Ogie’s ’80s-themed ‘golden’ celebration

Ogie Alcasid (left) with his wife Regine and kids Leila and Nate

What a blast I had at the ’80s-themed birthday bash of my good friend, Ogie Alcasid, at Sofitel’s Sunset Pavilion.

Ogie was hesitant to have a lavish celebration since he just got back from an expensive Paris trip with his family.

But, the OPM icon said that turning 50 was a milestone worth celebrating big-time.

Ogs coined such a funny hashtag for his party, #shondaerfight (oldie fight).

The “golden boy” was dressed as Michael Jackson. His wife, Regine Velasquez, said in jest, that she wasn’t sure if her outfit was “more Madonna than Boy George.”

Gary Valenciano came as himself “back in the ’80s,” in his padded-to-the-hilt blazer, which he unearthed from his wardrobe collection. The lucky couple who won best costume got a free trip to Hong Kong, courtesy of the birthday boy.

The highlight of the party was Gary V’s electrifying performance of his ’80s dance hits. It was amusing to watch Ogie and Gary banter onstage. Ogs pretended to be Michael Jackson (he even made his voice sound like MJ’s), chiding Gary as the “MJ of the Philippines.”

I enjoyed swapping “Michael Jackson stories” with comedian Michael V since we both have an extensive MJ collection. Ogie then ribbed Bitoy (his nickname), who wore a gold-sequined coat: “Are you dressed as MJ, or as Kuya Germs?”

How cute of Grace Poe to tell me, “I wanted to come in my killer Madonna outfit, but as a Senator, I must always be dressed appropriately.”

Happy birthday, dear Ogie! God must have been in a good mood when He created you. You are truly a rare breed.

Ogie (right) with Gary Valenciano

Lloydie’s ‘boo-boo’

The John Lloyd Cruz-Ellen Adarna video controversy got me thinking about “show biz” and “nonshow biz” friendships. Actors need friends outside the biz to keep them grounded. But, real friendship entails protection from exploitation, especially if your every move as a celebrity is amplified.

Some things between the closest of friends are better left unposted on social media, just like the Cebu-escapade videos of JL and Ellen. I salute Lloydie for being man enough to own up to his “boo-boo” and apologizing to his young fans for falling off the pedestal.

As the cliché goes, JL works hard so he has every right to party harder. I think it’s Lloydie’s friends who should apologize, and not him. They shouldn’t have uploaded the video, in the first place.

I remember the time my son, IC, hung out with JL and their common friends at JL’s house. IC was too sleepy to drive home, so JL made him sleep on his couch. That’s how caring JL is toward his friends. He deserves nothing less.

PLDT’s Gabay Guro (GG) celebrates a decade of dedication via a grand gathering tomorrow at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Our beloved teachers will experience the tribute they deserve by way of a spectacular show.

The 20,000-member organization is led by its chair, Chaye Revilla. The brains behind the wonderful endeavor is Gary Dujali. Expected to grace the celebration are Lea Salonga, Regine Velasquez, Ogie Alcasid, Pops Fernandez, Martin Nievera, Jaya, Sarah Geronimo, and Pia Wurtzbach.