Dear Rene,

This piece started out as an ordinary felicitation, just like past birthday greetings for the others.

But then, extraordinary people who have hurdled extraordinary obstacles deserve an extraordinary ovation.

You are the unofficial official public relations guy of your Woodside family. Unanimously, you are Mr. Congeniality.

Newcomers to New York instantly have a sense of belonging, thanks to you. You tend to make sure that newbies are introduced to your cheerful circle; or patch things up whenever there is animosity brewing among friends.

To reiterate, a friend had described you as Mr. Helpful. For you are always there whenever aid or comfort is needed, no questions asked.

You also have this unique ability to crack jokes with a deadpan voice and poker face. Or you can be silly while maintaining your serious stance. Such sense of humor and wit are what endear you to your family, buddies, brothers in bowling, and loyal clients.

Rene in Latin means rebirth or reborn and comes from the original name Renatus. Just like your blessed tag, you constantly rise again and dodge life’s curve balls. Your positive outlook and penchant to spread sunshine easily rubs off on others.

Your way of calling peers ‘Bossing’ only shows your deep respect for everybody. In return, you are lovingly called ‘Bossing’ with much esteem and admiration.

On your birthday, your beloved and lovely wife and daughter, Alen and Zoe, your Woodside ‘barkada-slash-second family’, and kin wish you years of health, more endless happiness and laughter, a continued wellspring of love and bottomless blessings.

May you continue to conquer the bowling lanes with monumental scores. More importantly, may you remain to score big in the hearts of your loved ones, who love you back endlessly, unconditionally.

Cheers!