Jun Loleng is flanked by his grandson, Patrick Loleng (right) and Patrick’s girlfriend Step. Patrick, the night’s master of ceremonies, and Step are both pilots in Melbourne.
MANILA, Philippines – New Jersey-based Filipino-American retired engineer Julian “Jun” Loleng was recently honored by his family and friends with a surprise birthday party marking his 80th milestone at The Bethwood, an elegant banquet hall in Totowa, N.J. Dozens of family and close relatives from the United States, Philippines, Australia and China flew in for the special occasion organized by Loleng’s wife, Aster, their children Alan, Janette, Joanne, Jenny, Janice; and grandchildren. Loleng once served as president of the Philippine Air Force College of Aeronautics, now converted to Philippine State College of Aeronautics specializing in aviation courses with a flying school.
Jun and wife Aster (second from left) with their “medical and spiritual angels” (from left) Dr. Emmanuel Reyes, Fr. Ryan Tabale, Dr. Catherine Torres Reyes and Dr. Theresa Madrid. — Reported by Funfare’s Big Apple Correspondent Edmund Silvestre