Who’s who at the state dinner

Controversial personalities graced the strictly invitational state banquet for visiting US President George W. Bush and his wife, First Lady Laura Bush, held at Malacañang last night.

The grand reception at the Palace Ceremonial Hall was filled with prominent business leaders and political figures from both the ruling administration and the opposition.

Seen at the banquet, with glistening diamond necklace, was former presidential adviser on strategic projects Gloria Tan-Climaco, who is currently in the headlines over alleged extortion charges by German firm Fraport AG.

Ignacio "Iggy" Arroyo, younger brother of First Gentleman Jose Miguel Arroyo, who admitted ownership of the controversial "Jose Pidal" account, was also among the guests at the Palace reception.

Senators John Osmeña, Tessie Aquino-Oreta, Rodolfo Biazon and Aquilino Pimentel were among those invited from the opposition along with pro-administration Senators Juan Flavier, Ramon Magsaysay Jr., Robert Barbers, Manuel Villar and Francis Pangilinan, who came with his wife, singer/actress Sharon Cuneta.

Videogram Regulatory Board (VRB) chairman Ramon "Bong" Revilla was seen escorting sexy actress Ara Mina at the reception.

Filipino-Chinese taipans were among the business leaders invited to the affair led by Lucio Tan of Asia Brewery, John Gokongwei of Robinsons and Henry Sy of SM Malls.

The American and Spanish business leaders were represented by Andy Soriano, Enrique Razon of ICTSI and Frank Elizalde of dzRH.

The 32 tables were filled even before President Arroyo and President Bush emerged from the private room of the Palace where the First Family entertained their guests.

Seated at the 14-man presidential table were Senate President Franklin Drilon, former President Corazon Aquino, Vice President Teofisto Guingona Jr., Supreme Court Chief Justice Hilario Davide Jr. and US Ambassador Francis Ricciardone.

Speaker Jose de Venecia and wife, Gina, who were also seated at the presidential table, arrived as the exchange of toasts between Mrs. Arroyo and Mr. Bush was already taking place.

The President had to explain why the Speaker had yet to arrive, saying De Venecia had to see Bush off at the Batasan.

As early as the crack of dawn yesterday, all roads leading to and from Malacañang converging at J.P. Laurel St. were closed to vehicular traffic except those with car passes issued by the Presidential Security Group (PSG).

Even uniformed PSG honor guards were posted at the sentry gate on J.P. Laurel St.

The elite PSG troopers wore their new uniform — light-blue tops with matching navy blue necktie and navy blue pants with yellow line at the sides.

Barong-clad PSG personnel stood shoulder to shoulder with their US Secret Service counterparts in dark blue three-piece suits.

Pedicabs disappeared in Arlegui St. as multi-colored painted Philippine "calesa" or single horse-drawn carriages replaced them for this one-day special event at the Palace.

Typical Filipino barrio fiesta buntings in a riot of colors also criss-crossed the houses on the sidestreets of Aguado, contributing to the festive atmosphere in the neighborhood of San Miguel, Manila.