For the first time, movie and TV director Mac Alejandre threw a party to celebrate his birthday
Despite the rains and heavy traffic, family, friends and colleagues in the industry attended Direk Mac's birthday celebration on December 8 at his residence in Filinvest East Homes in Cainta, Rizal.
Guests were entertained by a live band, referred to as "the human videoke."
The party formally started with a video presentation for Direk Mac. The Amaya director was surprised with video greetings from his mother, elder sister, daughter, granddaughter, colleagues, and friends from show business.
His sister Manang Bambi described Direk Mac Alejandre as a good family man.
"Mac, most people see you as a brilliant director. For Bubut and me, you will always be our number one brother. You're very generous and caring, always there for us. Thank you for that," she said.
Mac's colleague, screenwriter/novelist Ricky Lee, said Direk Mac is not only a talented director, but he is also a good scriptwriter.
"Masarap ka-discuss si Mac sa script. Kasi, hindi nauubusan ng ideas si Mac," Ricky said on the video.
Former onscreen partners Angelu de Leon and Bobby Andrews thanked birthday celebrator for directing them in their previous teleserye, Ikaw na Sana (1997).
Phillip Salvador also commended Direk Mac for taking good care of his actors.
He said on the video, "Parati siyang nakikinig sa opinyon ng bawat isa. Ibang klase gumawa ng stunts niya 'yan, tuwang-tuwa talaga ako. I'm blessed na nakasama kita muli. Nagpapasalamat ako sa pag-aalaga mo sa akin at sa aming lahat."
Senator Jinggoy Estrada expressed his desire to work with Direk Mac someday.
He said, "Alam ko naman na medyo hindi ko kaya ang presyo mo. Balita ko medyo may kamahalan ka raw kasi grabe ka raw gumawa ng magandang pelikula."
Meanwhile, Senator Bong Revilla regarded Direk Mac as a film visionary.
"Kung ano 'yong gusto mong gawin sa isang pelikula, siguradong magagawa niya 'yan. Kaya isa siyang tunay na achiever. Kaya ako, saludo ako diyan kay Direk Mac. Kaya naman si Direk Mac ang pinakapaboritong direktor ni Bong Revilla."
PARTY TIME. After the video presentation, guests were asked to jam with the band on stage.
Mac's daughter Via sang her father's favorite song titled, "Somewhere Down the Road."
Dion Ignacio did a couple of rock songs. He was joined by fellow StarStruck alumnus Rocco Nacino, who played the drums.
Next, Amaya actress Glaiza de Castro brought the house down with her rendition of Cranberries' hit song, "Zombie."
Cavite Representative Lani Mercado performed onstage after the hosts pleaded with her, "Sige na po, huling nakita ko kayong kumanta sa GMA Supershow pa."
This was the defunct Sunday variety show of GMA-7, which was hosted by German Moreno.
The hosts also called on Amaya lead actress Marian Rivera to perform a few songs for the guests. She was joined by her co-actors Roxanne Barcelo and Ana Feleo.
Other performers that night were Munting Heredera actors Ynez Veneracion and Gabby Eigenmann; and Amaya actors Sid Lucero, AJ Dee, Ayen Munji-Laurel, and Gina Alajar.
The other personalities spotted at the party were GMA-7 lady executives Lilibeth Rasonable, Redgie Magno, Marivin Arayata, celebrity couple Rocco Nacino and Sheena Halili, Irma Adlawan, and Ayen's husband Franco Laurel.