From left: Jean Saburit, MB showbiz columnist and birthday celebrant Crispina Belen, Imelda Papin and Lara Roy. Photo was taken last October 24, 2011 at Midas Hotel. Photo by Jude Bautista. Click on photo to go to full gallery for more pics.

Written and photographed

By Jude Bautista

I was fortunate enough to work for Crispina Belen in the entertainment section of Manila Bulletin some time ago. Some other writer friends were warning me of how tough she is as a boss. But I found out firsthand how sweet, generous and caring she is as a person, that she became more than just a boss.

She has a strong maternal instinct that extends to everyone she comes across not just people who work for her. She easily makes friends which includes a lot of different people in show business. One thing that she does with her column is she greets OTHER writers and journalists during their birthdays. She doesn’t hesitate to devote print space to them.

From left: Mother Lily Monteverde, (standing) Bobby Velasco of Café De Malate and MB showbiz columnist and birthday celebrant Crispina Belen. Photo was taken last October 24, 2011 at Midas Hotel. Photo by Jude Bautista. Click on photo to go to full gallery for more pics

When I invited her to my parents’ Golden wedding anniversary she volunteered to mention it in her column and publish a photo. I respectfully declined, my parents didn’t think they were showbiz material but the kindness of the gesture remains with me until now. Mam Cris, I love you for sharing your knowledge when I worked for Manila Bulletin, thank you. May you have more birthdays to come!

Click on photo to go to full gallery for more pics during her birthday celebration last October 24, 2011.

From left: Celinda De Guia of Ovation, Imelda Papin and Renen De Guia of Ovation Productions. Photo was taken last October 24, 2011 at Midas Hotel. Photo by Jude Bautista. Click on photo to go to full gallery for more pics