Belo, husband at Palace rigodon

MANILA, Philippines – An unexpected guest caught the attention of top government officials, dignitaries and journalists at the traditional Independence Day reception for members of the diplomatic corps at Malacañang last night.

Controversial cosmetic surgeon and beauty expert Dr. Vicki Belo was seen being received by President Arroyo at the reception line with her two children, Crystalle and Quark.

Wearing a blue terno, Belo briefly shook hands with Mrs. Arroyo and Foreign Affairs Secretary Alberto Romulo at the Reception Hall on the second floor of the Palace before walking to the Ceremonial Hall where the toast would be held.

Belo, who figured in a controversial sex video scandal with ex-boyfriend Dr. Hayden Kho, avoided the media and did not walk in the middle of the hall like other guests received by the President.

She instead skirted the carpeted floor and walked at the side of the room, followed by her children.

Belo kept her head bowed and her eyes on the floor, and nearly bumped into the group of Palace journalists on the other side of the room, but the timely intervention of a protocol staff prevented what could have been an “ambush” interview with the controversial doctor.

Not one Palace official could say who invited her.

First Gentleman Jose Miguel Arroyo was conspicuously absent from the reception. – Paolo Romero