IN THE end, there was not enough roasted calf, pig and chicken as well as fried fish, pork, chicken to go around, but neither that nor heavy rains seemed to dampen the spirits of the massive throng which packed Rizal Park for the annual birthday celebration of El Shaddai leader Mike Velarde.
Crowd estimates varied from 300,000 (according to the INQUIRER measurement of the land area of Rizal Park and crowd density), to 700,000 (according to a police officer) to two million (according to the El Shaddai emcee). The slaughtered cow population was estimated at 120 and the cooked pigs at ''several thousands,'' according to Velarde himself.
''They should declare August 20 a national holiday!'' exclaimed Elma Baldoz, 28, an El Shaddai devotee who had traveled from Pangasinan with her family and a couple of neighbors in a rented jeepney which doubled as their sleeping quarters for the weekend extravaganza.
A group of Aetas from Zambales, last in line at one of nearly a hundred food distribution booths, had to be content with morsels, but they didn't seem to mind. ''This is a blessing from Yahweh El Shaddai,'' an Aeta elderly said.
In the VIP lounge at the Quirino grandstand, the birthday boy's celebrity guests were a little more blessed, as they partook of an eight-course lauriat.
The VIP feast was made up of birthday seafood noodles, steamed lobster with garlic, double-boiled sharks' fin soup with abalone and chicken, braised whole Australian abalone, Peking duck, braised eel with sea cucumber and minced duck with lettuce. Dessert included fresh fruit and pastries.
The entire Rizal Park was a virtual marketplace, as vendors hawked El Shaddai handkerchiefs, healing oils, umbrellas, plastic mats, raincoats, and even stools.
While some vendors jacked up their prices, 25-year-old Jun Mallonga from Tondo, Manila, sold his umbrellas at only P65 each. ''This is my own way of thanking the Lord, and also my birthday gift to Brother Mike,'' Mallonga said.
Record breaker
The ''birthday party'' unofficially broke the Guinness Book record for the world's biggest birthday bash, which was attended by 35,000 and hosted by Col. Harland Sanders, the founder of Kentucky Fried Chicken, on his 89th birthday in 1979.
Many of the El Shaddai crowd camped out overnight in tents. The rain did not stop more from arriving, with many coming on buses from the provinces.
The heaviest downpour came at 4:30 p.m. just before Philippine President Benigno Aquino III and his sisters Ballsy Aquino and Eldon Cruz and their sons Jiggy and Jonty, Pinky Aquino and Manolo Abellada and their children Miggy and Nina, Viel Aquino and Dodo Dee and their children Kiko and Jia, Kris Aquino and James Yap and sons Bimby and Joshua were arrived. The rain lasted for 10 minutes, and sent people rushing for cover under stalls, trees, umbrellas and large pieces of plastic.
Families who had positioned themselves on mattresses on the ground stayed put, though there was little protection from the rain. Children made up almost 40 percent of the throng in Rizal Park.
Political banners and streamers had reportedly been prohibited, and there were none in sight. One such streamer which slipped through the crowd was abruptly taken down.
The much-touted free meals of roasted pig, calf and chicken were served around 11 a.m. In less than an hour, all of the 11 roasted calves at one booth beside Quirino Grandstand were picked to the bone.
At some food booths, though, people were turned away by the smell of some roasted calves which were only half-cooked.
But even this did not deter a few eager devotees who took some raw ribs just the same. ''This can still be cooked at home,'' said a Pampanga resident, who said he didn't want to miss the lechon either.
Not political
At the Luneta, no one offered political reasons for feasting with Velarde. They all claimed being invited by the El Shaddai leader just to celebrate his birthday.
''This doesn't mean I am pro-(Charter change),'' Legarda immediately explained when asked about her presence at the Luneta. ''Brother Mike and I have been friends since I was still with (The Inside Story),'' she added.
Enrile was more straightforward. ''I came here to enjoy the lechon, pancit and the soup. Besides, you have always known my position on Charter change. I have always pointed out the flaws of the Constitution and even campaigned against its ratification in 1987.''
Enrile said he did not feel awkward sitting near Araneta, given the senator's key role in the Marcoses' ouster. I can sit with anybody because I consider myself a social being,'' he said.
Metrobank president Tony Abacan was seated next to Velarde.
Two tables away were former Negros and now Philippine National Bank director, Rep. Miguel ''Mike'' Romero, socialite-TV personality Cory Quirino and designer Sylvia Santos.
Santos was joined by fashion designer JC Buendia, Randy Ortiz, Jojie Lloren, Dong Omaga Diaz, Joey Samson, Ivarluski Aseron, Vittorio Barba, Gerry Katigbak, Frederick Peralta, Rajo Laurel, Len Nepomuceno, Hindy Weber-Tantoco, Ramon Esteban, PJ Aranador, Edwin Ao, Oj Hofer, Arcy Gayatin, Tippi Ocampo, Avel Bacudio, Jerome Salaya Ang, Joel Escober, Anthony Nocom, Albert Andrada, Noel Crisostomo, Ronaldo Arnaldo, Kristel Yulo, Happy Andrada, Pablo Cabahug and James Reyes, FDAP designers Johnny Abad, Ricky Abad, Dexter Alaza, Nino Angeles, Delby Bragais, Karen Castro, Kirby Cruz, Ivan dela Cruz, Perry Diaz, Lynn Roxas, Boyet Dysanco, Ricco Escaro, Rocky Gathercole, Genar Gozum, Pristine de Guzman, Adin Lara, Paul Ranier Lim, Noelle Llave, Edgar Madamba, Jontie Martinez, Nikkie Martinez, Ole Morabe, Vivo Nazareth, Dave Ocampo, Lito Perez, Nholie Pilapil, Joyce Pilarsky, Aan Pineda, Raoul Ramirez, Yako Reyes, Rholand Roxas, Edgar San Diego, Fanny Serrano, Edwin Uy, Simon Ariel Vasquez, Geoffrey Zordilla, independent designers are Jun Escario, Michelle Sison, Patrice Ramos Diaz, Charina Sarte, Cary Santiago, Dennis Lustico, John Paras, Bea Albert, Eric de los Santos, Maureen Desini, Vania Romoff, Martin Bautista, John/Paul Herrera, Ronald Mendoza, Audie Espino, Sidney Perez Sio, Goullee Gorospe and Raoul Ramirez, country’s design icons Inno Sotto, Auggie Cordero, Pepito Albert, Cesar Gaupo, Lulu Tan-Gan, Mike de la Rosa and Loretto, Efren Ocampo and The Dean of Filipino Fashion Designers Ben Farrales.
Lawyer Esperidion Laxa, Jeanne Young, Boots Anson-Roa, Tony Ferrer and Wilson Tieng, known personalities in the movie industry, former Ilocos Rep. Roque ''Roquito'' Ablan, Tarlac Gov. Jose ''Apeng'' Yap were around.
Up front
The Cabinet came in full force with President Aquino.
Onstage with the President were his battalion of Cabinet secretaries, including Executive Secretary Pacquito Ochoa, Jr., Proceso Alcala of agriculture; Sonny Coloma, communications secretary, Ricky Carandang, communications and strategic planning; Voltaire Gazmin, defense; Ramon Paje, Jr., environment; Florencio Abad, Jr., budget; Dr. Enrique Ona, health; Manuel Roxas III, interior and local government, Albert del Rosario, foreign affairs; Gregory Domingo, trade and investment; Cesar V. Purisima, finance; Joseph Emilio A. Abaya, transportation and communication; Carlos Jericho Petilla, energy; Julia Abad-Razon, presidential management staff; Rochelle R. Ahorro, appointments secretary; deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte, and presidential spokesperson Atty. Edwin Lacierda.
Senators
Velarde's well-wishers from the Senate included Heherson Alvarez, Teresa Aquino-Oreta, Butz Aquino, Nikki Coseteng, John Osmeña, Sergio Osmeña III, Pia Cayetano, Alan Peter Cayetano, TG Guingona, Ernesto Herrera, Loi Estrada, Robert Jaworski, Ping Lacson, Bongbong Marcos, Miriam Defensor-Santiago, Nancy Binay, Leticia Ramos-Shahani, Jinggoy Estrada, Lito Lapid, Bong Revilla, Freddie Webb, Victor Ziga, Ralph Recto, Vicente Sotto III, Edgardo Angara and Francisco Tatad.
Congressmen present were Speaker Sonny Belmonte, Lualhati Antonino and Luis ''Baby'' Asistio.
Also present were Senators Jinggoy Estrada and JV Ejercito, former Manila Mayor Lito Atienza, former Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim, current Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada, current Quezon City Mayor Herbert Bautista, former Quezon City Mayor Brigido Simon, Pasay City Mayor Tony Calixto and former Pasay City Mayor Peewee Trinidad.
Seen leaving the grandstand after the President's speech were Marichu Vera Perez, Fr. Sonny Ramirez, PAGCOR president-emeritus Butch Tenorio, Philippine Sports Commission Chairman Peping Cojuangco and representatives of businessman Lucio Tan.
Security nightmare
When two helicopters bearing white handkerchiefs printed with a message from El Shaddai began dropping them as ''miraculous gifts,'' the crowd went wild.
As the hankies fell, the faithful ran, jumped and jostled in unison for each of those supposedly miraculous items that can cure any disease of the believer.
One young man executed a virtual football tackle in his attempt to grab a handkerchief from a little boy.
''This is definitely a security nightmare, but what can we do?'' said an exasperated Supt. Elmer Jamias, Chinatown commander of the Western Police District.
Velarde told newsmen he spent ''a few million'' on the handkerchiefs and other freebies and props, including balloons and white doves.
At 12 midnight, a 30-minute fireworks display set up by Dragon Fireworks, Inc. for P120,000 lit the night sky.
The El Shaddai faithful were expected to be kept awake until a 7 a.m. breakfast today, staying up to listen to the evangelical talks, religious testimonies and gospel hymns which are common fare at their weekly prayer rallies.
Crowd estimates varied from 300,000 (according to the INQUIRER measurement of the land area of Rizal Park and crowd density), to 700,000 (according to a police officer) to two million (according to the El Shaddai emcee). The slaughtered cow population was estimated at 120 and the cooked pigs at ''several thousands,'' according to Velarde himself.
''They should declare August 20 a national holiday!'' exclaimed Elma Baldoz, 28, an El Shaddai devotee who had traveled from Pangasinan with her family and a couple of neighbors in a rented jeepney which doubled as their sleeping quarters for the weekend extravaganza.
A group of Aetas from Zambales, last in line at one of nearly a hundred food distribution booths, had to be content with morsels, but they didn't seem to mind. ''This is a blessing from Yahweh El Shaddai,'' an Aeta elderly said.
In the VIP lounge at the Quirino grandstand, the birthday boy's celebrity guests were a little more blessed, as they partook of an eight-course lauriat.
The VIP feast was made up of birthday seafood noodles, steamed lobster with garlic, double-boiled sharks' fin soup with abalone and chicken, braised whole Australian abalone, Peking duck, braised eel with sea cucumber and minced duck with lettuce. Dessert included fresh fruit and pastries.
The entire Rizal Park was a virtual marketplace, as vendors hawked El Shaddai handkerchiefs, healing oils, umbrellas, plastic mats, raincoats, and even stools.
While some vendors jacked up their prices, 25-year-old Jun Mallonga from Tondo, Manila, sold his umbrellas at only P65 each. ''This is my own way of thanking the Lord, and also my birthday gift to Brother Mike,'' Mallonga said.
Many of the El Shaddai crowd camped out overnight in tents. The rain did not stop more from arriving, with many coming on buses from the provinces.
The heaviest downpour came at 4:30 p.m. just before Philippine President Benigno Aquino III and his sisters Ballsy Aquino and Eldon Cruz and their sons Jiggy and Jonty, Pinky Aquino and Manolo Abellada and their children Miggy and Nina, Viel Aquino and Dodo Dee and their children Kiko and Jia, Kris Aquino and James Yap and sons Bimby and Joshua were arrived. The rain lasted for 10 minutes, and sent people rushing for cover under stalls, trees, umbrellas and large pieces of plastic.
Families who had positioned themselves on mattresses on the ground stayed put, though there was little protection from the rain. Children made up almost 40 percent of the throng in Rizal Park.
Political banners and streamers had reportedly been prohibited, and there were none in sight. One such streamer which slipped through the crowd was abruptly taken down.
The much-touted free meals of roasted pig, calf and chicken were served around 11 a.m. In less than an hour, all of the 11 roasted calves at one booth beside Quirino Grandstand were picked to the bone.
At some food booths, though, people were turned away by the smell of some roasted calves which were only half-cooked.
But even this did not deter a few eager devotees who took some raw ribs just the same. ''This can still be cooked at home,'' said a Pampanga resident, who said he didn't want to miss the lechon either.
''This doesn't mean I am pro-(Charter change),'' Legarda immediately explained when asked about her presence at the Luneta. ''Brother Mike and I have been friends since I was still with (The Inside Story),'' she added.
Enrile was more straightforward. ''I came here to enjoy the lechon, pancit and the soup. Besides, you have always known my position on Charter change. I have always pointed out the flaws of the Constitution and even campaigned against its ratification in 1987.''
Enrile said he did not feel awkward sitting near Araneta, given the senator's key role in the Marcoses' ouster. I can sit with anybody because I consider myself a social being,'' he said.
Metrobank president Tony Abacan was seated next to Velarde.
Two tables away were former Negros and now Philippine National Bank director, Rep. Miguel ''Mike'' Romero, socialite-TV personality Cory Quirino and designer Sylvia Santos.
Santos was joined by fashion designer JC Buendia, Randy Ortiz, Jojie Lloren, Dong Omaga Diaz, Joey Samson, Ivarluski Aseron, Vittorio Barba, Gerry Katigbak, Frederick Peralta, Rajo Laurel, Len Nepomuceno, Hindy Weber-Tantoco, Ramon Esteban, PJ Aranador, Edwin Ao, Oj Hofer, Arcy Gayatin, Tippi Ocampo, Avel Bacudio, Jerome Salaya Ang, Joel Escober, Anthony Nocom, Albert Andrada, Noel Crisostomo, Ronaldo Arnaldo, Kristel Yulo, Happy Andrada, Pablo Cabahug and James Reyes, FDAP designers Johnny Abad, Ricky Abad, Dexter Alaza, Nino Angeles, Delby Bragais, Karen Castro, Kirby Cruz, Ivan dela Cruz, Perry Diaz, Lynn Roxas, Boyet Dysanco, Ricco Escaro, Rocky Gathercole, Genar Gozum, Pristine de Guzman, Adin Lara, Paul Ranier Lim, Noelle Llave, Edgar Madamba, Jontie Martinez, Nikkie Martinez, Ole Morabe, Vivo Nazareth, Dave Ocampo, Lito Perez, Nholie Pilapil, Joyce Pilarsky, Aan Pineda, Raoul Ramirez, Yako Reyes, Rholand Roxas, Edgar San Diego, Fanny Serrano, Edwin Uy, Simon Ariel Vasquez, Geoffrey Zordilla, independent designers are Jun Escario, Michelle Sison, Patrice Ramos Diaz, Charina Sarte, Cary Santiago, Dennis Lustico, John Paras, Bea Albert, Eric de los Santos, Maureen Desini, Vania Romoff, Martin Bautista, John/Paul Herrera, Ronald Mendoza, Audie Espino, Sidney Perez Sio, Goullee Gorospe and Raoul Ramirez, country’s design icons Inno Sotto, Auggie Cordero, Pepito Albert, Cesar Gaupo, Lulu Tan-Gan, Mike de la Rosa and Loretto, Efren Ocampo and The Dean of Filipino Fashion Designers Ben Farrales.
Lawyer Esperidion Laxa, Jeanne Young, Boots Anson-Roa, Tony Ferrer and Wilson Tieng, known personalities in the movie industry, former Ilocos Rep. Roque ''Roquito'' Ablan, Tarlac Gov. Jose ''Apeng'' Yap were around.
Other personalities, such as former Philippine Supreme Court Chief Justice Artemio Panganiban, Chinese Ambassador Liu Jianchao, Fernando Zobel de Ayala, Bea Zobel, Manuel V. Pangilinan, Tessie Sy-Coson, Tony Tancaktiong, Ramon Ang, Alfred Ty, Arthur Ty, Lance Gokongwei, Robina Gokongwei-Pe, Liza Gokongwei-Cheng, Andrew Tan, Beth Lee, Fe Agudo, Washington Sycip, Felipe Gozon, Kenneth Yang, Sanjiv Vohra, Philippine Daily Inquirer chairman Marixi Rufino-Prieto, Philippine Daily Inquirer president Alexandra Prieto-Romualdez, Philippine Daily Inquirer editor-in-chief Letty Jimenez-Magsanoc, Makati City Mayor Jejomar Erwin "JunJun" Binay, US Embassy spokesperson Rebecca Thompson, as well guests were media agencies and advocacy partners, Kapamilya and non-Kapamilya stars also joined in the celebrations like Iya Villania with boyfriend Drew Arellano, Bianca Manalo, Sitti, Jasmine Curtis Smith, James Blanco, Eric Tai, K Brosas, Raymart Santiago, Randy Santiago, G Toengi, Kean Cipriano, Bamboo Manalac, Bb. Pilipinas 2013 beauties Cindy Murada, Bea Santiago, Ariella Arida and Pia Romero, Katherine de Castro, Ces Orena-Drilon, Oyo Boy Sotto, Rowell Santiago, Gretchen Ho, Dominique Cojuangco, Mylene Dizon, Agot Isidro, Dina Bonnevie with husband Vice-Governor Deogracias Victor Savellano, Dawn Zulueta with husband Rep. Anton Lagdameo, Jericho Rosales, apl.de.ap, Eddie Garcia and Richard Gomez, Sen. Grace Poe-Llamanzares, Sen. Sonny Angara with wife Tootsy, Lawrence Tan, Quantum Films’ lawyer Atty. Joji Alonso, Mega Magazine editor-in-chief Sari Yap, YES! Magazine editor-in-chief Jo-ann Maglipon, Regal matriarch Mother Lily Yu-Monterverde, ABS-CBN Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Eugenio "Gabby" Lopez III, ABS-CBN president and chief content officer Charo Santos-Concio, Star Cinema managing director Malou Santos, channel head Cory Valenzuela-Vidanes, TV business unit head Laurenti Dyogi, business unit head for comedy Linggit Tan, ABS-CBN Publishing, Inc. General Manager Ernie Lopez, Dreamscape Entertainment Television manager Deo Endrinal, Roxy Liquigan, Riley Santiago, Robert Labayen, Mark Yambot, August Benitez, Nandy Villar, Rico Camus, Raymond Miranda, Mark Lopez, Maricel Arenas, Happy Mabulay, Darwin Cerrado, Aldrin Cerrado, Dino Laurena, March Ventosa, Chris Lopez, Carlo Katigbak, Leo Katigbak, Paolo Pineda, Bong Osorio, Monchet Olives, Karen Coloma, former ABS-CBN presidents Cito Alejandro and Freddie Garcia, television directors Arnel Natividad, Toto Natividad, Malu Sevilla, Rowell Santiago, Don Cuaresma, Rechie del Carmen, Jojo Saguin, Jerry Sineneng, Tots Mariscal, Erik Salud, Ruel Bayani, Ruel Naval, Jerome Pobocan and Don Cuarema, The Philippine STAR columnists RJ Ledesma, Stephanie Zubiri-Crespi, and Tim Yap, Ayala Land, Inc. president Antonino "Tony" Aquino, Ayala Land vice president and head of operations and support services commercial business group Rowena Tomeldan, AC Legarda, Mark Sablan, Joseph Reyes, Maricris Bernardino, Pivi Diaz, Rina Rejanit, EVP Bobby Dy and COO Rowena Tomeldan, The Philippine STAR lifestyle section editor Millet Martinez-Mananquil, and celebrities Enchong Dee and Albert and Liezel Martinez and singers Rachel Alejandro and Joanna Ampil.
Lopez and Santos-Concio were joined by ABS-CBN's Manila Radio Division head Peter Musngi, ABS-CBN News chief Ging Reyes and Choose Philippines head Charie Villa.
Pangilinan and Gozon were joined by GMA Network President-Emeritus Menardo Jimenez, GMA Network President Gilberto Duavit, Jr., TV5 Chairman-Emeritus Antonio Cojuangco, Jr., TV5 President-Emeritus Atty. Ray Espinosa, TV5 President and CEO Noel Lorenzana, News5 head Luchi Cruz-Valdes and Sports5 head Chot Reyes.
Millet's husband Robert, and children Rissa Trillo, Robby and Raya Mananquil were seated to Martinez-Mananquil.
Public relations and events organizer Keren Pascual, Star Magic handler Monch Novales and BENCH/ Rajo Laurel Dos collection models Sam Concepcion, Joseph Marco, Rocco Nacino, Steven Silva, Enzo Pineda, Sarah Lahbati and Regine Angeles, actor Rayver Cruz, model-turned-actors David Chua, Miko Raval and Mark Lopez, as well as travel friends Pops Fernandez, Doris Magsaysay Ho, Gina Lopez, Evelyn Forbes, Marc Nelson, Ricco and Tina Ocampo, Rikki and Beng Dee, Philip and Tricia Cu-Unjieng, Sander and Mons Romulo-Tantoco Dennis and Tessa Prieto-Valdes, Ernest Escaler, Maurice Arcache, Ces Orena-Drilon, Karen Davila, Dyan and Jackie Castillejo, Joji Dingcong, Eric Quizon, Liza Ilarde, Ana Kalaw, Anton San Diego, Raul Teehankee, Pepper Teehankee, Mariko Jacinto, Aye Nuguid, Leah Puyat, Anton Barretto and Jack de Mesa were seated next to columnists Ledesma, Zubiri-Crespi and Yap and celebrities Dee and Martinez.
Liwayway Marketing head Carlos C. Chan and Bench chairman Ben Chan, architect Miguel Pastor, Suyen Corporation's Nene and Virgilio Lim, Bryan Lim and Suyen Lim, Carlos Chan's children Carlson, Archie, Rinby, Larry, Oszen and Shera, kart racer Michelle Bumgarner, actor-model Victor Basa and college basketball stars such as Arnold Van Opstal, Bobby Ray Parks, Jeron Teng and Kiefer Ravena were seated next to Pascual and Novales.
Lopez and Santos-Concio were joined by ABS-CBN's Manila Radio Division head Peter Musngi, ABS-CBN News chief Ging Reyes and Choose Philippines head Charie Villa.
Pangilinan and Gozon were joined by GMA Network President-Emeritus Menardo Jimenez, GMA Network President Gilberto Duavit, Jr., TV5 Chairman-Emeritus Antonio Cojuangco, Jr., TV5 President-Emeritus Atty. Ray Espinosa, TV5 President and CEO Noel Lorenzana, News5 head Luchi Cruz-Valdes and Sports5 head Chot Reyes.
Millet's husband Robert, and children Rissa Trillo, Robby and Raya Mananquil were seated to Martinez-Mananquil.
Public relations and events organizer Keren Pascual, Star Magic handler Monch Novales and BENCH/ Rajo Laurel Dos collection models Sam Concepcion, Joseph Marco, Rocco Nacino, Steven Silva, Enzo Pineda, Sarah Lahbati and Regine Angeles, actor Rayver Cruz, model-turned-actors David Chua, Miko Raval and Mark Lopez, as well as travel friends Pops Fernandez, Doris Magsaysay Ho, Gina Lopez, Evelyn Forbes, Marc Nelson, Ricco and Tina Ocampo, Rikki and Beng Dee, Philip and Tricia Cu-Unjieng, Sander and Mons Romulo-Tantoco Dennis and Tessa Prieto-Valdes, Ernest Escaler, Maurice Arcache, Ces Orena-Drilon, Karen Davila, Dyan and Jackie Castillejo, Joji Dingcong, Eric Quizon, Liza Ilarde, Ana Kalaw, Anton San Diego, Raul Teehankee, Pepper Teehankee, Mariko Jacinto, Aye Nuguid, Leah Puyat, Anton Barretto and Jack de Mesa were seated next to columnists Ledesma, Zubiri-Crespi and Yap and celebrities Dee and Martinez.
Liwayway Marketing head Carlos C. Chan and Bench chairman Ben Chan, architect Miguel Pastor, Suyen Corporation's Nene and Virgilio Lim, Bryan Lim and Suyen Lim, Carlos Chan's children Carlson, Archie, Rinby, Larry, Oszen and Shera, kart racer Michelle Bumgarner, actor-model Victor Basa and college basketball stars such as Arnold Van Opstal, Bobby Ray Parks, Jeron Teng and Kiefer Ravena were seated next to Pascual and Novales.
Onstage with the President were his battalion of Cabinet secretaries, including Executive Secretary Pacquito Ochoa, Jr., Proceso Alcala of agriculture; Sonny Coloma, communications secretary, Ricky Carandang, communications and strategic planning; Voltaire Gazmin, defense; Ramon Paje, Jr., environment; Florencio Abad, Jr., budget; Dr. Enrique Ona, health; Manuel Roxas III, interior and local government, Albert del Rosario, foreign affairs; Gregory Domingo, trade and investment; Cesar V. Purisima, finance; Joseph Emilio A. Abaya, transportation and communication; Carlos Jericho Petilla, energy; Julia Abad-Razon, presidential management staff; Rochelle R. Ahorro, appointments secretary; deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte, and presidential spokesperson Atty. Edwin Lacierda.
Congressmen present were Speaker Sonny Belmonte, Lualhati Antonino and Luis ''Baby'' Asistio.
Also present were Senators Jinggoy Estrada and JV Ejercito, former Manila Mayor Lito Atienza, former Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim, current Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada, current Quezon City Mayor Herbert Bautista, former Quezon City Mayor Brigido Simon, Pasay City Mayor Tony Calixto and former Pasay City Mayor Peewee Trinidad.
Seen leaving the grandstand after the President's speech were Marichu Vera Perez, Fr. Sonny Ramirez, PAGCOR president-emeritus Butch Tenorio, Philippine Sports Commission Chairman Peping Cojuangco and representatives of businessman Lucio Tan.
As the hankies fell, the faithful ran, jumped and jostled in unison for each of those supposedly miraculous items that can cure any disease of the believer.
One young man executed a virtual football tackle in his attempt to grab a handkerchief from a little boy.
''This is definitely a security nightmare, but what can we do?'' said an exasperated Supt. Elmer Jamias, Chinatown commander of the Western Police District.
Velarde told newsmen he spent ''a few million'' on the handkerchiefs and other freebies and props, including balloons and white doves.
At 12 midnight, a 30-minute fireworks display set up by Dragon Fireworks, Inc. for P120,000 lit the night sky.
The El Shaddai faithful were expected to be kept awake until a 7 a.m. breakfast today, staying up to listen to the evangelical talks, religious testimonies and gospel hymns which are common fare at their weekly prayer rallies.
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