Sarah Peña turns a page in dazzling, glamorous fashion

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Red roses and low, warm lighting set the scene for Sarah Opolencia Peña’s 70th birthday surprise in Iloilo City.

Her daughters – Atty. Rita Peña-Antonio, Dr. Risa Peña-Sarabia, and Engr. Rica Peña – planned the night with their father, Rito Carlos “Judgee” Lopez Peña.

Rita arrived with her husband, architect Pablo H. Antonio III, and their daughter, Sofie Antonio.

Risa came with her husband, Red Sarabia, a St. Therese Maritime College board trustee, and their son, Luca Sarabia.

Rica slipped in with the timing of a practiced conspirator.

Sarah walked into the Gay-Loring Chalet, home of Amarillo Restaurant, and found the room already holding its breath for her.

Then the greetings hit – loud, close, and impossible to miss.

The décor leaned Spanish: ironwork accents, warm tones, and table settings built around fresh reds.

Chef Wilson Esparancilla kept dinner moving in clean courses, with wines poured between stories.

Joe Chan and Mike Chan, sons of Jose Mari Chan, sang a cappella and softened the room into a sing-along mood.

Sarah, rarely speechless by family account, let the moment land.

DJ Wendell Wang took over later, steering the night into retro tracks and easy dancing.

Happy 70th to Sarah Peña – still the name everyone looks for when the invitations go out.