Cesar happy for Sunshine, makes peace with Norma J.

Not a word was spoken. There was no use for that.

Friday night at Annabel’s restaurant in Quezon City where she invited close friends to her birthday dinner, A-list talent manager Norma Japitana walked in to a big surprise waiting for her — Cesar Montano no less. Without saying anything to each other and simply flashing each other a how-have-you-been-all-these-years? smile, they fell into a warm embrace.

With that mother-son hug, the manager and her talent bridged a years-long gap created by Cesar when he dropped Norma as manager in favor of Shirley P. Naturally, it hurt Norma who considers Cesar not just a talent but also as a son.

As Cesar and Norma joined Freddie Aguilar, Anthony Castelo, Nestor Torre (with his mom Isabel), and Roseanne Cosculluela (with husband Val Villegas) at a table, they let bygones be bygones and talked about happy things.

The dinner was very exclusive, very private and intimate, with only 30 of Norma’s friends invited.

Early arrival was former Sen./Vice President Teofisto “Tito” Guingona, looking years younger than 88, who said that he keeps fit by playing tennis. A few years ago, my friends Dr. Wilson Lim and Raoul Tidalgo and I chanced upon Tito playing tennis by his lonesome at the Quezon City Sports Club. We were amazed at how he hit the ball with the power of a man several years his junior.

“Norma is a long-time friend,” said Tito who took only a plateful of salads. “We have known each other from way, way back…before Martial Law pa.”

Dulce came with her husband Bernard Cruzata who, we learned, is a cousin of Sen. Leila de Lima (they both hail from Iriga City).

If you recall, Dulce’s post on Facebook predated the one by Agot Isidro. Unlike Agot, however, Dulce deleted her “highly revealing” post before it could generate a controversy more explosive than Agot’s post did. Asked about it, Dulce begged off, saying, “Huwag na lang!” (But the post had been liked a hundred times and may still be found on the Internet). Bernard broke into a “knowing” smile and he asked that whatever he would say be kept off the record.

Celebrity lawyer Lorna Kapunan (isn’t it a big waste that she didn’t make it to the Senate while a few “lesser” ones did? Better luck next time, Lorna!) came with her friend Jimmy Regalario who engaged Tito in animated conversation about issues bugging the country today.

Among those that we shared the sumptuous dinner with were Ethel Ramos and Remy Umerez who, like Tito, are among Norma’s old-time friends. Also present were Dr. Lera Grace del Castillo and her husband Nelson del Castillo who composed the song If. (Other well-wishers must have come after we had left.) “How come Norma’s other talents like Rico J. Puno and Marco Sison didn’t come?” wondered Ethel.

On hand to help Norma entertain guests was Leah Japitana Martinez, Norma’s niece and trusted Girl Friday.

Highlight of the night was the popping of the champagne bottle led by Cesar who then offered Norma a toast together with Anthony and Freddie. Then, the well-wishers raised their glasses and wished Norma a long life uncluttered by showbiz intrigue.

To cap the night, we asked Cesar how he felt about the rumor that his estranged wife Sunshine Cruz has found (at last?) new love in the person of Ismael “Macky” Mathay IV, the half-brother of Ara Mina who acted as the “bridge” between the two.

“I’m happy for her,” said Cesar with a little smile. (Up to now, Cesar hasn’t confirmed rumors linking him to 2009 Miss Earth-Philippines Sandra Seifert and Miss Earth Air/first runner-up in that year’s Miss Earth pageant). “She deserves to be happy.”

According to reports, Macky himself is estranged from his wife. No confirmation from him or Sunshine what the real score between them is.

The good news is that Cesar has just been given a position at DOT (Department Of Tourism) by Pres. DU30 whom he supported from the very start. Cesar refrained from talking about it until early next year when he assumes office.

(E-mail reactions at [email protected].)  Photos by SANY CHUA