Honors for Red Cross and Dick

By Domini M. Torrevillas - Philippine Star

Sen. Dick Gordon celebrated his 63rd birthday the other night with relatives and friends who filled Tent City at Fort Bonifacio to the rafters. Instead of the usual wining, dining and dancing that characterize birthday bashes, Dick seized the opportunity to thank benefactors of the Philippine Red Cross (of which he is president and CEO) who contributed resources and time to help victims of natural disasters, such as assisting in handing out relief goods, and soliciting donations of clothes, food and medicines. Instead of giving Dick birthday presents, guests donated P3.2 million in cash to the Red Cross.

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and former President Fidel V. Ramos came to greet the celebrant. Vice-President Noli Castro and Senators Frank Drilon, Loren Legarda, Ed Angara, Juan Ponce-Enrile, Kiko Pangilinan, Miguel Zubiri, Social Welfare Secretary Espie Cabral, newly-appointed president and CEO of Clark Development Corporation Benny Ricafort and CHED Commissioner Nona Ricafort were among the guests. There were a lot of Upsi-lonians, among them Southern Philippines Development Authority Chairman Saeed A. Daof and his chief-of-staff Arbie Bisenio, Congressmen Roque Ablan, Ed Zialcita and Martin Romual-dez, Chet Tan, water czar Dondi Alikpala (with his stunning wife Kara), Danny Gozo, Ingky Reyes, Mon Abad, Mon Maronilla, Benny Fulgencio, Louie Keirulf, Alex Cruz and of course, Senator Dick’s right-hand man Louie Pawid. After the showing of video clips on the Red Cross’ activities, Dick talked about the Red Cross and thanked his well-wishers profusely, and challenged them to work for a more humane and just world. Happy birthday, Senator. Shazam!