Remembering a distinguished lady
By Rudy A. Arizala
The article: “Jessie Lichauco at 98: Feasting by the Pasig, dances with memories," by Ms. Sunshine de Leon which appeared on 07 February 2010, Philippine Daily Inquirer, made me recall to mind a distinguished lady who, accompanied by her two daughters, made a stop-over in New Delhi in 1958, on their way to London. I was then a young lawyer starting my diplomatic career at the Philippine Embassy as private secretary and confidential assistant to the Philippine Ambassador. I was designated to act as their tourist guide during their stay in the Indian capital.
Our 1958 visitors from Manila in New Delhi were no other than Mrs. Jessie Lichauco and her two teenaged daughters. I remember that the motherly and kind lady, more by way of endearment than in jest, fondly referred to me as the “boy lawyer” of the Philippine Embassy. Or, sometimes she calls me “hijo”.
Since that episode, I have not heard from them. But I never forget such motherly attention. It is, therefore, a pleasant surprise and gratifying for me to know that the distinguished lady I met with her two daughters many years ago, celebrated recently her 98th brithday; that she is still strong enjoying life and love of her children and grandchildren.
I wish to avail myself of this opportunity to extend to her my belated but sincere congratulations on her birthday. And of course, I wish her a very Happy Valentine which all grandparents like her deserved.