LAST September 20, 2022, politicians, artists, stylists, businessmen, events suppliers and service providers, family, relatives and dear friends, among the other representatives from the various sectors of the Davao community, all headed to attend the “Blessing and Thanksgiving Party” of Dr. Bernie and Cherry Faye Al-ag. The venue was at the Al-ag Group of Companies’ “The Mangroves” located along the Coastal Road, Matina Aplaya, Davao City. “Just before reaching Feliz Resort, there is a small road on your left if you’re coming from SM City Ecoland that will lead you to the Coastal Road/Punta Dumalag area. And at the intersection where there are tarps directing you to The Mangrove, you’ll have to turn left,” instructed madam Cherry Faye Banquil Al-ag in her message to disoriented me.
“The special day will be the blessing and dedication to the Lord of The Mangroves, and at the same time, a Thanksgiving Party to celebrate Dr. Bernie’s Happy Birthday,” informed the multitasking woman of so many talents, Cherry Faye, as she continued, “The Mangrove is an outdoor park situated along the Davao Gulf and fenced by mangroves built with facilities for special events… The Mangroves is on a half-hectare of land so ideal for different kinds of events…The Mangroves offers a positive experience about Davao City, our people and its culture while promoting sustainable tourism. As it is a park and an events’ place, it is also a tourist attraction.”
“The sprawling Mangroves property used to have a seminary for priests which has since been destroyed. My mother, who owned the property, used to charge the priests a monthly rental fee of one peso!” said Paul V. Borromeo who came accompanied by his charming wife, Nina, and son Raffy.
The property now boasts of a huge Tent which can comfortably accommodate 200 people, a Glass House, two dressing rooms, a Deck and playground. “It’s truly an ideal place for different kinds of events like MICE events, business events, and special social events like weddings, debut parties, anniversary celebrations, to mention some,” convinced Dr. Bernie, the popular City Councilor.
During the program which was ably emceed by no less than the articulate Cherry Faye Banquil Al-ag who also gave the opening message, she told the guests, “Whatever your achievements are, always remember that somebody helped you achieve them.” And thus, she acknowledged all the guests who took the time to be at The Mangroves’ blessing and launching.
Religious as the Al-ag clan is, songs of praise and thanksgiving were rendered so well by Pastora Wilhelmina Al-ag Dulaca, Dr. Bernie’s unica hermana. Naturally, Dr. Bernie also delivered his Al-ag Group of Companies’ presidential message after Pastor Molato’s dedication of The Mangroves. Before dinner, Pastor Prince Sudario also recited a prayer.
The second part of the special event was dedicated to the birthday celebrator, Dr. Bernie Al-ag, who is so well loved by his one-and-only woman in his life and devoted mother to his children, the dedicated and fascinating woman, Cherry Faye. The Pastors prayed over the loving and dedicated couple and their children. It was truly a glorious night to remember in the celebration of the gift of life spent with family, relatives and friends who are ever ready to provide whatever support is needed.
