Jinggoy’s political power

Judging from the number of people who attended his 50th birthday bash at The Tent of the Manila Hotel, there’s no denying Senator Jinggoy Estrada’s pulling power with political stalwarts, top business leaders, showbiz celebrities and even prominent media personalities. There were close to a thousand guests and even outside The Tent, hundreds of people waited perhaps due to the presence of showbiz people – making the affair seem like a political launch of sorts.

Celebrating the “golden boy’s” milestone were UNA bigwigs Vice President Jejomar Binay and Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile, along with Jingoy’s colleagues from the Senate such as Loren Legarda, Tito Sotto and Gringo Honasan. Also present were Karen Davila and husband DJ Sta. Ana, TV/radio personality Vic Lima, Ricky Carandang and Ces Drilon as well as presidential sisters Ballsy and Viel.  Top business leaders who were there – Mike Varela and Ed Lacson of the PCCI, SMC president Ramon Ang, Choy Cojuangco and businessman Babes Oreta (a close personal friend of Jojo Binay). 

Showbiz celebrities came in droves, among them Jinggoy’s close friends led by Lakas chairman Bong Revilla and wife Lani Mercado, Lorna Tolentino, Pops Fernandez, Edu Manzano, Robin Padilla and Martin Nievera. Of course, also in attendance was Rep. Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao (shown in photo with his back turned with Erap and Jinggoy). A surprise guest: soon-to-be Senator JV Ejercito, dispelling rumors that the half brothers were not on speaking terms.

In an emotional speech, Jinggoy thanked his friends and attributed everything he has – and is – to his mother Dra. Loi and father, former president Joseph Estrada, after whose footsteps Jinggoy seems to be following as far as politics is concerned. No doubt the Estradas are back in the political power circle.

Continuing controversy in Ayala Alabang

A couple of our friends from Ayala Alabang called us to express their opposition to the planned three-story Barangay Community Center inside the village. Elsie Colombo tells me that there are more residents who are “violently” against the planned construction for a number of reasons, among them the lack of consultation with the homeowners especially those residing along Narra St. (site of the proposed building), with only one bidder and incomplete requirements, she added.

Another concern is the loss of privacy and the potential disturbance to their park and the bird sanctuary since the presence of the barangay center will leave the private enclave open and accessible to the public, Mike Romulo pointed out, stressing that he is one of the many who are definitely against the building. A “moderate group” led by a resident who did not want to disclose her identity is suggesting what she calls “a reasonable compromise” by having the barangay building constructed near the gate instead of having it at the center of the subdivision, with separate entrances for homeowners and the general public to lessen the traffic which is actually the main reason why homeowners are “violently” against the construction. 

The issues concerning Ayala Alabang Village, one of the biggest subdivisions in the country with about 4,500 homes, is giving developer Ayala Land a number of lessons, among them the wisdom of having smaller enclaves in order to have better control of traffic, monitoring and security to prevent organized crime elements from conducting activities in the area.

Opposing parties will have to arrive at a reasonable compromise. Otherwise, this could turn into another ugly legal battle with the issuance of a temporary restraining order from an arbitration court.

Million-dollar art

Jaime Augusto Zobel tells us the very successful Art Festival at the Link Car Park in Makati has convinced him to hold the event every year. The art fair organized by Trickie Lopa and Dindin Araneta showcased the talent of noted international Filipino artists like Ronald Ventura and Gabby Barredo (shown in photo with his creation) whose installation art was certainly one of the most intriguing and creative. In fact, even before the art exhibit, one of Barredo’s creations was already bought reportedly by the curator of Louis Vuitton for over a “wow” million dollars.

Senior harassment

One of our inside sources at the Manila Golf Club told us a senior citizen recently granted a lifetime membership for having been with the Club for over 30 years could be facing a lawsuit from a number of caddies allegedly for “sexual harassment.” Our informant who refused to name names said the potential lawsuit could also pose some legal problems for the exclusive golf club.

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