The power of three
February 15, 2004 | 12:00am
There was one shining moment when political foes shed their armor and partook of an 11-course "unifying dinner."
And so it came to pass that Sen. Panfilo Lacson, movie actor Fernando Poe Jr., and former Education Secretary Raul Roco shared dinner, red wine and the hope for peaceful elections.
The dinner, hosted by STAR and Stargate chairman Max Soliven, was unprecedented, and a tough act to follow.
"I would like to congratulate Max Soliven because being able to gather and unite for dinner three busy people is no mean feat," said Lacson.
"If Max can do it, we can do it," added Poe.
"I think the three people here can end the elections today if they just agree with each other," Roco, for his part, said.
Before the dinner, the three opposition presidentiables also posed for the cover of the March issue of PEOPLE Asia magazine, a sister publication of the STAR.
President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and Noli de Castro, and Bro. Eddie Villanueva were also invited, but could not attend the dinner.
Among the select few present were vice presidential bets Loren Legarda and Hermie Aquino, Sen. Ed Angara, Sen. Jun Magsaysay, Makati Rep. Butz Aquino, Pasig Rep. Toti Cariño, former Press Secretary Dong Puno, former Rep. Mike Romero, former Health Secretary Dr. Quasi Romualdez, former Press Undersecretary Mike Toledo, Susing Pineda, Tony Rufino, Ermin Garcia, CCA Philippines president Art Lopez, your columnist, Howard and Sharon Brenner, Sikatuna awardee Jose "Pepe" Rodriguez, businessman Leroy Tan, Jon and Sara de Guzman and Yvette de Marcaida Poe.
Greetings
Advance birthday greetings to Tessie Luz, Liling Oledan, Marilou Huibonhua and Jorge Araneta, Feb. 16; Nanette Puyat, Mandarin Oriental conference services manager Kim Ramos and Jinggoy Estrada, Feb. 17; Bulletin business editor Loreto Cabañes, Feb. 18; Philippine STAR managing and business editor Antonio Katigbak and Lolita Villareal, Feb. 19; Charry Bagatsing, Leenie Laurel Castillo, Gina de Venecia, Tony Antonio and Jay Lopez, Feb. 20.
So, how was your week?
(For comments and inquiries, please e-mail me at
And so it came to pass that Sen. Panfilo Lacson, movie actor Fernando Poe Jr., and former Education Secretary Raul Roco shared dinner, red wine and the hope for peaceful elections.
The dinner, hosted by STAR and Stargate chairman Max Soliven, was unprecedented, and a tough act to follow.
"I would like to congratulate Max Soliven because being able to gather and unite for dinner three busy people is no mean feat," said Lacson.
"If Max can do it, we can do it," added Poe.
"I think the three people here can end the elections today if they just agree with each other," Roco, for his part, said.
Before the dinner, the three opposition presidentiables also posed for the cover of the March issue of PEOPLE Asia magazine, a sister publication of the STAR.
President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and Noli de Castro, and Bro. Eddie Villanueva were also invited, but could not attend the dinner.
Among the select few present were vice presidential bets Loren Legarda and Hermie Aquino, Sen. Ed Angara, Sen. Jun Magsaysay, Makati Rep. Butz Aquino, Pasig Rep. Toti Cariño, former Press Secretary Dong Puno, former Rep. Mike Romero, former Health Secretary Dr. Quasi Romualdez, former Press Undersecretary Mike Toledo, Susing Pineda, Tony Rufino, Ermin Garcia, CCA Philippines president Art Lopez, your columnist, Howard and Sharon Brenner, Sikatuna awardee Jose "Pepe" Rodriguez, businessman Leroy Tan, Jon and Sara de Guzman and Yvette de Marcaida Poe.
Advance birthday greetings to Tessie Luz, Liling Oledan, Marilou Huibonhua and Jorge Araneta, Feb. 16; Nanette Puyat, Mandarin Oriental conference services manager Kim Ramos and Jinggoy Estrada, Feb. 17; Bulletin business editor Loreto Cabañes, Feb. 18; Philippine STAR managing and business editor Antonio Katigbak and Lolita Villareal, Feb. 19; Charry Bagatsing, Leenie Laurel Castillo, Gina de Venecia, Tony Antonio and Jay Lopez, Feb. 20.
So, how was your week?
(For comments and inquiries, please e-mail me at