BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION 

A Century of Grace: Honoring the 100 Years of Candida “Lola Dading” Opelinia Mar

The Centenarian, Dading

The 100^th birthday celebration of Candida “Lola Dading” Opelinia Mar, held on December 1, 2025 at the Grand Ballroom of the Metro Centre Hotel, became a deeply memorable gathering of love, legacy, and family unity. Earlier that morning, a Holy Mass was officiated by Rev. Fr. Dudz Lero, SVD, who celebrated his birthday on the same day. The program began with a touching processional featuring the entrance of Lola Dading’s 6 children, 15 grandchildren, and 25 great grandchildren.

The families entered in this order: Minda Mar; Candida “Baby” Mar-Tep with daughters Chrisna and Melanie; Fermino “Boy” Mar with wife Carmencita “Ging-Ging” and children Tiffany “Kates” (with husband Rene Boncales) and Fern Claire; Ma. Armelba “Amy” Milloria with husband Val, alongside daughters Merian “Maymay” (with husband Ian Berberabe and children Lily Grace and Maddox Allistair) and Marjorie Grace; Maria Visna Manio with her children Velbeth Gale (with children Simon and Matteo), Avylmar “Bommy” (with wife Fritzie Rose “Chai” and children Audrick Franc, Avel Francis, Avylmar Jr., and Azrael Fritz), Vivian Joy (with husband Edwin Abila and children Skye, Summer, and Snow), and Avel Jan (with wife Grace and children Jannah Grace, Johann Grant, and Jeminah Gracie); and Fermin “Jun” Mar Jr. with wife Gumersinda “Neneng”, joined by their children May Fritzi (with husband Rufino “Jun” Saligumba and children Ryle Avrian “Ramram,” Shelly Ryn, and Blake Pio), Dwayne Isle (with wife Isis and children Dyne Althea and Elinile Dean Iram), Mary Ann “Yanyan” (with husband Karlo Quiobe and children Marko Romin and Paulo Kian), Fer Revoir “Yong-Yong” (with wife Margie and children Margarette Reovover and Francis Revoir), and Mae Shine (with husband Cifergenno “PJ” Salinas and children Chloe Maegen and Clark Ezekiel). The ballroom erupted in warm applause as Lola Dading made her graceful entrance.

The invocation song was beautifully rendered by Joyce Olandres and Francis Raphael Olandres, followed by heartfelt welcome remarks from great grandchildren Nile and Simon, joined by all great grandchildren onstage. A joyful mass singing of “Happy Birthday,” led by granddaughter Melanie Tep, preceded the ceremonial blowing of the cake. The program continued with a touching group message from Lola’s six children—Fermin, Baby, Amy, Visna, Minda, and Boy—each expressing love, gratitude, and admiration for their beloved mother. A 25-minute video presentation honored her remarkable life, followed by a lively “Candida Dance” performed by all children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Representatives of Lola’s siblings also offered a meaningful tribute. The evening’s heartfelt peak came with Lola Dading’s own message, filled with wisdom and appreciation. Closing remarks were delivered by Chrisna, Maymay, and Janjan, supported by all grandchildren onstage. During dinner, guests were serenaded by video greetings and song compositions prepared especially for the occasion. A polished same-day edit was presented, and the celebration concluded with an energetic Zumba session led by Jester Anunciado, adding a joyful and lively finale to the centennial gathering.

The entire event was warmly and gracefully hosted by Gloria Leodivica Ines Araneta of “SMILE”, Philippines, a cherished family friend whose presence brought added warmth, charm, and sincerity to the celebration.

CANDIDA “DADING” OPELINIA MAR’s 100^th BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION

DECEMBER 01, 2025 (MONDAY)

Celebrator: Candida “Dading” Opelinia Mar

Birthday: December 1, 1925

Time: 4:00 in the afternoon

Food and Reception Venue: Grand Ballroom, Metro Centre Hotel

Photo: Christian John Lungay

Emcee: Ms. Gloria Leodivica Araneta of “SMILE”, Philippines 

Dance Instructor: Jester Anunciado

Photo Courtesy: Christian John Lungay