Pretty Woman at 66
by: Kathy Laquinta
Marilyn Lungay Celebrated a Life of Grace, Glamour, and Compassion in a Star-Studded Hollywood-Themed Soirée.
The red carpet was spread under the soft glow of Bohol’s Tropic’s Event Hall. Music swelled. Sequins shimmered. Flashbulbs popped.
And then, as the first few notes of Roy Orbison’s “Pretty Woman” filled the air, the crowd turned. There she was — radiant lady, in a glittering gown, strutting the ballroom catwalk not just with elegance, but with confidence, heart, and the unmistakable message:
66 is fierce, fabulous, and far from finished.
This was the birthday celebration of Marilyn Senador Lungay — beloved mother, businesswoman, animal welfare advocate, and retired public servant — held on the evening of July 25th at Bohol Tropics Resort, with a theme that matched her luminous energy: Hollywood Glam.
From Public Service to Personal Purpose
After decades of dedicated work in government, Marilyn has embraced a new kind of service — one closer to home, and closer to the heart. Now retired from public office, she spends her days rescuing and fostering stray animals, a mission that has grown into a full-blown sanctuary of love.
Today, Marilyn cares for 15 dogs and over 50 cats, many of them abandoned, injured, or forgotten. “Some people rescue animals,” one guest said, “but Marilyn rescues souls.”
At the same time, she manages family businesses, cares for her extended family, and continues to be the quiet but steady force behind Natura Vista Development Corporation, the family’s eco-tourism venture in Bohol. It’s a life of responsibility and nonstop motion — which made this moment of celebration all the more precious.
“She deserved this break,” shared her daughter Mae. “She’s always taking care of others — animals, people, business, everyone. Tonight was about her.”
A Family Affair, With a Twist of Stardust,
Marilyn was surrounded by her loving family, led by her husband Pablito Cubillo Lungay, and their four children, each carving their own path in life while staying deeply connected to family. Quennie Mae Lungay, an entrepreneur and currently visiting from Austria where she’s based with her husband; Paul Christian Lungay, who balances work in both entrepreneurship and government service with the Department of Agrarian Reform; Mae Elizabeth Lungay, who is one of the country’s top actuarial scientist and, like her mother, has a soft spot for rescuing animals; and
Engineer John Paul Lungay, who flew in from Singapore with his wife April Israel Lungay and their adorable son Kendric Paul Zane, the family’s pride and joy.
Kendric is currently the family’s only grandson, but not for long. In a surprise announcement that sent hearts soaring, April revealed she is pregnant with their second child, adding another beautiful chapter to the family’s growing legacy.
From thousands of miles away, Quennie’s husband, international eco-entrepreneur Martin Snijder, sent a video greeting from Austria — a tender moment that reminded everyone: love knows no borders.
The celebration became all the more special with everyone reunited — across countries, careers, and commitments — to honor the woman who has always been the heart of it all.
The celebration sparkled with the presence of distinguished guests, dear friends, and beloved family — each adding their own touch of warmth and joy to the evening.
Among the VIPs were Atty. Jesus Roberto D. Bernabe, Jr. and Dr. Mara Israel-Bernabe with their children, representing the Lungay family’s strong and growing bond of in-laws and unity. From the Hall of Justice came friends and colleagues, including the ever-stylish retired Judge Dionisio Calibo, who turned heads and won the award for Best Hollywood Star Outfit, accompanied by his lovely wife Araceli.
Former Dauis Mayor Roman Bullen and his elegant wife Madam Carmel Bullen brought grace and sparkle to the night, with Carmel earning the well-deserved title of Female Star of the Night. Madam Annie Arcay, wife of Panglao Mayor Boy Arcay, graced the affair with their daughter, Dr. Betelguesse Nervez Arcay, adding both prestige and personal warmth.
A musical highlight came courtesy of MTCC Branch 3 Clerk of Court Jonathan Digal and his wife Judith, who serenaded the celebrant with a heartfelt song.
Also in attendance were MTCC Cortes Clerk of Court Jocelyn Cabatos Orculio with her husband Michael, Ms. Tata Bungabong with her husband Jojo, Gaga Escuadro, Manay Fe Lumantas with her daughter Faith, Lourdes Aida Quijano with her grandson Louie Dominic, Jeane Lumanas and company, Jing Recitas, and RTC Branch 3 Sheriff Andrew Chavez together with the daughter of Glen Lumantao — one of Bohol’s most celebrated artists.
A touching moment unfolded when a beautiful nature painting by Mr. Lumantao was presented to Marilyn through his daughter, serving as both a gift and a tribute to her grace.
Completing the guest list were MTCC Judge Erwin Ucat and wife Susan, the family’s trusted veterinarian Dr. James Arvel Mesias, and Ms. Joyce Isito Sanchez and Ms. Marianette Luga Villas, operations managers of Natura Vista Development Corporation — a reminder that Marilyn’s reach extends beyond her home and into the heart of her community through sustainable development and hospitality.
As the night wore on, music played, food and drinks served, and the dance floor beckoned. Marilyn’s laughter echoed — rich, full, and contagious. Guests mingled, posed, toasted, and celebrated not just her age, but her agelessness.
Turning 66 isn’t about slowing down. If anything, Marilyn proved it’s about showing up — in heels, in sequins, and with soul. She walked that red carpet not just as a celebrant, but as a living symbol of what it means to grow older with style, surrounded by love, and grounded in gratitude. And in that moment, bathed in warm light and applause, it became clear: Marilyn isn’t just 66 – she’s timeless.
