Tony del Rosario Still Rocking at 80

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Former Capiz Governor Tony del Rosario walked into a surprise of his own life last weekend—an intimate, casino-themed 80th birthday celebration staged by his wife, Suzzette del Rosario, together with their children: Michelle del Rosario, Suzanne del Rosario-Ignacio, Letlet del Rosario, Marcu del Rosario, and Board Member Pepe del Rosario.

The family hosted the evening at Espacio Verde, the del Rosarios’ own events venue. The celebrant looked every bit the picture of good health as he received guests at the door—Capiz Governor Fredenil Castro, 1st District Congressman Howard Guinto, his twin brother Harold Guinto, and their parents Homer and Ida Guinto. Business mogul Injap Sia’s father, Boy Sia, joined the gathering later in the evening.

Felt-topped card tables and warm amber lighting set the casino mood, while soft laughter and the clink of glasses carried through the room. The celebrant moved easily from one cluster of guests to another, trading stories with old friends and posing for photos with grandchildren who hovered close.

The night belonged to the storytellers. Friends and family took turns recounting decades of shared history—political campaigns, family milestones, and quiet acts of generosity that rarely made headlines.

Teased about his youthful looks, the genial celebrant offered the line of the night: “You should get a wife like Suzzette.”

Suzzette, seated nearby, only smiled.

Here’s to many more, Tito Tony.