This is the lull before the storm. And in this country, the storms are known by girls’ names.

On the surface, it looks like a crowded battleground for the gentlemen of presidential persuasions, but more fiery passions lie beneath – those of the beautiful women who have as big a stake in the forthcoming elections as their husbands, relatives or boyfriends.

The fight is especially tight in the Liberal Party, now that Kris has endorsed her only brother. Will the torch go to Noynoy or to Mar? A painful and difficult decision, considering that it will redound to a fight between Kris and Korina, Mar’s fiancée. Both ladies are superstars of their TV network, by the way.

Not to be outdone or outshone, Sharon (of the same network) has a major role to play, too. All along her husband Kiko has had his eye on the vice presidency. So if that slot goes to either of his partymates, Mar or Noynoy, what happens to Kiko? What will Shawie do?

Among the few romantically inclined men in my circle, the wish is for a second wedding (not to mention the golden wedding of the Estradas on Dec. 6) to highlight the campaign season – specifically, for Senator Aquino to drop to his knees and offer marriage to his innamorata, Shaine, preferably on Kris’ daily and weekly shows.

As for Arlene, the better half of that former star of the same Kapamilya network – what does she have to say about the speculation, as wild as a typhoon can get, that her Noli would be better off winning reelection “for sure” as VP instead of slugging it out for the presidency with three pastors, an ex-president, the son of an ex-president, the grandson of another ex-president, GMA’s defense secretary, three male senators and two lady senators, a mayor and a Metro chairman, etc.?

With all the fractiousness building up, all we need to do now is ask Cynthia if she’s in the mood to clear the field and stage a pearl or coral or whatever wedding anniversary for Manny’s sake.