Although the venue of OpinYon publisher Ray Junia was an exclusive village with royal-like, Georgian-inspired houses with brick walls and symmetrical windows, etc. somewhere in Santa Rosa, Laguna, the celebration itself was as simple as a domestic party.
Unlike the past years when he would hold his red-letter day in San Pedro, Laguna with several public figures in the city and neighboring communities in attendance, this time, no politician from any part of the province was in sight.
It was only Ray’s closest friends, particularly in the media, like Bobby Ricohermoso, Diego Cagahastian, and Atty. Ribo and several good friends from the business circle who were around.
“Hindi po nag-imbita si Sir Ray ng mga pulitiko. Pampamilya lang talaga po. Ang karamihan po, mga kaanak niya (He didn’t invite politicians. It’s really a family affair. Most of his guests are family members),” volunteered Katherine Go, one of OpinYon Laguna’s Editors.
The Junias, aside from being residents of Laguna, are from Tolosa and Tacloban City in Leyte.
Ray has also an affinity for Batangas where his wife Cora hails from.
The indefatigable media man’s special day was attended by his kith and kin, foremost of them, his daughters Michelle Nikki, and Hazel.
By the time I arrived in the place, I hadn’t seen his son Junjun Junia who might have been on his way with family.
The editorial staff of OpinYon was around like Kath, James Veloso, Daisy Samosa, among others.
Happy, Happy Birthday, Ray!
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