March 27, 2009 was truly a journey for MJC, his family and associates of the subsidiaries of Resins Inc., when a surprise celebration was held to mark his 80th birthday at The Deck at the Riverbanks, Marikina City.

Entitled “ Music & MJC,” the party featured performances of various subsidiaries, including the singing of two meaningful songs, “ What a Wonderful World, “ and “ The Journey,” which MJC said, “ have embodied his life.”

In his thank you remarks, MJC said: “ Thank you for being part of my life. I cannot imagine living this life and changing what has been. I cannot imagine a life without you. “

The birthday event began when employees from various subsidiaries lined up outside the Riverbanks Center office at about 5:00 p.m. to surprise him with a birthday song. As he emerged from his office, MJC was astonished but happy as he smiled while listening to the birthday song, and received kisses and handshakes for his 80th birthday.

A celebration of the holy mass followed at the chapel as Fr. Patrick Faljuera of the Society of Jesus, a former Resins employee, led family members and associates in giving thanks to God for MJC’s life and work on earth.

In his homily Fr. Pat, as he is fondly called, said: “ How one lives one’s life is not destiny, but being himself to plant the seeds of Christian values. That’s how MJC has lived. If he is surrounded by family, friends and employees on this occasion, it is a manifestation of how we have appreciated his work and life during which he has promoted these values.”

The birthday celebration was also an occasion to inaugurate the new facility of the Riverbanks Center, ‘ The Deck at the Riverbanks,” a 300 square meter roof deck that can serve as venue for important events such as weddings, baptismal and wedding parties. Thanks to the management and employees of the Riverbanks Center who had to rush the completion of this facility in time for the birthday bash. FR. Pat led in the blessing of this facility.

The party proper began with the opening remarks from Carolina R. Carlos (CRC), who spoke about the reason behind the theme “ Music and MJC.” She said that the employees wanted to highlight the other side of MJC’s personality seen by many as a stern and hands-on manager, that is his love for various types of music.

Given limited time, the employees of Resins Inc, RI Chemical Corporation, AVC Chemicals and Chem Insurance, Pigmentex, PRI, Science Centrum and Riverbanks Center, prepared a musical number each to highlight some of MJC’s favorite songs, and company events that were memorable to MJC.

The Pigmentex Group opened the party with an ethnic dance interpretation of “ The Seed,” an offering to Mother Earth. PRI sang one of MJC’s favorite songs, “ What a Wonderful World,” emphasizing a simple childlike interpretation, which aims to make us feel that it is still a wonderful world no matter how or who seeks it. The Philippine Science Centrum showed two of its newest exhibits, which are MJC’s favorites, namely; the laser harp and the body beat exhibits. Part of The Riverbanks Center’s performance was its own rendition of the song “ Do you remember the Times of your Life.”

To close the performances, RI Chem together with Resins Inc, AVC Chemicals and Chem Insurance highlighted excerpts of the Christmas parties from the 50s to the 90s, and culminated their show by singing’ the Journey” as employees present gathered at the center holding lighted candles.

Another highlight of the party was the offer of toast to the birthday celebrant. The first to offer a toast, CRC said “ Thank you MJC and Dad for being there for us and for infecting all of us with your passion for service.”

Ernesto E. Lichauco (EEL) also offered several toasts, describing MJC as a remarkable person because of his vision, wisdom and judgment, attributes that have contributed towards growing Resins Inc as one of the most diversified plants in the Philippines. He said that it was no wonder why MJC’s opinions were sought after by many government officials involved in economic and trade affairs, science and technology and education.

“ MJC and his wife Mining have been model parents, and they have become model parents because of their children who are living their lives their parents are proud of. We ask God to give us more years of your wisdom, judgment and vision,” EEL said.

MJC’s eldest daughter and Marikina mayor Marides C. Fernando offered the last toast, describing his father as one whose love of country is outstanding. She said that MJC could have stayed and lived overseas after his education at Cornell University in the USA, but he opted to return to the Philippines. She recalled MJC’s advise to them, especially his daughters who studied abroad: “ If you are educated, it is your duty to create jobs and employ more members of the society so that they can have a better life.”

Mayor Fernando said that one of his father’s endearing traits was his presence during important occasions such as birthdays and proms, among others, “ “ No matter how busy he was, he was always at important events supporting us, his daughters.”

Capping the celebration was a gift from Resins Inc and RI Chemical Corporation, a collection of pictures of employees who touched the life of MJC and whose lives MJC touched. Mrs. Filomena R. Carlos handed over the gift to MJC.

In his short message to close the celebration, MJC thanked all those present and said:

“ Thank you for being part of my life, a wonderful life that has been quite a journey with you.”