Grandiose Platinum Birthday Bash in The Netherlands of SPH’s founder Annabella Verweerd
December 19, 2019
Capelle aan de Ijssel, The Netherlands
There was love overflowing in the air!
!!!!!!!!!! HAPPY BIRTHDAY ANNABELLA !!!!!!!!!!
Marking a milestone in her blessed life, Annabella Verweerd, glooming and full of energy, was surrounded by her beloved entire family, three generations all, loving partner Leo van Eersel and her dearest friends. They altogether gathered at the Party Center in Onderdiep, Capelle aan de Ijssel last December 7, to celebrate her 70th Jubilee.
Guests were served with the sumptuous Filipino cuisine.
Colorful Christmas lights and decorations adorned the entrance of the venue. Once inside, the ballroom was filled with black and white balloons, confetti’s with number ‘70’ hanging and crisscrossing from the ceiling, while bordering the entire party center were Christmas lights flickering cheerfully, setting the stage for this fabulous merry making.
The long dinner table filled with very appetizing meal ready for the guests to partake is the first thing that meets the eye the moment one get’s inside. Moving forward, proudly displayed at the right side of the dance hall is the birthday cake! Placed on top of a round table is the mouth-watering black and white birthday cake in a form of a round tower building, with the huge number ‘70’ prominently placed on the top while equally tempting cup cakes were spread below it.
The theme of ‘black and white’ during this celebration, truly defines the woman that Annabella really is. Black signifying her strength, mystery, elegance, and sophistication while white represents her purity in heart, goodness, humility and sincerity.
And those who knows her well would say in chorus- THIS is without a doubt, the Annabella we love and admire!
(L-R) First dance -mother and son Winlove; 2nd dance – partner Leo van Eerse; emotionally receiving red roses from 70 families and friends.
It is her night, her celebration and all efforts and attention are directed to and for her, so much so that at some point, when emotions went so high, tears of happiness starts to flow. An overwhelming moment…..very touching !
( Top photo’s) The birthday celebrant joining the FCCR ladies swinging to the beat of the modern Hawaiian dance.
Top photo’s: A retro dance for the birthday celebrant, ‘Friends of Annabella’ performing a VST and Company medley.
There were of course surprise performances from her friends. Instantly calling themselves ‘Friends of Annabella’ and dressed in the 1970’s fashion, six ladies performed a seven minute original Pilipino disco medley by VST and Company. Awesome flashback. The birthday celebrant herself treated her guests by joining the FCCR dance group and performed a modern Hawaiian dance. She also serenaded them with her favorite song.
(Top photo’s L-R) Singing the famous ‘ Blue Bayou’ by Linda Rondstadt, while five of her friends and daughter Harley did the impromptu back up choreography (middle picture); families and friends intensively listening
(Top photo’s) The blowing of the candles and cutting of the Birthday cake sorrounded by her beloved children, in-laws and grandchildren !!! Very precious moments!
Her children and grandchildren were equally enthusiastic in joining this grand jubilation. This grandma who helps take care of them from the day they were born and shower them with all her love and affection deserves to be loved in return. And true to that, their love and affection for her is demonstrated in their actions and how their eyes sparkle with glee. Invaluable!
(Top L-R) Wicky’s One-Man-Band performing his repertoire; DJ Gie rendering ‘Oh Carol’; ‘Bonggahan’ time
(Top photo’s L-R) Annabella with Sheboom Stoffel, the lady who made her exquisite personalized cake; with sisters Yanie Houkes Sinajon and Eda Liauw Sinajon who were responsible for the delectable diverse Filipino cuisine; the brain of the celebration – lovely daughter Harley Lopez and best friend Chito dela Cruz
Annabella Verweerd is a mother, a grandmother, a sister and a friend one can really rely and count on…she is a woman with a vision… a misson… and the determination to pursue her passion and dreams.
Annabella’s growing family – happy and blessed!: (L-R) The Celebrant with son’s Winlove Lopez & Rodney Verweerd; daughter’s Sheila Dorré & Harly Lopez; with her loving partner Leo van Eersel.
(L-R) Son Winlove’s family-Evelien, Mila & Liam; Daughter Harley Lopez’s family-Bradley & Shelley Verheij; Daughter Sheila’s family-Remy, Analynn (named after Annabella’s first born) and Avery
(L-R) The late Analynn’s sons- Michael Glenn & Winston Matthew; Emielco Vesely, Tina Groothuizen, Michael & Winston; Son Rodney’s family – Lotte and Nolan
(L-R) Bert and Shirley van Meteren & son Jainan with Shelly and Harley; Sheila’s in law’s -John & Josien Dorré; with her very sweet best friend, the loving Rodel Chito dela Cruz
For almost 20 years, despite her hectic family life, she finds time to be active in charity works.
Her deep commitment to help first hand, the less fortunate children who lived in very remote areas back home get their primary education, has made her put up an organisation to do just that…. and so in October 2017, the Samahang Pilipino Sa Holland (SPH) was born.
SPH is a non-profit organisation that holds two charitable parties a year – Valentines and Autumn Party. In less than 3 years since it’s creation, SPH has provided thousands of school children with their basic school supplies inclusing bags and slippers, repaired elementary schools and furnished classrooms with tables, chairs, white boards, etc. etc. and even handed packages of food to school childrens parents.
Annabella Feria Trapsi Verweerd is the lady so admired, adored and loved by thousands of people in the Netherlands as well as in the Philippines, for her humility and big heart.
A look back at celebrant’s nostalgic past that molded the present… and paves way to a blissful future….
(Top L-R) The treasures of her life - late husband Cor Verweerd; adorable siblings; nine charming grandchildren and counting…..
It was a birthday celebration so grandiose, so memorable, so full of emotions and overflowing of love. Seeing all her family members and friends gathered together to wish her well on her very special day and make this commemoration a history, is spectacular! - and that is an understatement.
It was a monumental Platinum Birthday celebration of this lovely one-of-a-kind woman…..a celebration that will forever be remembered!!!
Photo’s courtesy of: Blue Angel, Sheboom Stoffels, Lorna Pomperada, Mell Taray, Lucy Maquinana and Harley Lopez