"Time stood still all of a sudden as my heart began to pound," Malen Claravall recalls.

The stalwart of the Philippine Ballet Theater who, not too long ago, led a "double life" as a  certified public accountant who occupied executive positions in three  major companies while actively practicing as a registered teacher of the Royal Academy of Dance, could not decipher what was going on as the cameras went clicking forever.

In a few more seconds she realized she had been had by sister Nila Claravall – Gonzalez and nephew Joseph Alonso, "partners in crime" who brought her to what they described as a quiet and intimate Sunday lunch in the latter's condo at the Palmtree Villas on Newport Boulevard in Pasay City.

As it turned out, it was a wonderful birthday surprise, with the honoree-celebrator making a clueless grand entrance as eldest son Paolo sweetly offered his mom Malen a bouquet of flowers and a kiss, all these to the cheery greetings of "happy birthday" from relatives and friends who mattered and who had come to put both laughter and joyful tears on the face of the celebrator.

For those who were anticipating the arrival of Malen, the high energy that pervaded among all the invited guests of 60 was very palpable, according to sister Nila, "as we were looking forward to savoring the surprised reaction that we were all hoping to elicit from her, and we were not disappointed."

Malen, on hindsight, shared with this writer that she was touched most by the presence of dear relatives and old, faithful friends who had consistently "showered me with love and caring."

The masterminds of this hush-hush luncheon were New York-based Maribel and Mario Difiore, the celebrator's younger sister and her hubby, who were joined by the Philippine contingent led by Sophie Claravall Bungay, owner of Sac B catering, the latter taking care of venue, and the bountiful, delicious food. Of course, said Malen, do not forget to make special mention of the 60-strong rest  who vowed to keep this secret until that wonderful day."

Malen, the corporate secretary of the Philippine Ballet Theater, deserves this special celebration as a way of marking her numerous achievements as the owner and director of the Claravall School of Dance. Among her most notable feats is having sent over 1,000 students to take the various levels of Royal Academy of Dance exams which, she claims, "let them become qualified artists in their own right as they went on to participate in full-length ballets at the Cultural Center of the Philippines and the Theater at Solaire Hotel. Malen started dancing at the age of four, and, by 14, was teaching ballet. To this day, she has remained dedicated to teaching but this time extending her knowledge and expertise to senior students as well.  Malen is one of the few deserving Silver Swan Licensees awarded by RAD, which certifies qualifications for proper teaching of students and enthusiasts who are 60 years and older. Malen is the corporate secretary of the Philippine Ballet Theatre, Inc. She is also an active member of the company's artistic council.