It was an interesting mix of political and showbiz celebrities who graced the recent birthday party of Senate Protempore Jinggoy Estrada at the Blue Leaf Rest. at McKinley Hills Subd. in The Fort.

Leading the well-wishers of course were Jinggoy’s doting parents, former Pres. Joseph Estrada and former Sen. Loi Ejercito. On her toes entertaining the guests was Jinggoy’s pretty wife Precy.

Also among the celebrator’s wellwishers were Sen. Manny Villar, boxing champ Manny Pacquiao, Sen. Bong Revilla, Gov. Jun-Jun Ynares and wife Andrea Bautista, Rep. Neneng Nicolas, Mayor JV Ejercito, Mayor Baby Pineda, QC Vice Mayor Herbert Bautista, Ms. Susan Roces, Marichu Maceda, Eddie Garcia and Lilibeth Romero, Atty. Leonardo Siguion Reyna and wife Armida, Phillip Salvador, Christopher de Leon and wife Sandy Andolong, Tirso Cruz III and wife Lynn, Gabby Concepcion, Lorna Tolentino, Johnny Delgado, Amy Austria, Jestoni Alarcon, Dik and Nita Trofeo, Bobby Andrews and wife, Jason Abalos, Joseph Bitangcol, and Dra. Loi’s MARE group.

A short video of the life, showbiz and political career and achievements of Senator Jinggoy, who was only 29 when he became mayor of San Juan (he finished three terms before he ran for the Senate), was also shown. When asked about his birthday wish, he said, “good health siguro.” It’s because the senator has been in and out of the hospital in the past few months. Dubbed “Anak ng Masa,” Jinggoy was also referred to as the “next president of the Philippines.”

In the video, Senate Pres. Juan Ponce Enrile said Jinggoy will go a long way, “dahil matapat siya sa kanyang panunungkulan…” Senator Rodolfo Biazon, on the other hand, said Jinggoy is “an asset to public service…” Senators Manny Villar, Edgardo Angara, Nene Pimentel, Joker Arroyo, Francis Pangilinan, Gringo Honasan, and Allan Cayetano all wished the birthday celebrant good health and long life.

Jodi proves acting mettle once more in ‘Tayong Dalawa’

Multi-Awarded Jodi Sta. Maria proves her acting mettle once more as she joins the cast of the toprating ABS-CBN teleserye “Tayong Dalawa,” topbilled by Gerard Anderson, Kim Chiu and Jake Cuenca. The teleserye is Jodi’s comeback to the primetime scene.

Jodi, known for her versatility in acting, was named Best Actress in the 10th Cinemanila International Film Festival under the Digital Lokal category, will play another challenging role in “Tayong Dalawa.”

Jodi was last seen on primetime when she gave life to Carmela in “Palos.” And in “Tayong Dalawa,” she will portray the character of Angela Rodriguez, Loretta’s (Mylene Dizon) sister who just came back from the US. Angela’s personality is far stronger and smarter than her sister. And because of her strong personality, she will be Audrey’s (Kim Chiu) savior against Stanley (Spanky Manikan).

So how will Jodi’s presence affect the other characters in “Tayang Dalawa?” Tune in to the teleserye (which airs after “I Love Betty La Fea”) and you’ll find out the answer.

New officers elected for CWC

New officers for the year 2009 have been elected for the Catholic Women’s Club (CWC). They officers, who were inducted recently by Bishop Gabriel Reyes, are Mrs. Nonie T. Basilio, president; Cecile Limjoco, 1st vice president; Asun Zubiri, 2nd VP; Nikki Valerio, 3rd VP; Evelyn Ranada, secretary; Shirley Uy, treasurer; and Chloe Romulo Periquet, immediate past president.

The other officers are Nenuca Blardony, asst. treasurer; Velia Cruz, asst. secretary; Rose Lazaro, alternative 1st VP; Baby Gloria, asst. treasurer; Ane Preyeler, alternative 3rd VP.

The CWC was organized in 1921 by a group of expatriate Catholic ladies and since then it has been at the forefront of serving the sick and the needy. It has remained committed to its mission of rendering service to the poor, fostering fellowship among members, raising funds for charitable organizations, and being faithful handmaids to the Lord.

Among the club’s notable charities are the Elsie Gaches Village where it built and supports to this day three cottages for the physically and mentally handicapped patients, the CWC Gawad Kalinga housing project in San Andres Bukid, a community center for the flood victims in Nakar, Quezon, and a livelihood training structure for autistic children in Parañaque. They are in addition to 90 other charities that the club regularly supports.

Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings for March 4, go to Dawn Zulueta, Carol Banawa, Ella Reyes-Chot, Wilma Redler, Joanne Ramirez, Krystle Yambot, David S. Flores, Joan Camille Tisoy, Hattie H. Pili, Ruby Co, Chicago-based Gerry Crisostomo, Judith A. Los Banos and congressional spouse Sandra Estrella…