Forever Young
At 67, Marilyn Senador Lungay Celebrates a Life Defined by Family, Compassion, and Purpose
At 67, Marilyn Senador Lungay Celebrates a Life Defined by Family, Compassion, and Purpose
Surrounded by three generations of family, friends, and a community she has quietly inspired, Marilyn Senador Lungay marked her 67th birthday with an evening that celebrated far more than age it celebrated a life devoted to compassion, service, and enduring family ties.
TAGBILARAN CITY, BOHOL There are birthdays that mark another year, and there are birthdays that celebrate a life richly lived. The 67th birthday of Marilyn Senador Lungay, held at Bohol Tropics Resort on July 24, 2026, was unmistakably the latter.
A treasured family portrait before the celebration began. Marilyn and her husband, Pablito, share a heartwarming moment with their four children, surrounded by love, laughter, and gratitude.
The evening began with a moving performance of “Forever Young,” a fitting tribute to a woman whose passion, strength, and generosity have remained constant through the years. With Gloria Araneta as host, the celebration unfolded with music, laughter, heartfelt tributes, and joyful reunions.
Standing beside Marilyn was her husband, Pablito Cubillo Lungay, as together they welcomed family and friends who had traveled from across the Philippines and overseas. Their children Quennie Mae Lungay and her husband, Engr. Martinus Hendricus Bernard Snijder, Paul Christian Lungay, Mae Elizabeth Lungay, and Engr. John Paul Lungay with his wife April Israel Lungay were all present. John Paul and April arrived from Singapore with their children, Kendric Paul Zane and baby Kassandra, while Martin and Quennie extended their stay from Austria to celebrate with the family.
Joined by members of the INDAK group, whose special heartfelt performance added warmth and joy to Marilyn’s 67th birthday celebration.
A celebratory toast highlights the evening as Marilyn Senador Lungay marks her 67th birthday, surrounded by the love of family and cherished friends.
Kassandra’s presence made the gathering especially meaningful. Only a year ago, April attended Marilyn’s birthday while expecting her second child. This year, three generations stood together, a gentle reminder that every birthday is not only a celebration of the past but also of the family’s continuing story.
One of the evening’s most entertaining highlights was the lively “Who Knows Marilyn Best?” contest, where guests answered questions about the celebrant from her middle name to her favorite color. The game sparked laughter and stories that revealed just how well Marilyn is known and loved.
The ballroom came alive in a nostalgic 1950s theme, with guests embracing vintage elegance in a spirited costume competition. Madame Carmel Libardos Bullen received the Best Dressed Lady award, while retired Regional Trial Court Judge Dionisio Calibo was named Best Dressed Gentleman. Judge Calibo and his wife Araceli, together with former Dauis Mayor Roman “Amoi” Bullen and Madame Carmel Bullen, were also honored as the evening’s Couples of the Night.
The gathering also became an occasion for meaningful reunions. Present were Marilyn’s siblings Maria Mercedita Ordoyo, who traveled from Santa Rosa, Laguna; Anecita Senador, from Baguio City; and Maria Fe Pagba, from Bacolod City. Joining them were architect Richard Donguez, his wife Lourdes Faye Senador Donguez, and their beautiful children, Kyle and Yuan Khert. Friends from the legal community were equally well represented, including Judge Angie Ucat Logarta and members of the Municipal Trial Court in Cities (MTCC), Branch 2, Tagbilaran City, as well as Andrew Chavez and Ondoy Templa of the Regional Trial Court Branch 3. Also in attendance were Atty. Bernz Bernabe and Dr. Mara Aren Israel Bernabe, who traveled from Parañaque City, Metro Manila with their daughters Ally and Ady. Representing the local community was Hon. Rosario Pinatubo Arado, Barangay Captain of Tinago, Dauis, together with Kagawad Lucio Dologan, while Joyce Sanchez and Marianette Luga-Villas, managers of Natura Vista Development Corporation and d’Barn Hostel, joined many other close friends whose presence reflected Marilyn’s exclusive circle of enduring business and personal relationships.
A meaningful highlight of the evening was the recognition of Marilyn’s involvement in INDAK (Improving Neurocognition through Dance and Kinesthetics), an innovative healthy-aging program supported by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST). As one of its pioneering members, Marilyn has embraced a program that combines ballroom dancing, memory exercises, coordination, and social interaction to promote cognitive wellness.
Yet the true measure of Marilyn’s life extends well beyond birthdays and celebrations.
In retirement, she has quietly dedicated herself to rescuing abandoned animals, personally caring for more than 60 rescued cats and over 20 stray dogs, while tending an organic garden and raising chickens. It is a life defined not by recognition, but by quiet acts of compassion.
Marilyn’s 67th birthday was not simply a celebration of another year. It was a tribute to a woman whose greatest legacy is found in the family she has nurtured, the friendships she has sustained, the community she continues to serve, and the countless lives both human and animal she has touched with kindness.
The opening song promised “Forever Young.” By night’s end, its message had taken on a deeper meaning. Youth is not measured by age, but by strength, passion, compassion, and a heart that never stops giving.
In every sense that truly matters, Marilyn Senador Lungay remains forever young.
Photos by Mikael Paolo Sison
poses with her former colleagues from the court, sharing a joyful reunion and celebrating decades of friendship
Distance was no obstacle for family. Loved ones traveled from different parts of the country to celebrate Marilyn’s 67th birthday, making the occasion even more meaningful.
Marilyn’s grandson Kendric stole the show and lit up the dance floor! With his confidence, energy, and impressive moves, he quickly became the star of the night.