Everybody (who counts, who matters) was accounted for, except, well...guess who.
As to be expected, when Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao turned 31 last Dec. 17, his birthday bash in GenSan was star-studded. Mommy Dionisia “Pacmom” Pacquiao almost stole the thunder from the birthday boy when she danced a storm. And then, Pacman reclaimed the spotlight by staging a virtual mini-concert of his favorite songs.
A week before Pacman’s birthday, Funfare asked him what his birthday wish was. He said, “Wala na akong mahihingi pa. Sobra-sobra na ang blessings na binigay Niya sa akin. When I pray, I don’t ask for anything, maski noong mahirap pa kami; basta, I just thank God.”
Shown here are some of the dozens of well-wishers, most of whom flew from Manila purposely to be, yes, counted, from top to bottom:
1. Pacman and wife Jinkee as if Typhoon “K” didn’t threaten to wreck their marriage;
2. The Pacquiao children and their cousins dance to thrill Pacman and the guests;
3. (From left): Sen./Presidentiable Manny Villar, lawyer Franklin Gacal Jr. (Pacman’s legal counsel) and Eric Pineda (Pacman’s business manager);
4. (From left) Deputy National Security Adviser/ex-Gov. Luis “Chavit” Singson, Macy Pineda and Jinkee;
5. (From left): Jinkee, sister Haydee Jamora, twin sister Janet Jamora and Rep./Senatoriable Bongbong Marcos;
6. (From left) Mommy Dionisia, Jinkee and her cousin Lot Jamora, Trisha Verzosa and (standing) Macy;
7. (From left): Alvin Anson, GMA exec Redgie Magno, Macy, Jinkee, GMA exec Avin Arayata and Bernard Cloma; and
8. Manny sings his favorite songs with good friend Lito Camo and the Calsada Band.
(E-mail reactions at rickylo@philstar.net.ph or at entphilstar@yahoo.com)