Showbiz, politics meet in Escudero-Ongpauco wedding reception
The PSG (Presidential Security Group) came early at Blue Leaf Filipinas Restaurant, Paranaque City, where Senator Chiz Escudero and Heart Evangelista’s wedding reception was held on Wednesday, February 18.
But President Noynoy Aquino decided to sit down with the families of the Fallen 44 Heroes instead and didn’t show up the entire evening.
Still, top stars, senators and TV executives showed up to lend glamor and prestige to the event.
Politicians and lovebirds
GMA 7 big boss Atty. Felipe Gozon came early. So did Senator Bongbong Marcos, who told a friend he just lives “down the road.” His colleagues, Senators Franklin Drilon, Loren Legarda and Grace Poe arrived later.
Balladeer Christian Bautista arrived early to rehearse his song number. Writer-actress-producer Bibeth Orteza shared a long table with GMA 7 Senior Vice President for Entertainment Lilybeth Rasonable.
Gretchen Barretto arrived with her beloved, businessman Tonyboy Cojuangco. So did Senator Tito Sotto, who escorted wife Helen Gamboa.
Lovebirds Lovi Poe and Rocco Nacino went on stage to join a game that will determine who the next bride will be. Their friends, Iza Calzado and Kim Chiu went stag and wished the newlyweds the best.
Sumptuous food
Congressmen alighted from SUVs bearing the plate number 8.
Why, even Heart’s pet dogs – Casper and her puppy -- came dressed for the dinner occasion.
No one knows what the prized canines had for dinner that special day, but their human friends had their fill of sumptuous food.
After cocktails, everyone hied off to the Main Hall, where appetizers -- deep fried soft shell crab with garlic aioli, smoked salmon terrine with chive cream and black caviar with mixed mesclun, fresh mangoes and oranges tossed in citrus vinaigrette -- awaited them.
Main course
The main course: Angus beef tenderloin medallion with truffle butter and red wine demiglace and poached Chilen seabass in dill beurre blanc and vermouth emulsion with black caviar on a bed of potato puree with onion rings and grilled vegetable ribbons.
Dessert came on a small platter of strawberry shortcake trifle, caramel mousse and pistachio cream nirvana and macaron de Paris.
House drinks consisted of peach iced tea, sodas, coffee and hot tea.
Music overflowing, care of Ogie Alcasid, Regine Velasquez, Jaya, Christian and others, accompanied the hearty meal.
Slow dance
Guests watched a video narrating Heart and Chiz’s romance and saw the couple dance slowly while gazing at each other’s eyes.
Ah love!