No, the picture (like the others on this page) was taken not, as you might be suspecting, at a pre-election "convention" but at the very exclusive post-birthday dinner for Susan Roces (who turned 65 last July 28) Saturday night at the Florabel Restaurant at The Podium (at the ground floor of The Podium), so exclusive that less than 20 people were invited, only two of them from the press (Tempo’s Ronald Constantino besides this columnist).
In fact, during the leisurely dinner where the celebrator hopped from table to table for souvenir photos before posing for a "family picture" with her well-wishers, politics was hardly mentioned, except when Richard Gomez arrived and everybody teasingly welcomed him with, "Hi, Bulacan Governor!"
As Funfare "scooped" several issues ago, Richard has expressed an intention to run in his mother (now US-based retired actress Stella Suarez’s) native province, proclaiming himself "The New Bulakeño" and promising to generate what he described as the "long-delayed and overdue progress that Bulakeños deserve." That is, if he gets elected.
Back on television (in the ABS-CBN sitcom John En Shirley, with Dolphy and Maricel Soriano), the Birthday Girl exudes an aura of sweetness and light. Daughter Mary Grace (who, together with husband Neil Llamanzares, helped entertain the well-wishers) said, "I’ve never seen Mama so happy. Showbiz is really her world."
And not, may I add, politics. That negates outright the wild rumor that Susan is planning to run as Mayor of Quezon City (how can she when she lives in Greenhills, San Juan, Metro Manila?).
"I’m not," was all that Susan would say about the rumor, surprised that it surfaced on the GMA early-evening newscast 24 Oras.
But Chiz didn’t deny nor discount the possibility that he might run for Senator. He’s winnable, I’m sure of that.
Conchita Razon (with friend Perla Velasco) said she was excited about the arrival sometime in November of brand-new grandson Santino, courtesy of Conchita’s son Martin Nievera and his beloved Katrina Ojeda (who, I heard, is embraced by the Nieveras as a well-loved and highly-admired member of the clan).
Mother Lily said that Regal Films is hatching up a plan to do a movie starring Susan Roces – oops! sorry, that’s supposed to be "off the record" just yet.
Armida "Tita Midz" Siguion-Reyna just came back from a family holiday in Paris.
Susan’s other well-wishers included Marichu "Manay Ichu" Maceda and sister Chona Ampil, director Mel Chionglo, Sheryl Cruz, Susan’s manager Dolor Guevarra and husband director Boots Plata, and STAR Remember When? columnist Danny Dolor. (E-mail reactions at rickylo@philstar.net.ph)