Celebrity couple Bong Revilla and Lani Mercado only had a few minutes to spare for the media last Saturday night, September 25, at the Diamond Ballroom of the Manila Diamong Hotel. 

The two were busy entertaining the many VIPs who attended Senator Ramon "Bong" Revilla's birthday party. 

Senator Revilla turned 44, and among the well-wishers were Bong's friends in showbiz and politics—Sarangani Rep. Manny Pacquiao, Phillip Salvador, Jestoni Alarcon, Rez Cortez, Bobby Andrews, Benjie Paras, German Moreno, Regal Films' Mother Lily Monteverde, Navotas Mayor Toby Tiangco, former Justice Secretary Agnes Devanadera, and Rizal Gov. Jun Ynares.

Bong's relatives were also all accounted for: his father, Ramon Revilla Sr.; sister Andrea; children Bryan, Jolo, Inah, Gianna, Loudette, and Ram; son-in-law Vince; and grandchildren Gab and Alexa.

The celebrator was clearly happy that many people remembered his birthday. "Nagpapasalamat ako sa mga nakaalala," he told the press.

He also thanked his wife Lani, who stood by his side during the whole interview.

"Of course nagpapasalamat ako sa aking kaisa-isang maybahay sa kanyang pag-asikaso, for giving me a party. She woke up three a.m. in the morning."

MR. AND MRS. LEGISLATION. But Lani quickly commented that she woke up early for her job as a congresswoman of Bacoor, Cavite, and not to prepare for the "simple" birthday party.

"Baka akalain nila ganun kalaki 'tong party na 'to, e, three o' clock pa lang gising na ako," she smiled. "International Coastal Clean-up Day [ngayon], tapos opening ng Bacoor Festival, kasabay ng kaarawan ni Senator Bong."

The press then asked the couple if their relationship has changed since both of them now work in politics.

Bong joked, "At least, ang pagkakaiba ngayon, malaki. Dahil dati, ang katabi ko, lola. Ngayon, congresswoman na."

Lani said they now talk more about their work than about personal matters. "Malawak na ngayon yung mga topics na pinag-uusapan namin. Kasi pag nasa mundo ka ng legislation, minsan ang pinag-uusapan namin, legislation."

Bong agreed. "Every time na magkikita kami sa bahay, ang pinag-uusapan namin, batas. Oo, tuloy pa rin... Bago nga matulog 'to, batas pa yung dini-discuss naman. Puwede ba tama na 'yan? Leave that in Congress."

Lani piped in, "Ako naman ang asikasuhin mo. Siya ang nagsasabi nun." 

Lani, a newbie to politics, said her husband always helps her with legislation matters.