MANILA, Philippines--It?s not often that a nonlawyer would find herself in a gathering of members of the legal profession. But, recently, at Legends restaurant, CCP complex, I was happily in the middle of one.

The occasion was a thanksgiving party hosted by Valenzuela City?s newly appointed Regional Trial Court judge, Evangeline S. Mendoza-Francisco, whom I met when she was still a fiscal in Pasay City. The comely and confident legal eagle was the prosecutor in the adoption case of my two children.

Led by Pasay City chief prosecutor, Elmer Mitra, and Muntinlupa chief prosecutor, Edward Togonon, the judge?s friends and colleagues took turns in wishing her the best as she begins a new phase in her career.

An emotional Eva thanked her guests for their relentless support, camaraderie and friendship. I join everyone in wishing the well-loved judge only the best!

E-mail mandynavasero@yahoo.com.