Marian Rivera, a close friend of the birthday boy, arrived with her boyfriend Dingdong Dantes.

Jolina Magdangal (left), who came with husband Mark Escueta (second from left), was delighted to see Rio Locsin (right).

The two ladies worked together in GMA-7's series Grazilda.

Geoff Eigenmann, who showed up with Carla Abellana, was the fourth PPL (Perry Lansigan's artists management group) talent who dropped by Sweet's party.

Earlier that evening, Wendell Ramos (not in photo) and Rochelle Pangilinan (not in photo), plus Dingdong Dantes were spotted at the venue.

Sheena Halili arrived solo at the venue.

Just before she left, a group of young guys asked for a photo with her.

She gladly obliged.

A slimmer Candy Pangilinan greeted John.

While taking this photo, the camera experienced a glitch. 

The comedienne quipped, "Oy, oy. Naka-pose pa ako rito. Project pa rin ako..."

(First row, L-R) Karen Pagsolingan, managing editor of PEP.ph; Rose Garcia, PEP contributor and showbiz columnist; Pilar Mateo, showbiz columnist; showbiz couple Jolina Magdangal and Mark Escueta

(Second row, L-R) Host-comedienne Sheena Halili; birthday boy John Lapus; Carla Abellana and boyfriend Geoff Eigenmann

He recently learned that Showbiz Central, where he's seen every Sunday, is going off-air soon.

"Nalungkot talaga ako nung nalaman ko. Iniyakan ko," he admitted.

But John Lapus still has a lot of reasons to celebrate: he's now 40, and has achieved so much... 

... and he's positive that more blessings are yet to come...

Happy birthday!