Pelting rain did not prevent over 50 celebrities and showbiz folk from attending the 40th birthday bash of talent manager Perry Lansigan.
Held on the very day of Perry's birthday, October 15, at the Skye Lounge of the W building in Bonifacio Global City, the festive night was awash with limitless drinks, rich food, live music, and at least three very colorful birthday cakes.
Among the early birds was Perry’s prized talent Dingdong Dantes—who, despite his currently busy schedule, made time for the party.
Looking slim in a black long-sleeved shirt and dark pants, he mingled with guests, and told one of them, “Siyempre, hinding-hindi ko mami-miss ito.”
So even with taping ongoing for his new TV series, Genesis, launched just the day before the party, October 14, and his film, She’s The One, opening in cinemas today, October 16, the Kapuso Primetime King gladly switched to party mode.
He added, “Bonding na rin namin,” referring to his girlfriend Marian Rivera, who was reed thin in her sexy long black dress that night.
Another star of Genesis, Lorna Tolentino, was spotted chatting with close friend Gina Alajar, who—without leaving her chair—danced to the tunes of the Spice Girls’ “Stop Right Now,” JoBoxers’ “Just Got Lucky,” and Sheena Easton’s “Telephone (Long Distance Love Affair).”
Gina’s son Geoff Eigenmann was also present. Those who hadn't seen him in a while, like the editors of PEP.ph (Philippine Entertainment Portal), said, "Wow, you're like a different person!"
Months after receiving a “fat memo” from GMA Network, he’s now 35 lbs. lighter, very handsome and quietly sexy, and ready to face the cameras again.
Speaking of weight, Perry told PEP and YES! magazine, “Nagpupunta na rin ako sa U.P. Pumayat na ako nang konti.”
Which was certainly true—and which was good news to people close to him.
That night, these people were visible at the ritzy party lounge, where bouncers and receptionists were first to make sure they felt welcome: Perry's family, Dingdong's family, the partners of his talents, Perry's high-school chums, a select number of press people who, as his friend and ally Rose Garcia put it, "were part of Perry's journey in showbiz."
PARTY HIGHLIGHTS. In the three batches of videos shown during the lively and brief party program, most of Perry’s friends wished him “good health” and thanked him for being a "professional."
Perry's company and household staff were amply represented, with each one coming up with a lively video message that left the birthday "Boy"—it was the evening's revelation: Perry has been called Boy for the longest time by close kin—looking both happy and uncertain about what he would hear next.
Executives from GMA, where Perry used to work as an executive producer, greeted him one after another in one video batch.
Atty. Annette Gozon-Abrogar, president of GMA Films and whose family is a major stockholder of the network, paid him the compliment of saying, "As a manager, mabait siya, madaling kausap."
More of the same praise came from Lilybeth Rasonable, Marivin Arayata, Redgie Magno, Darling de Jesus, and other high-powered bosses at the Kapuso Network. Most of these bosses were also seen toasting to Perry's good health at the predominantly black-outfit party.
Even Wilma Galvante, formerly GMA's entertainment big boss and currently TV5's entertainment big boss, had a warm message for the birthday celebrant.
But the birthday greeting that had the guests screaming was the one from Gerald Anderson, a Star Magic talent and a contract talent of ABS-CBN, whose video message ended with: "Sana ma-dinner kita at makabawi naman ako sa ‘yo.”
Meanwhile, in the video batch dubbed "Kung Ako Si Kuya Perry,” Janno Gibbs had this funny message: “Dapat alagaan ni Perry ang kanyang ATM...”
The singer-host didn’t make it to the toast and traditional singing of “Happy Birthday To You.”
Perry quipped, “Parating na,” to which everyone laughed. Janno's tardiness at everything—tapings, live shows, dinners—has, after all, become an industry joke.
The rest of his talents—Dingdong, Geoff, Jolina Magdangal, Angelika dela Cruz, Gabby Eigenmann, Max Collins, LJ Reyes, Rochelle Pangilinan, Carl Guevara, and Carlo Gonzalez—were ready and willing to join Perry on stage, where they raised their champagne glasses to the man responsible for steering their careers.
Not in photo is Arthur Solinap, who arrived around an hour after the toast, having come from taping.
For his message, Perry thanked his talents: “Kung hindi dahil sa kanila, wala ako dito.”
The well-liked talent manager and entrepreneur also thanked the people who, he said, have been supporting him, particularly now that he has established his PPL talent and events management group.
He also acknowledged the presence of PAMI, the block of generally veteran talent managers.
Program host Gabby Eigenmann quipped, "Sa haba ng message, tunaw na ang birthday candles..."
By 10:30 p.m., the party was in full swing.
The birthday boy and his handlers constantly asked guests, “May drinks kayo? Gusto niyo pa ng food?”
It was, indeed, a fab night for a fab guy, who is fab at 40.
Here’s the list of celebrities and TV personalities we spotted:
GMA Primetime King Dingdong Dantes
GMA Primetime Queen Marian Rivera
Prize-winning actress Lorna Tolentino
Multi-awardee actress, director Gina Alajar
Veteran host German Moreno
Actor, athlete Richard Gomez
Congresswoman Lucy Torres-Gomez
Actor Ryan Eigenmann
Actor Aljur Abrenica
Actress Kris Bernal
Actor Carl Guevara
Actor Alden Richards
Actress, singer, host Jolina Magdangal
Band member Mark Escueta
Actress, triathlete Angelika dela Cruz
Actress LJ Reyes
Actres Ryza Cenon
Dancer, actress Rochelle Pangilinan
Actor Arthur Solinap
Host Raymond Gutierrez
Character actress Chynna Ortaleza
Budding actress Max Collins
Budding actor Carlo Gonzalez
Singer, host Jaya
Singer Kyla
Basketball player Rich Alvarez
Performer Gloc9
Singer Jonalyn Viray
Photographer Ronnie Salvacion
Director Maryo Delos Reyes
Director Erik Matti
Director Joyce Bernal
Director Mac Alejandre
Director Mark Reyes
Producer Dondon Monteverde
Goldilocks executive Pinky Yee
And more!