‘Graceful,’ surprise proposal for Grace

From left: Fernando Poe Jr., Susan Roces, Grace Poe and her husband, Neil Llamanzares, in 1991

It was such a delight to bump into Grace Poe at the FilpinaZ Bazaar in Rockwell. I teased her about the surprise proposal of her hubby, Neil Llamanzares, on their 26th wedding anniversary.

I was looking for the ring he gave her, but she wasn’t wearing it. I chided her, “How many carats?” Grace just blushed.

If she had her way, the charming Senator did not want her hubby’s surprise to come out in social media. But their son, Brian, could not contain his joy, so he posted a photo of the sweet proposal on his Instagram. After much prodding, Grace shared their anniversary story. Here goes, in her own words:

It was in a Japanese restaurant. I thought it was just dinner. He told me to close my eyes and led me to another function room, where my kids were waiting. As we entered, a quartet played the tango music, “Por Una Cabesa.” That’s when he knelt and professed. No wedding, contrary to what was reported. Neil has always been a romantic. I am one lucky wife!

‘DongYan’ in paradise

Dingdong Dantes spent his birthday (Aug. 2) in Siargao with wife Marian and their daughter Baby Z. A resort owner told me that Dong wanted total privacy, so he made sure the islands would be exclusively for him and his fam to enjoy. Ah! Living la vida isla.

Marian Rivera and Dingdong Dantes

3 from ‘Pista’

As of press time, we at the Cinema Evaluation Board have screened three of the movies that will be featured in the Pista ng Pelikulang Pilipino, and there are nine more to go. “Patay na si Hesus” isn’t the usual comedy film that Pinoys are used to, but lead star Jaclyn Jose and the rest of the cast make it work. It reminds me of French dark comedies.

“AWOL” attempts to bring back the action genre. Gerald Anderson dazzled us with his “Bruce Willis” moves and killer abs.

For its part, “Star na si Van Damme Stallone,” which tackles Down Syndrome, hits all the right spots.

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I’ve lost track of how many restaurants and bars Marvin Agustin owns. This time around, Marvin and the Excello Restaurant Group have brought Gen Korean BBQ House to Manila. Spotted at the opening was Korean star/restaurateur Ricky Kim.

Personal: Merci beaucoup to my angel, Ann Ong, and newfound friend Charming Baldemor for an overdose of sweetness. INQ