James Gebhard, Pacific Amusement Inc. general manager, celebrated his 55th birthday with the senior citizens.
“It’s a Thai tradition to serve the elderly on your birthday,” he told Variety.
Office on Aging Director Rose Mondala gave Gebhard a certificate of recognition for his contributions to the center which also celebrated yesterday the birthdays of congregates Mila Garin, Maxi Mereb and Roberto Dela Cruz.
“Say cheers for me, I’m almost there,” Gebhard said, adding it was an honor for him to receive a plaque from the center.
His wife, Jum, said they were pleased by the special recognition from the manamko’.
Walter Manglona, Aging Office program coordinator, said Pacific Amusement Inc. donated to the center the latest model of a bingo machine as well as darts and a pool table.
The congregates enjoyed the special lunch which included lavish Thai dishes and refreshments, some of which were prepared by Jum herself.
“I love cooking,” she said.
Teresita Sorroza, Senior Citizens Advisory Council president, led the manamko’ in presenting their hand-made oversized birthday card to Gebhard.
Prior to the birthday celebration, the Umang Glee Club of Koberville Elementary School, the first prize winner in the recently held 2011 Paskong Pinoy choral competition, performed song and dance numbers.
The visiting students from Japan, who are part of the International Youth Association of Japan or KSKK cultural exchange program, also joined the Christmas presentation for the manamko’.
The program started at 10 a.m. with the arrival of the Japanese students led by their chaperon Marumi Minagawa and Vinycia Seman, the Saipan mayor’s office executive secretary.
“The manamko’ were excited and enjoyed the presentations,” Sorroza said.
Before visiting the Aging Center, the Umang Glee Club gave a live performance on KKMP radio, according to Rose Hocog-Ada, the group’s coordinator.
The club performed Filipino and traditional Christmas carols.
During the children’s performance at the Aging Center, some of the manamko’ got up from their seats and danced to the beat.
Sorroza expressed appreciation for the teachers and parents for allowing their children to be trained in music.
The Umangs’ musical director, Karen Ala, said they were happy to share their holiday presentation with the senior citizens.
Today, the Umang Glee Club will visit the Marianas Variety, the Commonwealth Health Center, Marina Heights and IT&E.
