Idol at the peak

Anyone who is anyone in Philippine politics and show business was present Monday night to celebrate the twin milestones of actor and senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr. Those who weren't — among the few, the President and his wife, the Megastar and the Queen of Philippine Soap Opera — hardly seemed missing anyway what with special video greetings lighting up the screens and booming through the speakers in heartfelt messages.

Senator and showbiz superstar Ramon ‘Bong’ Revilla Jr. and wife, Rep. Lani Mercado, are picture perfect at the fabulous black and white ball celebrating his twin milestones, in an evening dubbed ‘Idol Ko si Bong.’PHOTOS BY JOHN ORVEN VERDOTE AND FROM BONG REVILLA’S OFFICIAL FACEBOOK PAGE

Deserving a grand ball, indeed, Sen. Bong turned 57 and commemorated his 50th anniversary in the entertainment industry at the mammoth ballroom of opulent Okada Manila on September 25.

With every available space filled across the lavish 1,649 expanse, the sight of these powerhouse guests, family and loyal friends — all dressed in the requested shades of black and white — only meant a single thing. That five years since climbing from the depths of hopelessness and despair, Bong Revilla Jr. is living his best life yet.

The man is undoubtedly at the peak of both his careers and is even considered an idol by peers on either side and the public majority. It makes perfect sense indeed why Sen. Bong — who still gets emotional whenever he recalls his “politically motivated” years of incarceration and eventual acquittal — always says, “What more can I ask for?” when prodded for a birthday wish these days.

With his beautiful and ever-loyal wife, Rep. Lani Mercado, always by his side and his children thriving in their chosen careers, the now youngest-looking grandfather is truly blessed on all fronts and twice around.

The senate’s answer to the evening’s leading men-filled gathering: Senators Joel Villanueva, Zubiri and Sonny Angara

Beauty Gonzales, the celebrant’s leading lady from the top-rated GMA sitcom, ‘Walang Matigas na Pulis sa Matinik na Misis,’ greeting ‘Tolome’ on stage.

Eternal beauties and revered movie queens Amy Austria, Lorna Tolentino, Laurice Gillian and Isabel Rivas

Bong got the Gutz! (Clockwise from left) Tonton, Ruffa and Richard Gutierrez, Annabelle Rama and patriarch Eddie Gutierrez

One of showbiz’s unforgettable faces, Mikee Cojuanco with husband and Pasig City Vice Mayor Dodot Jaworski, who happens to be Sen. Revilla’s first cousin.

Diamond Star Maricel Soriano and top TV executive Malou Choa Fagar

The ‘Kamao,’ ‘Bato’ and the ‘Idol’ — with boxing legend and former senator Manny Pacquiao and Senator Ronald ‘Bato’ dela Rosa.

Action men and best of friends: Sen. Jinggoy Estrada, the man of the moment and Philip Salvador and Sen. Robin Padilla.

Long-time co-actors Gina Alajar and FDCP Chairman Tirso Cruz 3rd, with the latter’s wife, Lynn.

Showbiz royalties all: The Revillas and the Muhlachs, Aga and Charlene

The power table with the celebrant and his wife, joined by (seated from left) Sen. Ramon Tulfo, Senate President Miguel Zubiri and (standing, extreme right) Sen. Grace Poe

Wanting nothing for himself but wishing for everything that would better the lives of Filipinos, Sen. Bong vowed that special night that he would continue to work tirelessly from his place in the Senate to make it happen.

Nevertheless, while the celebrant and his fellow senators — cabinet secretaries like DOTC's Jaime Bautista and local government leaders like his first cousin, Pasig Vice Mayor Dodot Jaworksi — couldn't help but talk shop amid all the revelry, there was neither doubt that on that one night at least, Sen. Bong belonged more to showbiz than any public office he has held.

Treated to a live and star-studded production that looked back on his rise to stardom, the celebrant proudly acknowledged from whence he came, his star shining brightly than every, always reminding him of his true home.