Surprise B-day bash for Mayor Vi

It was, as Birthday Girl Lipa City Mayor Vilma Santos (who’s turning 50 next year, Nov. 3) was told, a family affair and, indeed, it was.

All of Sunday, her birthday, Mayor Vi was busy guesting on TV, first in ABS-CBN’s A.S.A.P., which gave her a heart-warming tribute and a welcome party, she now being wholly a part of the ABS-CBN Family because she recently signed a contract for a drama-comedy weekly show which premieres early next year. Her movie for ABS-CBN’s sister company, Star Cinema, Dekada ’70 (directed by Chito Roño from Lualhati Bautista’s Palanca-winning novel), is an entry to the Metro Filmfest next month.

That same afternoon, she was on The Buzz, "grilled" by Kris Aquino and Boy Abunda.

Days earlier, Mayor Vi got her birthday gift from Ralph – membership at Tagaytay Highlands where the family (including sons Luis/Lucky and Ryan Christian, Vi’s Mama Milagros and sister Emelyn and other family members) spent the long weekend (from Oct. 28 to Nov. 1)

Mayor Vi knew that after her TV guestings, there was going to be a family dinner at the Rectos’ Rockwell condo unit. Imagine how surprised she was when not only her immediate family showed up but also her "extended" Dekada ’70 family, including direk Chito and her screen sons Piolo Pascual, Marvin Agustin, Carlos Agassi and Danilo Barrios.

Other close friends also came, such as Jose Mari Chan and wife Mary Ann Ansaldo, Tirso Cruz III and wife Lyn Ynchausti, Albert Martinez and wife Liezl Sumilang (along with their kids), and Maribeth Bichara.

Joe Mari almost, but not quite, spoiled the "surprise" when, being professional and punctual, he arrived at 4:30 p.m. sharp (as per the invitation). Those present told the Birthday Girl that Joe Mari was there to try the grand-baby piano Ralph bought recently.

The rest of the batch came after dusk.

Mayor Vi has been missing her Dekada ’70 family, so the "surprise" party organizers saw to it that they all came, with Carlos Agassi almost, but not quite, spilling the beans on A.S.A.P., when he almost told Mayor Vi "See you later" during the tribute.

It was exactly the kind of intimate and "family" gathering Mayor Vi loved, perfect for a lady bidding her 40s goodbye (and good riddance).

Incidentally, today (Nov. 6) is the birthday of Ralph’s dad Raffy and Mayor Vi’s Girl Friday Aida Fandialan. It’s also the 18th death anniversary of Mayor Vi’s father, Amado Santos.