Full of Grace

No printed invitations were sent. The 400-plus invited simply texted “yes,” meaning they were attending, and they consisted mostly of the couple’s schoolmates way back when, showbiz friends, colleagues in politics, businessmen and the couple’s families and relatives.

It was a triple celebration Wednesday night, July 27, in Makati City for the 25th wedding anniversary of Sen. Grace Poe-Llamanzares and husband Neil Llamanzares, a tribute to Grace’s mom Susan Roces who was turning a year wiser yesterday (which also happened to be The Philippine STAR’s 30th anniversary).

Sen. Grace Poe with husband Neil Llamanzares

“And also,” said Grace, “a thanksgiving to all those who have helped me during the campaign,” adding in good humor as she acknowledged the presence of Sen. Chiz Escudero (who was standing beside Neil at the back), “hindi totoong nagsuntukan sina Neil at Chiz,” prompting the guests to laugh and applaud.

It was one night when showbiz and politics ceased being just strange but had become coosome bedfellows. As if to prove that there was really no gap between the so-called “AB” (high society) and “CD” (the common people), when Coco Martin arrived, most of the guests initially felt shy but soon gathered enough guts to have “selfie” and “groupie” with the Ang Probinsyano actor who very graciously obliged.

It was a night of music and nostalgia, with a band that filled the ballroom with old familiar tunes.

Grace sprang a surprise on Susan when she announced a tribute to her mom and her late dad, Da King FPJ. As throwback photos of showbiz’s Real Royal Couple were flashed on the giant monitor (stills of the then sweethearts from their hit movies, FPJ putting a ring into Susan’s finger as he said “I do!,” promising “to love and to hold, ‘till death do us part…,” etc.), Rico J. Puno, looking none the worse after surviving a heart attack that left him at the ICU for a while, sang The Way We Were. (Trivia: Every time the couple had an “LQ” [Lovers’ Quarrel], FPJ would invite Rico to their home in Greenhills and let him serenade Susan. It would melt Susan’s heart…instantly!).

Visibly touched, Susan whispered to us, “I don’t want to cry,” even if her voice cracked a little bit.  

Hosted by Quezon City Councilor Roderick Paulate and Gladys Reyes (an MTRCB member when Grace was head of the agency and up to now), the program also featured Jonalyn Viray as opening, with Martin Nievera as the finale performer with three songs, including the very moving Through The Years. (All performers were gratis et amore.)

While enjoying the dinner catered by Hizon’s (Linguini Nest Aglio Olio, Roasted Salmon with Tarragon Buerre Blanc and Lemon Slices; Mixed Tempura with Beef Teppanyaki and Vegetable Stir Fry; and Paella Valenciana, among the items on the menu), the guests exchanged stories about the carefree years when love was young and life was nice and easy sans traffic woes.

Grace and Neil’s children — Bryan, 24; Hanna, 18; and Nika, 11 — then dedicated a song to Grace with Neil himself accompanying them, and Hanna on guitar.

All in all, it was a little night of music, easy camaraderie, full of fun and laughter and, yes, full of Grace.

(E-mail reactions at [email protected]. You may also send your questions to [email protected]. For more updates, photos and videos visit www.philstar.com/funfare or follow me on www.twitter/therealrickylo.)