Montauk Pioneer - June 19, 2009 - Eden Guevara Baradi Turns 99

Last Friday, June 12, Eden Guevara Baradi, a Montauk resident and my Mom, turned 99-years-young. For the last 4 years since her 95th birthday celebration in Marikina, Philippines where she was born, Mom has been inviting all her relatives and friends to her 100th birthday in 2010. When asked where, she would say "I would like it in Las Vegas, Nevada, Kauai, Hawaii or Montauk, New York. Just save the date please."

This year, Mom wanted her 99th birthday to be small and intimate so she could fully devote her time to the family. So her four children, Perla, Mauro, Jose and Patria with their respective spouses Kenneth, Josephine, Ann Marie, Camilo; her five grandchildren, Gregory, Victoria, husband Chris, Yvette and husband Peter,Gabriel and wife Kristine, Kimberley and husband Chris; and great grandchildren Cassandra, Ariana and Elena granted her wish.

Everyone participated in the success of Mom's party. The celebration venue was held at noon in the waterfront home of granddaughter, Yvette and husband Peter in East Rockaway. Decorations of pink and lilac balloons with a huge, multicolored heart-shaped mylar balloon saying "Happy 99th Birthday Mom" with four star-shaped ones attached to it bearing the children's names were all provided by daughter Patria and husband Camilo. Most of the cooking and preparation was by daughter-in-law Josephine and granddaughter Victoria. The Philippine menu with the picture of the Baradi clan was printed by son Mauro (who did most of the shopping) and included Sour pork soup and a mixed green salad with balsamic vinaigrette. The entrees included Adobo (pork and squab), Beefsteak with onions, two types of noodles, Pansit Canton and Sotanghon (with pork, chicken, vegetables, chinese mushrooms), prawns stuffed with pork and water-chestnuts, grilled seabass with tomatoes and scallions wrapped in banana leaves, barbequed spareribs, chicken, hamburgers and hot dogs with basmati rice and brioche rolls. For dessert we feasted on a Mocha Butter Cream Chiffon Birthday Cake beautifully decorated with lilac orchids and green leaves from Cindee's Bakery Shop, cheesecake, fresh fruit, coffee and tea.

Everyone had a good laugh seeing all the old pictures from her childhood, graduations, wedding and all her previous birthday celebrations in Africa, the Philippines and New York.

After singing Happy Birthday, Mom opened gifts and a group picture was taken outside. It was a great day for Mom, she was so happy.

Very few people reach the age of 99. Fewer still reach this ripe age and still manage to be as healthy and as active as a 50-year-old. Mom is an amazing mother and grandmother, and we, her family, are blessed. Why only just this year, she told me "I am starting to feel old" for the first time. She still gets up every morning, dresses herself, puts on makeup, fixes her hair, makes her breakfast of cereal, toast and coffee. During the day, she caters to her myriad of plants including African violets, begonias, roses and orchids. In between she manages to do some sewing, writing and reading.

Mom looks forward to meeting her friends at noon for lunch at the Montauk Nutrition Center, located at the Playhouse. On Tuesdays she plays Bingo and often takes home either cookies or chocolate candy as her prize. On Wednesdays, she attends the Senior Exercise class before lunch. She prefers to play mahjong at night (she has three groups who fight for her to play with them in Queens) but most of her friends in Montauk play dominoes or cards instead.

On Wednesday, June 24 Mom is invited to a special Over 90's Luncheon to be held for the first time in Montauk. Thanks to the effort of Executive Director Eileen Bock it should be another memorable day for Mom.