The eyes have it: Celebrating Helena Benitez’s 100th birthday

June 27, 2014 marked the 100^th birthday of Helena Z Benitez, known as Tita Helen to her family, countless friends and admirers. 

Businesswoman and philanthropist Loida Nicolas Lewis said, “When I grow up, I want to be like her.”  Mrs. Lewis noted that she also made it a point to be with Tita Helen during her 90^th birthday a decade ago. (READ: Fast facts: Helena Zoila Benitez is 100 years old)

Susan, Regina and Donald Chen came from Taipei especially for the occasion.  Sunny Benitez-Rush traveled 50 hours from Phoenix, AZ and Jet Benitez flew in from Colorado – as did numerous great-grand nephews and nieces, PWU alumni and friends from around the world, to join Tita Helen’s centenary celebration.

What is it about Tita Helen that engenders such love and admiration from people?  She has played a role in the Philippine cultural, political and civic arena from her earliest days as eldest daughter of Dean Conrado Benitez  (who was one of the “7 Wise Men” who drafted the 1935 Constitution). Her mother, Mrs. Francisca Tirona Benitez was one of the founders of The Philippine Women’s University (the first university for women in Asia founded by women in 1919). 

At 18, the young Helena campaigned to help get out the vote for Filipina women. She was one of the founders of the Girl Scouts of the Philippines, the National Commission on the Role of Women and the Bayanihan Philippine National Folk Dance Company.  She ran and was elected as a Senator of the Republic then later as Assemblywoman representing Cavite in the General Assembly. 

His Excellency Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle made good on his last year’s promise to Tita Helen to celebrate mass for her 100^th birthday, and vowed to be there again for her next birthday. In recognition of her Cavite roots, Congressman Elpidio “PD” Barzaga presented Tita Helen a check for P100,000 from the people of Dasmarinas, Cavite where she is a registered voter.

The Benitez family hosted “A Culinary Tribute to Tita Helen” held on June 23, 2014 at Mira Nila, the Benitez residence in Quezon City, which was declared a landmark by the National Historical Commission in 2011.

Amy Besa, noted food writer and activist who led the culinary tribute said, “It was the thrill of a lifetime to be able to curate dishes that represent Cavite and Laguna where the Benitezes and Tironas come from for the occasion. It was also my hope that the Vigan empanadas and the roast chickens from the Pamora Farm of Abra will reflect the wider view of presenting  flavors coming together in harmony from both north and south of Luzon.

The fact that Chef Romy Dorotan’s trip to open Purple Yam Malate coincided with the centennial celebration was serendipity at its best.  We were just happy to be part of this historic event.” 

Tita Helen took an active interest in the food selections for the culinary tribute asking whether “kalumpit” (a fruit from Laguna) would really be in season (they were, courtesy of Casa San Pablo’s An Mercado Alcantara). She even corrected the spelling of “Haleyang Sampaloc” (offered as a counterpoint to Saba Turon with Langka) by Asiong’s in Cavite City.  Sonny Lua labored in the Mira Nila kitchen to prepare “Pancit Pusit” with Cavite cuisine expert Ige Ramos masterfully choreographing the food selections for the evening. Thelma Ampil and Cynthia Sico brought homemade Quesong Puti and Menudo – favorites from their late mother’s kitchen in Dasmarinas, Cavite.  

Laguna chefs Theodore Day Salonga and Mon Urbano contributed slow-cooked Ginataang Hipon, which took over 3 hours to prepare.  Chef Joseph Galvez’s salad made from native greens and fruits with a 3-citrus dressing was a certified hit (boding well for Purple Yam Malate).  Nenuca Benitez of Mario’s provided Spanish Paella and Cochinillo.

Desserts were plentiful and ranged from assorted kakanin from Cavite to a beautiful 4-foot birthday cake created by Ginny Roces de Guzman of Gustare.  Sebastian’s Ian  Carandang provided 2 choices of ice cream on sticks: Davao chocolate and buko (coconut). Baristas from Steve Benitez of Bo’s brewed fresh coffee and tea while liqueurs were supplied by Olive Limpe-Aw of Destiliria Limtuaco.

In her response during last Monday’s culinary tribute, Tita Helen urged everyone to strive to be the best that they can be.  She spoke from the heart and reminded everyone that despite all the material gifts and honors bestowed upon her, the elderly really need only kindness and attention and only had to “look into someone’s eyes” to see their sincerity. 

The month-long celebration of Helena Z Benitez’s 100^th birthday culminated on June 27 with a grand gathering at the Philippine Women’s University Taft Avenue, and all eyes, of course, were on her. – Rappler.com

Lydia B. Brown is a niece of Helena Z Benitez.  She is currently working at PWU’s Media Center