James Yap's birthday wish is Kris Aquino's constant prayer: "Sana talaga, wish ko for this year, yung smooth na yung samahan namin..."

They're not like ordinary couples. The country knows about their foes and troubles. The public sometimes makes a bet on their separation given the glaring disparity—age,  social status, and personality.

But for four years, the cager and host-actress have successfully proven all the skeptics wrong. James vows 100% commitment to make the marriage work.

Kris ate early so she could spend the rest of the evening greeting her guests, chatting with them, and making sure that they're enjoying the birthday dinner, which was prepared by Florabel Co.

Giving him a warm greeting was Boy Abunda, who described himself as "Kris's longest male relationship." Yes, they've had their share of disagreements, but the talent manager said, "I think our respect and love for each other will always transcend our differences."

Among the early birds were Pinky Aquino-Abellada (left), sister of Kris, and Lisa Gokongwei-Cheng (right), the lady boss of Summit Media.

All three sisters of the famous Kapamilya star were present. 

(From left) Ballsy Cruz: "I just wish that Kris will continue to bring joy to many people. I also wish that she'll have peace every day of her life..."

Viel Dee: "Actually, immediate is good health kasi grabe her schedule. Sabi ko nga, 'Puwede magpapatay ka na sa role mo sa soap?' Para lang mabawasan yung trabaho. Grabe yung schedule niya, I can't believe."

Pinky Abellada: "Sana matupad yung wish niya, alam ko na yung wish niya, gusto ko rin yun, so sana matupad yung wish niya."

The couple posed with the people who helped James realize his PBA dream.

(From right) Mr. Jose U. Santos, James's coach when he was a student player; his wife, Dra. Carmen Santos, principal of Iloilo Central Commercial High School; and their daughter in law, Ivy.

Purefoods Tender Juicy Giants lost their game with San Miguel Beermen that evening, so James wished, "Sana makapasok kami sa finals."

Boy Abunda initiated this toast for Krissy, as he calls her fondly, with the Aquino sisters.

His birthday wish for his good friend: "Kaligayahan...Happiness from everything that she does, from the children, from her private life, from her marriage, I pray to God that she'd be happy."

The lovely friends of Kris—(from left) designer JC Buendia, talent manager Popoy Caritativo, and makeup artist-salon owner Bambbi Fuentes.

Popoy, who handles the careers of Marian Rivera and Dennis Trillo, wishes Kris  "whatever her heart desires." He says, "Si Kris kasi, sometimes she doesn't really know what she wants. But, you know, her heart...I'm sure, deep in her heart, she knows what she wants."

Bambbi, who's been a friend of Kris's for about 12 years now, wants the best  projects for her, plus "a life full of love, a healthier life, and peace."

...and walk around the hall.

On his way to the entrance, he spotted his uncle, presidential candidate Noynoy Aquino.

Baby James also kissed "Tita" Shalani Soledad on the cheek.

When asked about his campaign, Senator Noynoy described it as "okay lang."

He added, "Akala namin pag dinudumog na kami, nasanay na kami ni Mar [Roxas]. Pero lately, meron nang tumatakbo na yayakap. Ay, di pa pala kumpleto! Kumbaga lalong umiinit, e. So di bale sanang parang this week ganito lang, next week gano'n. Pero parang daily halos, e, may bagong manifestation."

For her part, Shalani said, "I try to help with whatever way that I can."

The Senator wants his youngest sister to have "a happy year with James, and for the kids to be okay."

Shalani said "happiness," when asked about her wish for Kris.

Due to his campaign activities, Sen. Noynoy and Josh seldom see each other. "Mas madalas ko makita si Baby James," said the standard bearer of the Liberal Party (LP).

When Kris spotted the lady in red, she yelled, "Mother, here!"

She was welcoming Mother Lily Monteverde, who quipped, "Of course!"

Then Kris hugged her and said, "Di na kita aawayin."

Just like Kris and James, the relationship of singer-actress Gretchen Barretto (left) and billionaire business tycoon Tonyboy Cojuangco (second from left) was not spared from the public scrutiny.

But if you ask La Greta about the status, she said with a happy smile on her face, "he's my forever lover!"

The two-year-old son of Kris and James had so much fun that he did a part two of the candle-blowing.

"Josh! Come here, you should be in this picture!"  Kris yelled.

Upon hearing this, the kuya joined his family and smiled.

After the singing of the "Happy Birthday," Gerald Anderson and Kim Chiu arrived.

Baby James was so glad to see his favorite actor that he rushed to embrace Gerald.

Gerald on baby James: "Sobra kasing kulit nun kahit sa mga pagkilos. Pag sinasama siya, high energy yung batang yun..."

Gerald, of course, brought his leading lady, Kim Chiu.

Their birthday wishes for Kris:

Kim: "Sana lahat ng happiness in life, mapunta sa kanya, and lahat ng trials sa buhay, malampasan niya."

Gerald: "Good health for her and her family. Sana long and lasting career...sana, yung kasi ngayon, sobrang saya nila, e, so sana tuluy-tuloy ang family bonding."

Beautiful couple Lucy Torres (right) and Richard Gomez (middle) opted to have a Valentine lunch, so they can make it to Kris's party.

Ruffa Gutierrez (left), on the other hand, arrived in solo. 

Meanwhile, the cagers had fun with picture-taking.

Here, they requested a few shots with the couple and senator Noynoy.

Ai-Ai delas Alas also showed up. "Wala akong Valentino," she told PEP.

When asked about her birthday wish for her "friendship": "More money, more projects, more children, more love, more everything, and sana yung family life niya will be good every time, good forever."

And posed beside James, who used to be her erstwhile enemy. She retorted after the picture-taking, "Sabi ni friendship!"

Ai-Ai added, "Pero bati na kami, matagal na."

Finally, a chair!

Throughout the party, Kris has been standing and hopping from one table to another. 

Even baby James seemed to feel his mom's tiredness.

Kris on her gifts: "James gave me a watch, and ako, ang gift ko sa kanya was a camera, noon pa binili.

"We bought a property kasi, a farm lot which is almost 3,000 square meters. The perfect thing about it is it's just 13 minutes away from ABS-CBN, so, two years from now, dun ko talaga gusto tumira."

But the gifts that topped her list are the two boys beside her.