The President’s birthday

In previous years, President Rodrigo Roa Duterte would celebrate his birthday in a manner that might be considered low-key for a sitting President — simple and without fanfare.

He has not been known to throw extravagant birthday celebrations ever since he was mayor of Davao City.

“Matutulog lang ako (I will just sleep),” the President once quipped when prodded by reporters as to how he would celebrate his birthday. In fact, on the very day of his birthday, he spent it quietly with family in Davao.

So, there was a bit of intrigue and speculation, really, when I got the invitation from the young and full of energy (pun unintended) Rep. Lord Allan Velasco of Marinduque, who is House Committee on Energy chairman,  and his lovely wife Wen, to a birthday party they were hosting in honor of the Chief Executive at the Sofitel Philippine Plaza.

With (from left) Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Sal Panelo, Puwersa ng Bayaning Atleta party-list Rep. Koko Nograles and wife Marseille and Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana.

Was it really President Digong’s birthday celebration? Or, perhaps, an occasion for an important announcement from the gracious hosts?

Talk was rife of rumored changes in the House, so invited guests were on the lookout as to how the evening would unravel.

Members of the first family and the President’s official family were present, of course, as well as members of Congress and captains of industry.

Davao City Mayor Inday Sara Duterte-Carpio flew in to be part of the celebration and all eyes were on her and on House Speaker Bebot Alvarez.

People probably expected something incendiary on the floor; but bubbles, perhaps, were burst all around, as both of them shook hands, a lady and a gentleman with proper civility towards each other.

MVP Group head Manny Pangilinan and PLDT’s Chay Revilla with Ramon Ang.

Former President and now Pampanga Rep.  Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo was also there, as she was celebrating her birthday on that very day. To her pleasant surprise, and to the surprise of many, after his remarks, President Duterte serenaded her with a birthday song.

Many may not know, but the President can sing and sing with much gusto. That night, however, he and Honeylet Avanceña were entertained and serenaded by some of the best singers in the country like Jed Madela, Zsa Zsa Padilla, Lani Misalucha and Martin Nievera, who sang the classic Ikaw with the President.

With (from left) Presidential Adviser on Economic Affairs and ICT RJ Jacinto, Speaker Bebot Alvarez and Quezon City Rep. Sonny Belmonte.

Of course, the President need not look far from his Cabinet if crooners are to be called upon, as Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Sal Panelo and Executive Secretary Bingbong Medialdea can belt it out with the best of them. In fact, during Budget Secretary Ben Diokno’s birthday celebration some days before, Cabinet members of both former President Erap Estrada and President Duterte took turns with song after glorious song at the mic, moving Press Secretary Martin Andanar to quip that it was turning into a competition akin to The Voice between Team Erap and Team Digong, with some overlapping team members.

But, I digress.

In his remarks that night, President Duterte somehow doused speculation going around about a change in House speakership.

“The Speaker seems enervated,” the President jokingly said in Tagalog, to the laughter of many. “Madam (referring to PCGMA) told me to tell my friend that she has no ambition to become Speaker…” Again, laughter and applause and, perhaps, a great sigh of relief from some within the audience.

(From left) Energy Secretary Al Cusi, Chay Revilla, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque, Betty Medialdea, Erramon Aboitiz, Ramon Ang and DJ Sta. Ana.

The entertainment and merrymaking lasted well into the night. This was one of those rare moments when burning the midnight oil for the President was not all about work.

In his earlier message before the start of festivities, Congressman Lord Allan said that that night was a gathering of friends. And, indeed, it was.

No matter the political or business differences of the guests, all came together as friends to celebrate another milestone.

Happy birthday, Mr. President!