A gathering of friends at Florabel’s

Douglas was my very first friend when I started as a movie writer. He is still one of my best friends and always will be.

***

Allow us to turn personal this time. It was our birthday last Wednesday (Aug. 1) and, as usual, with my truly good friends in showbiz, especially in the movie writing profession, we had a get-together at Florabel’s, located at the Podium, in Ortigas, Florabel Co, who owns Florabel’s, not only promised us a discount; but she also offered to give me a serving for 30 people for free.

My reliable "talent," Aga Muhlach, footed the bill for the rest. You see, the 30 or so people in our guest list swelled to almost a hundred.

Thanks, Florabel. Thanks, Aga.

***

It was at that particular gathering that we gathered that Angel Locsin and Marvin Agustin had a "mutual understanding" or MU as it is known among the younger generation. A source (one of the guests) related that Marvin tried to dissuade Angel from leaving GMA-7. Not that he has anything against ABS-CBN, but he wanted her to fix her problem with GMA-7 first before making a final decision. Angel reportedly is due to sign a contract with ABS-CBN upon her arrival from London, where she is taking up a course in fashion design.

"Pero, dahil doon, balitang ‘di na nakipag-communicate pa si Angel kay Marvin," said our informant.

"Ang balita ko naman" another guest butted in, "Angel did try to talk with Ms. Anette Gozon, daughter of GMA-7 top gun Felipe Gozon. But while they were inside Ms. Anette’s room, another GMA-7 executive barged in kaya ‘di natuloy ang kanilang usapan."

Considered as one of the most important stars in GMA-7, Angel’s decision to sever ties with the network in question is one of the biggest news reports in showbiz at the moment.

Angel is still in London.

***

It was touching to learn that Senator Bong Revilla came to Florabel’s at Podium straight from Malacañang, where he had a meeting with President Gloria Arroyo. Mayor Toby Tiangco came from Navotas City Municipal Hall. The Romulo brood, Pasig Congressman Roman Romulo, Agriculture Undersecretary Berna Puyat and Mons Tantoco, attended the ASEAN meet but decided to pass by Podium to mingle with our other guests.

Aga had a taping for his sitcom, "That’s My Doc," at ABS-CBN so his wife Charlene Gonzales with her mom, Elvie Gonzales, arrived ahead of him. Rachel Alejandro also was at the gathering.

It was nice to see Azenith Briones, one time beauty queen and actress, who came with movie columnist Vir Gonzales. Azenith appeared in the movie, "Temptation Island," which is one of the Pinoy classics to be shown at the Megamall. Producer of that movie is Mother Lily Monte-verde, who has become a fixture in our every birthday gathering.

Andeng Bautista, in her pregnant glory, so to speak, came with elder sister, Rowena Mendiola, and good friend Paul Cabral, top couturier-designer.

Another pregnant lady among my guests was, of course, Gie Trillana.

Other friends who have made the get-together memorable included Lea Salterio, Peachy Guiguio, Ricky Lo, Ogie Diaz, Jo-Ann Maglipon, Anna Pingol, Aster Amoyo, Dondon Sermino, Francis Simeon, Jojo Gabinete, Antoinette Valdez, Julie Bonifacio, Veronica Samio, Lanie Sapitana, Nora Calderon, my sister, Chit Ramos and Direk Joyce Bernal.

Let me mention, too, the presence of Bong Osorio of the Corporate PR of ABS-CBN, who came with some members of his staff, Lorie Dionisio, Cris Tan and O’Neal Velarde.

And my "core" group whose friendship we value the most: Girlie Rodis, Shirley Kwan, June Rufino, Law-rence Tan, Pat-P Daza-Planas and Dolor Guevarra, who came with husband Direk Boots Plata.

Special thanks go to entertainment editors Ian Farinas (People’s Tonight) and Salve Asis (PM and Pilipino Star Ngayon), who have always been there when we need them.

Thank you, too, to all those who remembered me with a gift or a text greeting.