Letty Duque Antonio, the most active senior in the Filipino community, turns 80 and she is looking forward for more years of service to her family and to her community.
And what do you expect when this lady turned 80 recently? An intimate birthday celebration last April 1st at Viscount Gort when the members of her family, colleagues and friends attended and congratulated her; and danced with her.
When asked the secret of her joyful life, Letty said:” Being in the Mighty Hands of our Lord Jesus makes me complete. The blessings that God has given me is so wonderful which includes my family, friends and all people around me. I can’t ask for more because He is all in all for me. I thank God that I have known Him and will serve Him the way He wants me to.”
A special program had been prepared by the family members to make the night as a special event for the family matriarch.
Letty Duque Antonio is the current president of two organizations, namely, The Original Filipino Seniors Association of Manitoba (OFSAM) and the Manitoba Council of Canadian Filipino Associations Inc.(MaCCFA). Since its founding in the late 70’s, OFSAM has been one of the major Filipino senior organizations and thru the leadership of Letty, the organization has been very active in fund raising and organizing various events for senior members. At MaCCFA, Letty has initiated many fund raising campaigns and lately, helping our kababayans in the Philippines in their housing needs. Letty has found time to serve the church and has been writing her column in the Filipino Journal.
Letty together with her husband, Tony Antonio, raised six children and countless grand and great grand children and their presence in Winnipeg, is known as Barangay Antonio. Every Christmas is considered as a big event for the Barangay Antonio.
Dancing followed the birthday celebration.
Eighteen gentlemen offered roses to Letty Duque Antonio and danced with her, and these include: Justin Ken Antonio, great grandson; Pastor George de la Rosa, Polly Sagaral, Rod Escobar Cantiveros, Cesar Fronda, Emilio Briol, Kevin Antonio Algabre, Jhun Algabre (Gina Antonio Algabre), Ratha Chea (Sunshine Antonio) and other members of the Antonio family, namely, Gerald Paolo, Ron, Aijay, Johar, Harold (Josephine), Anthony Antonio (Cristy), Jimmy Antonio (Cynthia); and the patriarch Florencio Tony Antonio.
