Edmund and I arrived at the Coconut Palace a few minutes before the 4 pm scheduled oath-taking of Senator Nancy Binay last friday, June 28. We were actually on time but the place was already full of supporters, friends, and relatives of the Binay clan. Lahat on time. The lobby, left and right wings, and the garden, including the small chapel at the back was full of people.
This was my third time to come here. The first was during the presidency of FVR, when he hosted a dinner a few weeks before the presidential election, with then presidential candidate Jose de Venecia. I remember candidly telling JDV that parang hindi sya gaanong nakaka-reach ng masa. Sino naman ang gustong makarinig ng ganyang napaka straight forward na comment, but honest. He looked at me with sadness in his eyes. Oh well, that’s past. The presidency was destined for Erap.
The Coconut Palace is a very nice project of First Lady Imelda Marcos if you would ask me. I don’t know if this still looks original because I know this was vandalised during President Cory’s term, restored during FVR’s term, renovated during Erap’s term. I don’t know if it was touched during GMA’s term. I’ve seen some major landscaping currently being done. Maybe Vice President Binay introduced some improvements in the Palace.
Vice President’s emblem
First person I recognized as soon as Edmund and I entered the left wing was former Secretary of Finance, Gary Teves. He introduced Edmund and I to his wife.
former Senator Miguel “Migs” Zubiri, re-elected Mayor, Junjun Binay
Edmund was the one holding my camera but Mayor Binay insisted that Edmund joins us. He called his assistant to take our picture instead.
Senator Nancy Binay was several months pregnant when she and Pepito attended our 25th wedding anniversary. Tila kambal yung naging anak.
Councilor Monsour del Rosario of Makati City– still looks gwapo and kutis artista pa rin just like his younger days as a popular actor.
