The most recent gathering marked the 100th birth anniversary of the late grand patriarch Don Ramon Durano and nothing was spared to make the celebration extra special.

Four of the Durano siblings each came up with a family presentation — Tito and Baby (Durano) Calderon; Boy and Tita Durano; Judy Durano; and Ramonito and Elizabeth Durano.

The others — Lydia Durano Rodriguez, Don and Elsa Durano, and Tadeo Durano and their families —were made to promise to come up with a presentation each for the next reunion.

Tasked to judge the well-choreographed performances were former Cebu City Mayor Alvin Garcia, his lawyer son Jess with wife Leslie, and Plantation Bay manager Efren Belarmino.

It was pure coincidence that the Garcia family were in Plantation Bay the same weekend. As "outsiders" they were the unanimous choice to act as judges.

Nito and Beth Durano and family won the plum prize for their modern dance. Youthful Nito can still convincingly swing and sway to the tune of "Billie Jean."

As for the Durano sons, DoT Sec. Ace D. and Rep. Red D. and their lovely wives (who are twins), were a big hit.

The most elegant group was Judy D.’s family, all looking majestic and royal in their costumes. Of course the fairest of them all was Judy who looked every inch a queen with an entourage dancing attendance on her. They got the 2nd prize.

Everyone put their best foot forward and yes, pleasure and pride could be seen on the faces of Boy and Tita, and Tito and Baby during the numbers of their respective families.

Family bonding, blending and bliss!

*****

It was an intimate dinner at the Casino Español that Honorary Spanish Consul Jaime Picornell hosted for dear friend Dr. Jose "Bebe" Barba when he came to town (from New Jersey) for another one of his regular visits.

This time around Bebe proudly announced that he is a brand new grandpa after daughter Gia and son-in–law Don Hochstein presented him and wife Fidelis with a blue bundle to be named Oliver.