MANILA, Philippines - Newly-elected congresswoman Rose Marie “Baby†Arenas recently hosted a thanksgiving dinner for a small group of friends and new colleagues in the congress.
Among Baby A’s special guests were Senate president Franklin Drilon with charming wife Mila, and House Speaker Feliciano “Sonny†Belmonte. It was a reunion of sorts because the couple was the philanthropist and impresario’s guest of honor during the SRO Big Dome concert of maestro Andrea Bocelli, whom she brought to the country some years back. It was also the very amiable House Speaker Belmonte, then mayor of Quezon City, who presented Bocelli the key to the city. Aside from Bocelli, Baby A brought another legendary tenor to the Philippine stage, the late Luciano Pavarotti.
Also in attendance at the “memorable, magical affair†were newbie Senators Grace Poe and Sonny Angara, who was accompanied by his wife Tootsie, who can pass for a movie star.
Sen. Juan “Manong Johnny†Ponce Enrile also came to the affair, visibly enjoying himself in the company of Sen. Jinggoy Estrada, who gamely rendered a song with Baby A’s daughter, Rep. Rachel Arenas, and with Sen. Greg Honasan.
Only a hostess like Baby Arenas can bring together such a powerhouse gathering that, if not for the lovely flowers, the sumptuous dinner and the fantastic music by Jay Cayuca, would have looked like congress was in session in both houses.
The main highlight of the thanksgiving get-together, which also celebrated Baby A’s birthday, was the moving tribute from daughter and fellow congresswoman Rachel who described her mom as “brave, brilliant, beautiful, a blessing to others and simply the best.â€