Albee Benitez’s 55th birthday bash: ‘A celebration of Hope’
by Carla N. Canet
ASENSO Bacolod mayoralty candidate and former Third District Representative Alfredo “Albee” Benitez hosted a spectacular 55th birthday celebration held at the SMX Convention Center, SM City Bacolod on December 20.
Benitez and the rest of the Asenso team gathered with their guests and pool of supporters for the grand celebration.
President Rodrigo R. Duterte, Vice President Leni Robredo, Senator Manny Pacquiao, and several others have virtually greeted him on his birthday.
Vice Governor Jeffrey Ferrer, Bacolod City Lone District Representative Greg Gasataya, 6th District Representative Mercedes Alvarez, some Provincial Board members, town and city mayors, and officials, barangay leaders and supporters, family and friends attended the grand birthday celebration of the Benitez.
His teammates had a special number where they sang, danced, and had a short presentation of why they aspire for an elective post in the city of Bacolod.
“It was my first time to see my slate to have their special number and they were all great performers (and) I think they found their second job. I am proud of them. Nevertheless, thank you for coming to vice governor, board (members), mayors, my fellows, and most of all congressman Greg, thank you for coming and also for those officials who have done their job will never really be forgotten by our people because any public official who performs has nothing to fear,” an overwhelmed Benitez said.
The celebration was also backed by great singers, dancers, and comedians who were multi-talented actors and talents in the likes of Bayani Agbayani, Jeffrey Tam, Wacky Kiray, Billy Joe, KC Montero, and a comedian.
“My announcement tonight, this is supposed to be a gathering of more supporters (but) as you have seen earlier in the videos, there were areas where our supporters have gathered to participate in this event,” Benitez said.
“Unfortunately, the internet connectivity was unstable since this morning (so), we have decided to postpone the virtual gathering of supporters (with about) 500 venues which were supposed to participate with us,” Benitez also said.
He added that, “because of the circumstances, we decided to postpone it (instead) they only followed us on Facebook Live (and) this also goes with the raffle prizes where we want everybody to be involved in the draw”.
The former lawmaker was supposed to give a major prize of a house and lot, however, because of the recent events brought by Typhoon Odette, he decided to cancel it.
In lieu of the raffle, where only one will enjoy the major prize, he said that they will use the amount to help many people who were affected by the typhoon, especially those whose houses were either damaged or destroyed.
Asked for his birthday wish, Benitez said, “when I first got involved in the political environment of Bacolod, what I saw is that they have lost the dream to have a better city (and) they have failed, to a certain extent, to realize what Bacolod would be. My wish is to bring back the dream. Let’s dream for a better Bacolod.
He stressed that what he could do is, “if we could change how we think about things and I think change is here. I am here. Albee here for all of you.”
