(From left) Bianca Manalo, Liza Araneta-Marcos, Bongbong Marcos, Win Gatchalian. Images: Instagram/@biancamanalo
What seemed to be Bianca Manalo’s “wildest dream” turned out to be a reality as she marked her 37th birthday in a celebration at the Malacañan Palace hosted by President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos.
Manalo took to her Instagram account on Wednesday, Nov. 29 to express her gratitude to the President and his First Lady for throwing a special party on her special day.
“Never in my wildest dreams have I ever thought of celebrating my birthday in Malacañang, to be hosted by our very own President Bongbong Marcos and First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos,” she said in the caption.
Manalo’s party was also graced by her partner, Senator Sherwin Gatchalian, as well as his colleagues in the Senate — Imee Marcos, Nancy Binay, JV Ejercito, Juan Edgardo “Sonny” Angara, and Miguel Zubiri — as seen in her post.
“Together with the Philippine senators and spouses. I am beyond grateful! I am 37 but still [feel] 27,” she wrote.
Fellow celebrities Ariella Arida and Iza Calzado and GMA senior vice president Atty. Annette Gozon-Valdes greeted Manalo in the comments.
Image: Screengrab from Instagram/@biancamanalo
Image: Screengrab from Instagram/@biancamanalo
Image: Screengrab from Instagram/@biancamanalo
The party, however, drew flak from netizens, with some noting that Malacañang can now be considered as some sort of a “birthday place.”
Image: Screengrab from Instagram/@biancamanalo
Image: Screengrab from Instagram/@biancamanalo
On the other hand, actor-turned-senator Bong Revilla greeted Manalo in a separate Facebook post which showed Gatchalian walking towards the former beauty queen with a birthday cake.
Revilla’s video also showed Senators Cynthia Villar and her husband Manny Villar, and Grace Poe being part of the celebration.
“Happy Birthday Bianca! Sweet naman ng seat mate ko (My seatmate is so sweet) Sen. Win,” he wrote, referring to Gatchalian using his nickname.
Manalo first gained prominence after representing the Philippines at the Miss Universe 2009 pageant, but was unplaced.
She then made a name as an actress after starring in the shows “Magkaribal,” “On The Wings of Love,” “The Broken Marriage Vow,” and “Magandang Dilag.”