The 64th birthday party of Rep. Tomas Osmeña was described as an advanced celebration of the “victory” of the Liberal Party in Cebu in the 2013 election.
Political allies from barangay captains to Trade and Industry Secretary Mar Roxas, and wellwishers like Rep. Manny Pacquiao packed the SM Trade Hall on Thursday night.
“Tonight we celebrate Tom and Margot’s birthdays and their victory and the victory of LP Cebu,” said a grinning Vice Gov. Agnes Mapgale.
The congressman’s wife Councilor Margot Osmeña marked her own birthday a day earlier.
When called on stage to deliver a message, Magpale recounted how Rep. Osmeña invited her to be political partners during her own 70th birthday party last January 21 at the Radisson Blu ballroom.
She said that when Osmeña was given the microphone to say a few words about the celebrant last January, he directly asked, “When are you joining the Liberal Party?”
At the time, efforts to negotiate a coalition with Magpale’s Bakud party were still being made privately and Osmeña’s bold question made guests chuckle.
Osmeña’s wish came true when the Durano clan’s Barug Alang Kauswagan ug Demokrasya (Bakud) sealed its alliance with President Benigno Aquino III’s party on July 7.
Magpale said that with the alliance in place, and her running with LP Cebu province chairman Hilario Davide III, it was time to celebrate.
A tarpaulin in the venue listed the complete slate of the Bando Osmena Pundok Kauswagan with Osmena as their standard bearer in 2013.
For north district – Rep. Rachel del Mar and councilors Sisinio Andales, Alvin Arcilla, Nida Cabrera, Alvin Dizon, Leah Japson and Noel Wenceslao, ABC president Michael Ralota and businessman Franklyn Ong.
For the south district – Councilor Rodrigo Abellanosa for congressman. For councilors – Roberto Cabarrubias, Margot Osmena, Richie Osmena and Jun Pe, former councilors Gerry Carillo, Eugenio Gabuya Jr., Gabriel Leyson and Labangon barangay councilor Zenaida Amores. A highlight of the party was the presence of businessman Jonathan Guardo who ran against Rep. Osmeña in 2010.