Thursday, December 25, 2008 Wining and dining with the President By Ana Felicia Dulay
THE balmy weather at the Seagull Mountain Resort last December 18 was made warm as the highest official in the land wined and dined with members of the press.
President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo flew in with three choppers from Sarangani where she attended the birthday party of boxing champ Manny Pacquiao the previous night.
Dressed in red, as befitting the mood of the holiday season, it was a relaxed President who went around the tables to shake the hands and greet each one a Merry Christmas.
As it was a first for most of the press to meet her in person, the air was filled with excitement and enjoyment.
Guests flocked towards the long stretches of buffet table filled with simple but delectable Pinoy dishes, including the President, who literally rubbed elbows with everyone.
The photo ops seemed endless but guests were given a chance to pose with her.
As in similar cases in the past, President Arroyo seemed to enjoy the provinces each time Manila gets noisy and antsy. Far from the politicking and bickering, she is almost always made welcome where ever she goes.
Three Sun.Star Davao staff got lucky during the raffle promo that day.
Sports editor Charles Maxey won a Philipps MP4 player; Gigie Agtay brought home an MP3 player; and business reporter Joy Romares-Sevilla got a Smartbro pre-paid kit.
There were also small tokens for the children and everyone went home elated.
