Bongbong the birthday boy

Ilocos Norte Rep. Bongbong Marcos, straight from a flight from his home province, was dragged by his wife Liza Araneta Marcos to the hip bar The Establishment at The Fort for an “emergency meeting.” The unsuspecting congressman entered the dimly lit venue and was totally astounded when he discovered that about 200 of his friends and relatives were lurking in the dark to greet him a very happy birthday!

Guests trooped to the party venue as early as 9 p.m. as they expected the birthday boy to arrive at 9:45 p.m. Bongbong’s flight, however, was delayed but guests, while waiting for him, enjoyed the superb appetizers and buffet dinner prepared by Establishment chef Godfrey Laforteza. The starters included cochinillo croquetas, jamon con mayonesa and beef mizuzuke. The buffet included salmon carpaccio with wasabi lemon dressing and balsamic reduction, and pasta served with orange and anchovy sauce.

Music from the ’80s was played until Al Tengco took the microphone to surprise other September birthday celebrators with their own cake. These included Bong’s sister Irene Marcos-Araneta, Andrew Gan, Jonathan Matti, Joseph Tan and Mike Toledo. Guests sang “Happy birthday” to them, too, as glasses of champagne were passed around for a toast.

Other well wishers present were Peter Coyuito, Greggy Araneta, Choy Cojuangco, Maripi Muscat, Pepito Albert, Bong Daza, Mike Rieta, Jopy Carag, Chito Marcos, Michelle Tiangco, Suzie Fong, J. Cu-Unjieng, Chris Warnes and Gina Godinez.

The DJ continued to play music as guests danced the night away amid an open bar that was overflowing.

Happy birthday, Bong!