When senators gathered and put politics on the sidelines, expect that the occasion would focus on their families. The celebration of the 92nd Anniversary of the Senate of the Philippines proved just like that when incumbent and former senators, their families and close friends got together for an intimate night of songs and dances performed by the senators’ spouses, children and grandchildren at Ang Maynila of the Manila Hotel.
Love song duets came from Sen. Bong Revilla and wife Lani who sang Ikaw, and Sen. Jinggoy Ejercito and wife Precy singing Dahil sa Iyo and Hindi Kita Malimot. Sen. Gringo Honasan’s daughter-in-law, Yosha Honasan, opened the program with her song Bagong Araw, followed by Aree Bautista (nephew of Sen. Loren Legarda) singing I’ll Be Over You.
Perky Audrey Zubiri belted out How Can I Live Without You dedicating it to her husband Sen. Migz Zubiri who was attending a global forum on renewable energy in Singapore. Rep. Lani Cayetano sang Valentine as she describes her marriage to Sen. Alan as “every day is Valentine’s Day.” Christine Escudero gave a touching rendition of On My Own, Sen. Chiz’s favorite song from Les Miserables. Audrey, Lani and Christine entertained the audience further with an ABBA medley.
Jolo and Julian Ejercito (sons of Sen. Jinggoy) hip-hopped on stage with Gianna and Loudette Revilla (daughters of Sen. Bong Revilla).
Sen. Nene Pimentel delighted the guests with his solo performance of Pobreng Alindahaw, while his wife Bing performed her original composition Forever Young. Dressed in matching suits and ties, Sen. Dick Gordon and his grandsons Harry and Nick did an interpretation of The Impossible Dream.
Among the delighted audience were former Senators Helena Benitez, Eva Estrada-Kalaw, Kit Tatad, Orly Mercado and Joey Lina, who sang Dakilang Lahi.
The finale was a dance exhibition by senate spouses Monchit Biazon (Sen. Pong Biazon), Arlene Trillanes (Sen. Sonny Trillanes), Gloria Angara (Sen. Ed Angara), Lani Cayetano, Audrey Zubiri, and Christine Escudero, together with Gwen Pimentel-Gana (daughter of Sen. Nene) and Senate President Manny Villar’s daughter Camille.
Even for just that night, politics was quite on the sidelines and focus was given to being one big family.
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