She called it “the most unique Christmas celebration in my entire life.” Suspended Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia stuck to her word about not leaving the Capitol, and spent her noche buena with family and supporters in her second floor office.
They also celebrated the 31st birthday of her elder daughter and lawyer, Christina, who turned 31 last Dec. 25.
At 12 midnight, Liloan Mayor Duke Frasco surprised his wife Christina with a birthday cake with two lighted candles.
Mother and daughter embraced, an emotional moment for both, as daughter-in-law Michelle kissed the governor.
Gwen also hugged her nieces and nephews who visited. “I had to apologize to them because I couldn’t buy them any gifts,” she said.
Before dinner, Gwen led the singing of the Cebuano carol, Kasadya.
On the table was turkey, lechon, fried shanghai, beef steak and caldereta and other food sent over by friends like Mariquita Salimbangon-Yeung. Instead of waiters, family househelpers served.
Also present were Medellen Mayor Ricky Ramirez, Anad partylist Rep. Jun Alcover, and Joel Garganera. Former Lahug barangay captain Mary Ann delos Santos and her siblings spent Christmas with the Garcias. Rep. Eduardo Gullas dropped by earlier with grandson Samsam.
Family included Gwen’s father Rep. Pablo Garcia and mother Esperanza, brothers Rep. Pablo John Garcia and Dumanjug Mayor Nelson Garcia.
In normal times, they would be spending Christmas in their parents’ home in Dumanjug town, south Cebu. /Carmel Loise Matus, Correspondent