She is known in the industry as "Tita Malou" (first row, third from left). Here she is surrounded by people very close to her heart.

(First row, from left) Columnist Mario Bautista, Senator Bong Revilla, editors Dondon Sermino, Gerry Olea, and Salve Asis.

(Second row, from left) Editor Ricky Lo, talent manager Alfie Lorenzo, Senator Jinggoy Estrada, editor Ian Fariñas, columnists Jun Nardo and Allan Diones.

(Third row, from left) Columnist and PEP blogger Jojo Gabinete, Showbiz Central host John Lapus, host-DJ SAM YG, and YES! associate editor Anna Pingol (partly hidden)

Many of the guests seen here are members of the Wednesday Club, a motley group of entertainment columnists and editors meeting every Wednesday at the rooftop of the condo-hotel owned by Mother Lily Monteverde (not in photo).

It's been an annual tradition for Bong to personally greet the birthday girl.

That evening, issues surrounding the Revilla family were set aside. "Birthday ni Tita Malou," Bong said by way of deflecting questions around the killing of his half-brother Ramgen Revilla. Everyone was in a party mood, so no one asked the senator/actor any tough questions that night.

Likewise, Jinggoy never fails to show up at the parties of the 56-year-old birthday lady.

"Tita Malou" is very well liked, not only in her immediate showbiz circle, but in the industry as a whole. A well-mannered lady, Malou does not rub off on anyone, even those she is arguing with, the wrong way. And yet, she is a delightful conversationalist who doesn't make the press feel that they are interlopers.

Mother Lily (partly hidden, seated beside Jinggoy Estrada whose back is to the camera) cracked a few jokes with two senators (Jinggoy Estrada and Bong Revilla) and one congresswoman (Lani Mercado).

Also in this was photo is Bien (third from left), the wife of Bobby Andrews.

Observing the exchange is Alfie Lorenzo (not in photo), who told PEP: "Alam niyo noong araw, niligawan din ni Jinggoy si Lani."

Aside from being the senior vice president and COO of T.A.P.E. (Television and Production Exponents), the birthday girl is also a talent manager.

Now under her care are Joey Marquez (second from right) and Anjo Yllana (second from left), who used to be talents of the late Douglas Quijano.

Joey came with son Yeoj (rightmost), while Anjo came with his wife Jackie (leftmost).

Douglas and Malou were good friends.

Phillip Salvador was also in the house.

Mother Lily hid behind him and Joey when this shot was taken.

Another television host present was Butch Francisco of Startalk. Butch was chosen by Malou to write the book on Eat Bulaga!'s 30 years.

In fact, the longest-running shown on Philippine television, which Malou runs for Tony "Mr. T" Tuviera, is now 32 years old and going...

Editor Ces Evangelista with Tito Alfie, who yelled: "Intimate party ba ang tawag dito, e, nagsisigawan tayo para magkarinigan?"

In fact, yes! In showbiz, even the most intimate gatherings can be rowdy and loud. What with everyone knowing everyone, all guard is down.

Eat Bulaga! co-host Ryan Agoncillo (center) said hi to Tito Alfie (right), the manager of his wife Judy Ann Santos (not in photo), arguably the top female star in the country today.

With them is Ces Evangelista, a veteran editor.

Girlie Rodis (right) is also a talent manager, whose wards include Rachel Alejandro, Korina Sanchez, Gaby dela Merced, and Joanna Ampil, to name a few.

The night became more alive with the jamming session, which was opened by the powerful singer Julia Clarete, who dished out the OPM hit "To Love Again."

Next to hold the microphone was Pauleen Luna (left), who sang "Crazy For You" with her friend Julia.

Keempee de Leon rendered "After The Love Has Gone" and "Cold Summer Nights."

Jimmy Santos began his repertoire with "Come What May."

After the chorus, he said, "Hindi ako prepared."

But he brought his own minus-one CD and then sang four more songs, sending everyone laughing at his unpreparedness!

Allan K performed "Overjoyed" and VST & Company's hits ""Awitin Mo At Isasayaw Ko" and "Ikaw Lang Ang Aking Mahal."

When asked about her love life, Daiana Menezes answered, "Nawala."

The Brazilian beauty said she prefers Pinoy men.

Interestingly, one of her ex-boyfriends was Sam YG (left), who gave up his Indian citizenship to become a full-fledged Filipino last year.

Also greeting birthday gal Malou Choa-Fagar are Rita Avila, who is a talent of Malou, and Rita's husband Erick Reyes.