Penguin!