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Showbiz, politics meet in Escudero-Ongpauco wedding reception

Heart Evangelista and Sen. Chiz Escudero at their wedding reception in Manila/Photo by Kutchie Zaldarriaga of Getting Married Philippines.

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.

From left: Christian Bautista, Lovi Poe, Kim Chiu, Iza Calzado and friends.
From left: Christian Bautista, Lovi Poe, Kim Chiu, Iza Calzado and friends.

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.

Senator Tito Sotto and wife Helen Gamboa
Senator Tito Sotto and 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.

Gretchen Barretto,  Tonyboy Cojuangco and a friend
Gretchen Barretto,  Tonyboy Cojuangco and a friend

 

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.

Senator Grace Poe and husband Neil Llamanzares
Senator Grace Poe and husband Neil Llamanzares

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.

Casper, Heart Evangelista's pet
Casper, Heart Evangelista's pet

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!