The atmosphere was crisp with fun and anticipation at Senator Bong Revilla's birthday celebration last night, September 24, at the C3 Events Place in Greenhills, San Juan.

The invitation was for 7:00 pm but guests only started trickling in at 8:00 p.m. Early birds were former senator and basketball legend, Robert Jaworski, who came with wife Evelyn Bautista-Jaworski and son Dodot; actor Tirso Cruz III and wife Lynn; comedian Joey Marquez and actor Phillip Salvador, who made it a point to visit every table and greet everyone warmly.

A little later, while Till There Was You was playing in the background, actress Lani Mercado walked in sans her husband to welcome the guests. The ever-gracious host was all smiles.

Birthday boy Bong Revilla came in a few minues later, flashing his signature chinky-eyed smile, dressed simply in a red-striped polo and black slacks. It was time to party and the sumptuous buffet was opened to the guests.

Creamy soup and mixed greens salad were paired with classic paella valenciana, penne pasta with mushroom and fresh peas, beef bordelaise bastilla, herb roasted chicken, cinnamon tiramisu, fresh fruit shots, vanilla crème brulee...and lechon! The buffet corner, of course, was a hit among the guests.

The venue, which snugly accommodates 500 guests, was soon enough crammed with celebrities and name-droppables. Seen were GMA-7's Wilma Galvante, Eat Bulaga's Malou Choa-Fagar, and Regal Films's Lily Monteverde.

Also spotted were Lorna Tolentino, Ogie Alcasid, Boots Anson Roa, German Moreno, Eddie Gutierrez, Annabelle Rama, Miriam Quiambao, Joel Torre, Jestoni Alarcon, Ronnie Ricketts, Monsour del Rosario, and Ian Veneracion.

The senate was also well-represented: Manny Villar, Kiko Pangilinan, Miguel Zubiri, and one of Bong's best buddies, Jinggoy Estrada.

Other well-wishers were Bibeth Orteza, Leo Martinez, William Martinez, Yasmien Kurdi, Carlene Aguilar, Jenny Miller, Joko Diaz,  Atoy Co, and Pia Pilapil, who arrived with the dad of her three kids, Gerry Gonzalo.

Soon a throng of Bautista (Bong Revilla's real surname) family members swept into the hall.

Bong's sisters Rowena and Andrea, with her husband Rizal Governor  Junjun Ynares, were there. Andrea related that she felt a bit heavy and wanted to lose some pounds. Still, "I want to have another child," she enthused. "My baby is now ten months old."

Naturally, Bong's kids brought added cheer.

The eldest of the family, Bryan, was without a date, unlike younger brother Jolo who came in with rumored girlfriend, actress Lovi Poe.

Very pregnant and obviously ready-to-pop at any moment was Bong and Lani's eldest daughter Inah who was with husband Vince del Rosario.

Even the little angels partied with the guests: Gianna, Loudette, and youngest Ram, who was swayed to muster, "No, not allowed..." when teased if he already had a girlfriend.