The Golden Boy also played the drums, jamming with jazzers Richard Merck and Boy Katindig, as well as with Mr. Pure Energy Gary Valenciano.

THE SCENE. The stage glittered with performers, but the sidelights were decidedly more interesting.

Willie's ex-wife Princess Punzalan arrived with Caridad Sanchez, and they shared the table with the celebrant's mom, Mrs. Myrna Buendia.

In town for a brief visit, Princess received an invitation to Willie's party and decided to attend.

"Wala. Ngayon pa lang kami magkakausap," she said when asked if she's constantly in touch with her ex-husband.

Her wish for Willie: "Sana makita na niya ang love of his life."

Her message for him: "Personal ko na lang na sasabihin."

Meanwhile, Senator Bong Revilla dropped by with good friend Phillip Salvador.

The senator spotted Lolit Solis and said, "'Nay Lolit, sa party ko di ka nagtatagal, pero dito, stay ka talaga."

The reason for the talent manager/host/columnist's delayed departure arrived a few minutes before 10:00 p.m. Looking lovely in a black dress, Shalani Soledad met Manay Lolit at the entrance of the ballroom.

"Hoy, bakit ka late? Ngayon lang ako nagtagal sa party..." the Startalk host greeted Shalani in her usual mataray tone.

Inside the main venue, Shalani passed by Princess' table, where the two women cheek-kissed.

Meanwhile, Isabel Oli had arrived and was introduced by Viva's big boss Vic del Rosario to the chairman of TV5, Manny Pangilinan.

The Kapuso actress sat beside Veronique del Rosario, lady boss of Viva Artist Agency. When asked if Isabel is one of her talents, Veronique answered, "Hindi. In-invite lang ni Kuya [Vincent del Rosario] dahil muntik nang maging co-host ng Willing Willie, di ba?"

The same thing happened to Pops, who was introduced by Annabelle Rama to MVP, nickname of the Kapatid Network's big boss.