Batangas Gov. Vilma Santos took a two-week leave from work to spend her 58th birthday with family (husband, Sen. Ralph Recto, and son Ryan Christian; but minus Luis who was stuck at work) and friends, first in Phuket, Thailand (they skipped Bangkok which was threatened by the lingering floods), and then in Malaysia.
And guess what Ralph gave Vi as birthday gift yes, a diamond necklace worth…”Secret!” said Vi who told Funfare that she was “tired but very happy” from the trip during which she was “normal lang” even if a Filipino fruit vendor in Thailand recognized her while she and her group did nothing but “lakad nang lakad,” with some shopping on the side.
“It was so hot in Thailand,” said Vi, “and so cold naman in Genting (Malaysia) located in the mountain. Then we went to Kuala Lumpur which was an hour drive from Genting.”
Aida Fandialan, Vi’s Girl Friday and accountant, said that there were originally 13 in the group (including Vi’s sister Lyn and granddaughter Carla; Vi’s brother Joel and his friend Yvonne; Maricar Magalona and husband Neil with son Brian; JV Angeles who is Ralph and Neil’s friend; Ryan’s yaya Felina).
“Brian left ahead on Nov. 2 because he had to go back to school (Ateneo),” said Aida. Raymund Isaac joined the group from Nov. 7 to 9. “We stayed in Phuket from Oct. 28 to Nov. 5, and in Malaysia from Nov. 5 to 12.”
On her birthday on Nov. 3, Vi was awakened by the group singing “Happy Birthday” to her and presenting her with a big birthday cake in bed.
“Touched ako,” said Vi. “It was probably my most memorable birthday.”
Throughout the trip from then on, Vi wore the diamond necklace given to her by Ralph.
“It was a surprise gift,” said Vi. – Photos by Raymund Isaac