TURNING 95 is an occasion that calls for jubilation, especially for former senator, now board chairperson of Philippine Women?s University, Helena Z. Benitez who marked the milestone event in her life last June 27.

Benitez is fondly called ?Senadora? or ?Tita Helen.? Her family, associates and friends put together a series of events to celebrate her joyous birthday.

The celebration was held at Mira-Nila, the Benitez?s ancestral home in Quezon City, a Florentine structure built in 1929 when Benitez moved there at around age 18.

Her nephews and nieces led by Petty B. Johannot organized a Mass officiated by Father Paul Marquez at the Chapel of the Holy Family. A musical tribute followed, hosted by Cory Quirino and Ambassador Rosario Manalo.

Featured artists were from the PWU School of Music, such as baritone Marvin Gayramon and soprano Carissa Powao. Guest artists were noted flutist Sunny Yangco and guitarist Lester Herco. Andie Reyes, daughter of the late Martin Reyes, played the violin, while Natasha Benitez did an impromptu love song.

Cocktails were served by Cibo. Exchanging pleasantries during the party were Judy Roxas, Vicente ?Ting? Paterno, Nena Ilusorio, Arturo and Tessie Luz, Maribel Ongpin, Tessie Sy Coson, and Oscar and Connie Lopez.

Also present were Robert Constantino and Helen Marte, Ambassador Curtis Chin, Tati Licuanan, Juvenal Sanso, Monique Villongco, Greggy and Irene Araneta.

Big clan

The Benitez clan, including the third, fourth and fifth generations, was there to greet their great grand nonagenarian lola (grandmother).

Dr. Amelou B. Reyes, the eldest of the third generation, was there with her children and grandchildren: Freddie and Myra with Mika, Mikyle and Misha; Marlyn and Tony Lilles with Maia and Miela; Alex and Tintin with Ryvo, Renzo and Rohan and Ivette with Andie, Sevi, Chino and Rafa.

The Senadora?s brother, Jolly Benitez, and his wife Joanne Benitez attended to the guests. They were with Albee and Nikki, Marco and Marielle, the good-looking children of the late Noel Benitez, and Suzie, now at the helm of the world-renowned Bayanihan Philippine National Dance Company.

Leading the family of Tomas Benitez, the late brother of Tita Helen, was Conchita ?Nena? Liboro Benitez, who was with her children Petty Johannot, Rosary, Willy and Armi, and grandchildren Roberta and Miguel, Bryan McLelland, Christopher Brown, Eric Benitez and Stacy Benitez.

Testimonials

Earlier, on June 25, the PWU Doctor of Education (Ed.D) Alumni Chapter headed by Lulu Trias, with the Philippine Home Economics Foundation Inc., feted Benitez in a testimonial dinner and musical at the PWU Conrado Benitez Hall, Taft campus, Manila.

Hosting the event, Trias said: ?We are expressing our admiration and undying gratitude for [you] being the empowering role model and icon that you are to us.?

Testimonials of Benitez?s contributions to society were made by Sec. Lito Atienza (on environment), Imelda R. Marcos (arts and culture), Ambassador Rosario Manalo (diplomatic service), lawyer Charito Planas (community service and women?s causes), Vivien Talisayon (education), Amelia Zorayda Alonzo (legislation and government service) and Manuel Alba (representing the PWU Board of Trustees).

Former Senator Wigberto Tañada may have summed up and captured best what people think of Benitez when he said:

?Helena Benitez is a contemporary renaissance woman whose career and lifetime achievements speak volumes about how we can and must deliver on environment protection, community development and good governance. She has set for herself a high standard and lives by it, a kind of leadership by example that our country sorely needs these times.?

To this day, Benitez continues her environment advocacy through the Helena Z. Benitez Global Forum on Women, Power and Sustainable Development at the UN in New York. This forum, which meets regularly during the sessions of the UN Commission on Sustainable Development, is duly recognized and accredited by ECOSOC.