Celebrating an accomplished lady

Reaching the age of 85 is truly a remarkable milestone worthy of celebration, especially for someone who has been fortunate enough to achieve abundant success across various areas of life.

This significant birthday not only marks the passing of many years, but also reflects a lifetime filled with hard work, dedication and meaningful accomplishments. It is a moment to honor the rich experiences gained, the challenges overcome and the lasting impact made in multiple fields.

Birthday lady Milagros Castillo Espina, a distinguished educator and a prominent community leader in Cebu, was honored with a heartfelt Broadway dinner musicale lovingly prepared by the alumni of the University of San Jose Recoletos. Lending support were her colleagues from different civic clubs, such as Zonta, an organization where she previously held the position of president and the We Care Foundation.

The gathering held at the Golden Peak Hotel not only celebrated her birthday, but also recognized her significant contributions to education primarily at the University of San Jose Recoletos where she served as dean of the College of Arts and Sciences.

She has nurtured many successful students and scholars through her academic and charitable work. She is recognized as a star maker and mentor behind many successful individuals in Cebu.

She likewise has contributed significantly to business, tourism, academe and politics development in Cebu through her mentorship and projects.

Additionally, she has been a public speaker and continues to share her communication expertise through her training center Speechcom, which was founded by Espina in 1976. A passionate educator with a background in English and anthropology, she created the center to provide continuous training beyond regular school terms through seminars and coaching services.

She is a highly accomplished drama director and writer, recognized for her outstanding work in producing musicals. In addition to her achievements in theater, she is also an author of several books that intimately portray her life journey, offering readers insightful reflections and narratives drawn from her personal experiences.

It was an unforgettable evening that beautifully reflected the celebrant’s journey through music and heartfelt birthday wishes.